ERIC Number: EJ1467713
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2574-2981
EISSN: EISSN-2574-299X
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Physical, Social, and Professional Isolation of Physical Education Teachers
Curriculum Studies in Health and Physical Education, v16 n1 p1-21 2025
Purpose: To investigate the physical, social, and professional isolation of physical education (PE) teachers identifying causes and solutions. Methods: The participants were 65 PE teachers who had attended a provincial professional association physical and health educator conference. This mixed-methods study collected data through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Survey data were analyzed for thematic trends, supporting the triangulation of data through interviews and a focus group. Multiple researchers analyzed the data using analytic induction and constant comparison techniques. Results: Isolation negatively influenced participants to varying degrees. Three themes were evident in the data: isolation (physical, social, and professional), marginalization (perceived mattering and administrative support), and a lack of PE-focused professional development. Discussion: The interplay or self-perpetuating cycle between the isolation of PE teachers, marginalization, a lack of perceived mattering, and career stagnation resulting from a deficit of PE-specific professional development should be addressed by administrators at all levels of education.
Descriptors: Physical Education, Physical Education Teachers, Social Isolation, Professional Isolation, Health Education, Conferences (Gatherings), Disadvantaged, Teacher Attitudes, Faculty Development, Teacher Surveys, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, Canada; 2Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Canada