up next Megan Adkins-Bollwitt
Megan Adkins-Bollwitt
physical education training
Energizing Future Physical Education Teachers with Meaningful Experiences
May 2019
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for middle and high school educators with a college degree is expected to grow steadily through 2026. Physical education teachers, in particular, are an essential influencer in young students’ lives, especially when many children and adolescents aren’t meeting CDC-recommended levels of physical activity.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is addressing the national demand for quality physical education with well-rounded training for tomorrow’s PE teachers.
Megan Adkins-Bollwitt is an associate professor in UNK’s Kinesiology and Sports Sciences Department, preparing students for successful careers as PK-12 (pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) PE instructors. UNK’s approach includes different teaching methods and plenty of opportunities to work with students directly.
UNK students train for their careers by first observing, then working directly with children in a variety of age groups — setting them up for success when they enter the workforce as educators. On average, a UNK student will spend more than 100 hours with PK-12 students before they even begin student-teaching.
“It’s a good way for our students to understand how to deliver a lesson and at the same time begin to learn that classroom management piece.” Adkins-Bollwitt said.
UNK leverages partnerships with Kearney Public Schools and Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day to bring future teachers and PK-12 students together. During their last semester on campus, they teach physical education classes twice a week at Zion Lutheran School in Kearney.
To prepare UNK students for lesson planning, they participate in a unique program for home-schooled students. Roughly 100 area home-schooled students visit campus each Friday during the fall and spring semesters for classes instructed by the future PE teachers of UNK. It’s a chance to create lesson plans, design activities, and instruct children of a variety of ages.
“When you sit down for an interview, they love that you go to UNK.”
“If students have a good experience in physical education, we’re hoping that translates to a lifetime of fitness,” Adkins-Bollwitt said. The ample pre-professional teaching opportunities aren’t only helping keeping Nebraska’s youngest students healthier. It’s strengthening the job prospects for UNK students when they graduate.
“I think UNK has the best PE program out there,” said UNK senior Brendan Blackburn. “When you sit down for an interview, they love that you go to UNK because of the experience you have.”
Editors Note: Adkins-Bollwitt is now a professor in UNK's Kinesiology and Sports Sciences Department.
Discover our Podcast Series
“Leading Nebraska” tells the stories of researchers, students and staff who are making a real impact. Join us in March as we follow Nick Stergiou, director of UNO's Biomechanics Research Building. He discusses how the center’s projects have led to groundbreaking innovations, improved quality of life and millions of dollars in funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your Nebraska State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is—and how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
- Ask if your senator will support funding the University. Thank them if they already do.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Email Senator
Sending a written message to your state senator is generally more effective than making a call. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic— "Investing in the University of Nebraska" or "University of Nebraska State Funding."
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about the University's portion of the state appropriation.
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of Nebraska. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support funding the University.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of Nebraska—and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.