| The purpose of this study was to inquire into the professional and personal lives of four physical education specialist teachers and to uncover the reasons why they engage in their practice as they do. The study documents the experiences of each teacher and provides insights from both these participants and the researcher. Questions inquiring about the reasons why current physical education teachers engage in their practice(s) as they do, and how factors, during their careers as physical educators, influence their teaching were asked and investigated.; The research used case study as its method of data collection and analysis. To be precise, the current research employed a multi-case design. A combination of the descriptive and heuristic case study was used to share the findings. Semi-structured, individual interviews were completed with the four physical education teachers.; The interview data were organized into four categories and further subdivided into specific themes within each category. The categories were designated as (a) Relating to/with students, (b) Experiences gained through teaching, (c) Self-awareness, and (d) Passion about the field of physical education.; The major findings were divided into two distinct areas. Those that were grounded in previous research literature and those findings that were new and not grounded in previous research literature. The major findings that were grounded in previous research literature were: (1) Evolution and maturity, (2) Caring for students, (3) Options and variety for students, (4) Professional development and self-improvement, (5) Varied teaching styles, and (6) Reflection. The major findings that were not grounded in previous research literature were: (1) Meaning of physical education, (2) Confidence, (3) Belief and joy in teaching physical education, and (4) Personal fulfillment and commitment to the job.; The study has made six recommendations for action including various aspects that can be addressed in a pre-service teachers undergraduate program. Four suggestions for further research are also proposed including additional studies to assess the degree of influence that experience has on the teaching practice of physical educators. |
