Teaching Physical Education in International Schools

This resource compiles experiences, perspectives, and strategies of physical education educators working in international schools around the globe. The stories display the unique challenges and exciting opportunities international school teachers must navigate while providing helpful landmarks for this journey, tailored to physical education contexts. Chapters describe a variety of scenarios this unique yet growing group of educators may encounter across teaching, curriculum, socialization, and more. The authors consider the distinctions of international schools such as location, population, educational philosophy, model, and culture that may go beyond traditional pedagogical guidance provided in traditional physical education teacher training. The editors, each with decades of experience in physical education and international schools between them, close each section with a synthesis with further resources, key takeaways, and anecdotes from their own experiences. Ideal for any international school educator working as or with physical education teachers, this book enables teachers to provide more meaningful physical education experiences for students around the world.

Aaron Beighle is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky and has worked with international schools for eight years. Dana Watts is the Director of Learning, Research, and Outreach at International School Services and has extensive experience with international schools for nearly 18 years. Heather Erwin is the current editor of the premier journal in the field of physical education and serves as the department chair in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky.

Introduction Section 1: Evolving as an Educator - Personal and Professional Growth 1. Personal and professional growth from Minnesota to Oman: Oh, what a ride 2. The art of flexibility: Evolving as a PE professional 3. Thriving through transition: Lessons from an international PE teacher 4. Beyond the circus act: How juggling is shaping my career in international education 5. 6. Echoes of identity: A global journey of growth Section 2: Teaching in Context - Culture, Identity, and Place 7. A journey of learning, exploring, and teaching around the world 8. My learning journey: "Stop harassing the camels" 9. Stronger together: Finding your tribes abroad 10. Shaping an international teaching identity through concept-based learning 11. From banking to baccalaureate: Coaching, curiosity, and IB 12. A dance with diversity: Growing through cross-cultural teaching Section 3: Every Voice Matters - Fostering Inclusion and Empowerment 13. Building communities in international schools: A physical educator's journey 14. Building authentic professional capacity in the field and beyond 15. Sawubona (I see you)-Valuing culture, seeing students as individuals 16. Dancing without borders: Celebrating diversity in PE 17. Beyond the game: Equitable practices in physical education 18. A journey of teaching and learning through connection Section 4: Pedagogical Possibilities - Models and Meaningful Practice 19. Conquer fear and empower student agency 20. Agency in primary school physical education around the world 21. Embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in physical education: Inclusive movement 22. Creating intentionally positive learning experiences through sport and life 23. From play to pedagogy - Teaching in a gamified world