Expectations and Satisfaction of the Most Promising Student Teachers in Physical Education

This chapter summarizes and discusses the research findings from a study investigating how a prestigious and exclusive physical education teacher education (PETE) program can prepare outstanding physical education students for their role as educational and social leaders. Twenty-nine pre-service student teachers responded to a questionnaire and were interviewed by phone. The participants were asked about their reasons for choosing teacher education studies, the overall contribution of the program to the learners and their teaching skills, and aspects of the program that needed improvement. The findings showed participants appreciated the unique and enriched curriculum, the small, high-quality learning group, and the personal support of the staff. They also felt competent with their teaching abilities. However, the program did not meet their expectations about achieving effective learning of sports education or growing as athletes. These results emphasize the importance of policymakers taking into account the perspectives of students when designing and running specialized programs intended to attract the best and brightest into teaching.