Attitudes of Elementary Classroom Teachers Toward Physical Educators and Physical Education

Elementary classroom teachers, who were members of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, were surveyed regarding their opinions and beliefs toward elementary physical education specialists and elementary physical education programs. A total of 122 surveys were used in the results from a mailing of 500. Classroom teachers ranked professional positions in the elementary setting from most important (1) to least important (11). Classroom teachers then responded to questions about the physical education specialist and the physical education program on their campuses. Survey results indicated widespread support for students to receive daily physical activity, with an emphasis on health and wellness in addition to sport oriented activities. Classroom teachers believed that physical education should not be TAAS tested, but should be part of the core curriculum. Keeping the classroom teacher informed about the physical education programs and activities on their campus was strongly suggested, along with the recommendation that this communication would serve to support the classroom teacher in the quest of educating the student. Classroom teachers indicated that physical education specialists were an important part of teaching the whole child. The results of the survey also indicated that classroom teachers believed that the physical education specialist and their program was an essential part of the total educational system and had a bright future in the elementary setting.