National Board Certified Physical Educators

In this study, we examined National Board certified physical education teachers' (NBCPETs) perceptions of change as a result of certification. Randomly selected NBCPETs (65; women = 53, men = 12) were interviewed. Analysis was done through the lens of Lawson's (1989) Model of the Interactive Factors Influencing Workplace Conditions for the Physical Education Teacher. Several themes connected to teachers' views of themselves as NBCPETs surfaced. In particular, more teaching reflection and a greater focus on student learning and assessment, including an increased emphasis on individualizing teaching were described. An elevation in their perceived status and credibility and expanded opportunities within the educational community also emerged. Alternatively, several NBCPETs explained that the certification process had little or no effect on their teaching.

Key words:

• advanced certification
• teachers
• workplace conditions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amelia Mays Woods

Please address correspondence concerning this article to Amelia Mays Woods, University of llinois, Urbana-Champaign, 906 South Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801