Re: Primary P.E. Specialist

MC1977 · Post by **MC1977** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 7:35 am

Hi everyone, can anyone let me know what they think of accepting a role as a primary P.E. specialist teacher? I am a little concerned that if I accept such a role as my first teaching post overseas it may well make life difficult if I want to find a position as a normal class teacher in the future.

Has anyone had direct experience of this? Part of me thinks it is a dream job but another part of me feels like I should see how international schools are run before taking the plunge on a specialist role.

Thanks in advance.

wrldtrvlr123 · Post by **wrldtrvlr123** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 7:53 am

[quote="MC1977"]Hi everyone, can anyone let me know what they think of accepting a role as a primary P.E. specialist teacher? I am a little concerned that if I accept such a role as my first teaching post overseas it may well make life difficult if I want to find a position as a normal class teacher in the future.

Has anyone had direct experience of this? Part of me thinks it is a dream job but another part of me feels like I should see how international schools are run before taking the plunge on a specialist role.

Thanks in advance.[/quote]

I presume that you are not a qualified/experienced PE teacher? I have heard of people taking positions out of their field and then having the opportunity to make a lateral move within the same school.

One concern would be why exactly the school would be offering this position to you (presuming you are not a PE teacher by trade). PE is not generally considered a high need area and I would expect a reasonably good school would attract a number of fully qualified/experienced PE specialists.

If the school checks out, I'd give the opportunity due consideration.

MC1977 · Post by **MC1977** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 7:59 am

Ah, well this raises a more important question: do schools advertising for primary P.E. specialist teachers actually want secondary P.E. specialists? I am a primary school teacher with P.E. as my subject specialism and am currently the P.E. co-ordinator. However, very few primary schools in the UK employ a teacher to only teach P.E.

Thanks

liketotravel · Post by **liketotravel** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 8:39 am

My first international gig was a PE specialist for two years. My second school I went back into the classroom. My third I went back to PE. My fourth went back to classroom. My fifth back to PE and I hope to stay :).

My experience has been my actual credential has nothing do with the position I receive. It's been based on my experience (I coach multiple sports which helps), my skills, and personality.

MC1977 · Post by **MC1977** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:32 am

That is very good to hear!

Thanks

wrldtrvlr123 · Post by **wrldtrvlr123** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:33 am

[quote="MC1977"]Ah, well this raises a more important question: do schools advertising for primary P.E. specialist teachers actually want secondary P.E. specialists? I am a primary school teacher with P.E. as my subject specialism and am currently the P.E. co-ordinator. However, very few primary schools in the UK employ a teacher to only teach P.E.

Thanks[/quote]

Obviously that depends on the school and the size of their PE program. The schools I'm familiar with usually sought and hired PE specialists. Then again, these were not British programs. The American and international schools I've had first hand knowledge of, hired PE specialist teachers with experience teaching children at the relevant grade level.

liketotravel · Post by **liketotravel** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 9:49 am

In five international school schools I've taught at the actual credential has been irrelevant. They all have been American schools. Two have been tier 2 and two tier 3, with my current school many would consider an Asian tier one school. I will admit I have no business teaching primary PE due to a lack of training, but I survived two years of it (but wouldn't do it again). I feel very comfortable with MS and HS PE due to my experience and coaching background. I just got promoted to head of my department and AD so I'm very happy how it has panned out for me. When I move on I have no reservations about applying for positions I have no credential for.

PsyGuy · Post by **PsyGuy** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:15 am

It sounds like they want your experience, and that your qualified for the position. Your concerns may be valid, you run the risk of being type casted once you take a specific job. What experience you are getting during a position, is inexperience your NOT getting in everything else. In two years if you want to switch to another subject, I would see you as less competitive for a different subject area.

It's usually a different story and basically easier if your moving around within a school. In that case they care more about who is the best fit for a position more then anything.

If its your dream job or location, what difference does it make???

MC1977 · Post by **MC1977** » Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:40 am

Thank you for your thoughts.