| The month we are delighted to feature an editorial by NASPE Executive Director, Charlene Burgeson. Charlene challenges us all to think about what is involved in being a "physical education professional." You are also reminded that this is the month of the AAHPERD National Convention in Salt Lake City. If you haven't ever attended a national convention, at some time in your career, do make plans to attend. Getting together with several thousand of your colleagues from around the country is a wonderfully motivating experience. And if you are already planning to attend the convention, please stop by the pelinks4u booth (#1516) and introduce yourself. We'd love to meet you!
Steve Jefferies, Publisher pelinks4u
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALISM
 Are you professionally involved? What does it mean to be professionally involved? To some extent, it depends on where one is in his/her career and personal obligations. However, there are some basic levels of professional involvement that are necessary to be fully knowledgeable about the latest research, standards, practices, and innovations in the profession. It could be argued that without this basic level of professional involvement, one is not fulfilling their professional responsibility of providing their students with the best possible physical education.
I would define a basic level of professional involvement as membership in one’s local (if there is one), state (state AHPERD), and national professional association (NASPE/AAHPERD). Why all three? Isn’t one enough? My answer to that is a resounding “no!” Why? Because each association has a distinctly different purpose, and thus provides different benefits to its members.
Additionally, your membership is needed in each association for vital advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Support (e.g., policies, mandates, laws, funding) are needed from school boards and state boards of education and state legislatures and governors and the US Congress. For quality physical education to exist across the country, there must be strong support at all levels.
Earlier I said that what it means to be professionally involved is partially dependent on where one is in his/her career and personal obligations. This refers to one’s depth of professional involvement. Membership in professional associations is an act of professional involvement that does not require any personal time other than reading newsletters and journals. Membership is a commitment that everyone - from undergraduate student to veteran teacher - should make to ensure professional knowledge and growth.
Beyond membership, there are opportunities to further serve the profession through volunteer and leadership opportunities. These include mentoring other teachers, or serving on a school district committee (e.g., curriculum revision, local school wellness policies), or association committee (e.g., secondary physical education, legislative/advocacy). Not everyone is at the right time in their career/life to engage in leadership activities (e.g., new professional, parent of young children), but hopefully each person can find a time, place, and activity that is the “right thing at the right time” for them to step up to the plate in a leadership capacity.
The rewards are great. Not only are you giving to the profession, but you are getting incredible experiences in leading, innovating, and learning from your colleagues who have also stepped up to the plate.
With the annual AAHPERD National Convention just around the corner - April 25-29 in Salt Lake City - now is the perfect time to reflect on your level of professional involvement. Come to the convention, and I can promise you that you will not need to think any longer and harder on whether you should be a member of your professional association, or whether volunteering your time and expertise is a worthwhile endeavor. The convention is jam-packed with others who are as enthusiastic and committed as you. It is a celebration of what we do for our students, colleagues, and communities. It is uplifting, invigorating, inspiring – and we all need some of that on a regular basis!
Charlene R. Burgeson,
NASPE Executive Director |
