PD in PE: We are the World

The brutal trend...
Too many school districts and governments are cutting funding for a preventative solution to the crazy physical inactivity rates (and, high depression rates, etc.) in the western world - quality physical education and adequate professional development associated with it. It’s frustrating - and, it makes those of us (those who are so passionate about children’s wellness) left to cringe.

The resulting reality...
I have taught graduate students in physical education who have literally gone 15 years in their profession with no more than one day a year of PE professional development opportunities. For many of them, that one day could be as far away as a nine hour drive. Hence, some didn’t have any PD for several years in a row. Consultants at the district level are often a thing of the past despite the overwhelming support/rationale for their positions existing.

My beef with a lot of current PD...
I see the incredible benefit from bringing in big names to inspire physical educators to make a huge impact. However, sometimes I learn of folks getting paid thousands (yes, thousands) of dollars to come and speak to teachers about one topic for a day or so. Often, what could be a much better use of funds is a systematic approach to professional development that truly put physical educators in an environment where they are not as familiar. This could be assessment, this could be differentiated instruction. I just feel that when there is a big PD opportunity, the funds aren’t spent the most effective way. Ongoing support of teachers should be provided by someone who can really relate to what physical educators experience on a daily basis.

Drum Roll Please...
Andy Vasily (Twitter Handle = @andyvasily) had this incredible idea to create a global physical education professional development community. Andy has put out a proposal to bring together physical educators from all over the world to join in on a professional development opportunity that:

1. Is free
2. Teachers can participate in knowing they will have flexibility in terms of time
3. All participants need is a computer
4. Allows teachers to choose a topic that we are intrinsically motivated to explore
5. Will include a diverse group of individuals with curriculum writing, higher education, and varying years of teaching physical education

Many of us have “met” through Twitter. We are all kind of nerdy (at least, that’s what my partner Jim says) - in a great way. The cool part of this is that we will meet with even more folks as passionate as ourselves. Even cooler is that teachers from all over the world will participate.

How can you join?
The time is NOW, people. No time like the present. Andy is arranging groups as I type. Alas, visit this link to join now. He wants to have groups completed by Wednesday - so please, act now.

Why should you join?
The trends in cutting funds in education aren’t changing soon. I hate to break it to you. But, that doesn’t mean those of us with oozing optimism are going to sit back and throw our hands up. Taking steps to improve our practice can only further support the need for quality instruction in our schools. If our programs are all absolutely outstanding - we can change this trend. I know it. Let’s do this. Why wait to be disappointed by those allocating funds (not they have a fun job, mind you)? We want to foster 21st century learning...alas, what could represent this better than global collaboration through critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and learning/growing from peers?

My personal plea...
Please consider choosing a topic that you are --- most ignorant of --- most afraid of --- most intimated by. For example, if you have an incredible grasp of technology in PE, I encourage you to choose a topic such as assessment or differentiated instruction, etc. Then, our students will really benefit!