SCHOOL DISTRICTS’ HIRING PRACTICES FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATORS

Authors

  • Suzanna Rocco Dillon
  • Nate McCaughtry
  • Sue Hummel

Abstract

Although physical educators are hired by school districts every year, little is known about the hiring process or the criteria used specifically when hiring physical education teachers. As such, this study analyzed criteria used for hiring new physical educators. Human resources personnel (n = 29), principals (n = 34), and physical educators (n = 14) completed a survey regarding their perceptions of criteria used when hiring elementary and secondary physical educators. The survey contained demographic questions and 43 questions examining eight broader categories of hiring criteria. Data were analyzed to determine how hiring criteria varied individually and by category, across hiring conditions (i.e., elementary and secondary level positions), and across the groups of hiring personnel (i.e., physical educators, principals, and human resources personnel). Results suggest that physical educators are evaluated on interpersonal skills more so than on teaching capabilities, extracurricular experiences, and technology skills. Findings also suggest that “hiring committees” usually lack physical education teachers’ membership and are often comprised of one person rather than a group of individuals making hiring decisions.?

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Published

2010-10-26

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Section

Articles