Physical Education Interview Questions & Answers
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Prepare comprehensively for your Physical Education interview with our extensive list of 40 questions. Our questions cover a wide range of topics in Physical Education to ensure you're well-prepared. Whether you're new to the field or have years of experience, these questions are designed to help you succeed. Get the free PDF download to access all 40 questions and excel in your Physical Education interview. This comprehensive guide is essential for effective study and confidence building.

40 Physical Education Questions and Answers:

Physical Education Job Interview Questions Table of Contents:

Physical Education Job Interview Questions and Answers
Physical Education Job Interview Questions and Answers

1 :: Tell us what is your greatest strength as Physical education teacher position?

This could be a very simple question if you are prepared for it. You just have to talk about the strengths that you know would be of value to the company.

2 :: Explain me what kind of "new PE" do you plan on bringing to our District?

I would like to introduce a new type of physical education that increases the amount of technology available to students in order to improve their overall learning experience. Technology is a great way for me to save time as a teacher to further student activity time or create the ability to provide feedback to students on their performance.

3 :: Explain me what are the top 3 goals of your physical education program?

☛ 1) Students take the skills and abilities learned in physical education class and apply it outside of school and throughout their lives

☛ 2) Students are moderate to physically active at least 50% of the class period

☛ 3) I want to create a positive and encouraging learning environment in which collaboration is emphasized rather than competition and students are able to see and experience success through valid and reliable assessment.

4 :: As you know we are interviewing a number of other candidates for this position. Why should we hire you? As opposed to someone else?

To me this is a dream job. Growing up locally in Wyomissing I've always wanted to live in the area as an adult and this opportunity would be perfect. I've had the fortune of working with Governor Mifflin students at the Intermediate School and High School and I've come to really enjoy both the staff and students in your District. I've worked hard to become the best possible physical education teacher candidate that I can be and will continue to grow and develop as a professional. Just beginning my career, I believe I can be an asset to your school district for a long period of time. I've been fortunate to learn from great professors and teachers and I hope I can be afforded the opportunity to help the next generation to grow, develop and be physically active over their lifetime.

5 :: Explain me what do you need to work on the most as a PE teacher?

One aspect that I would like to improve on would be my ability to make a class more individualized for students. My goal is for all of my students to take what they have learned in PE class and apply it in their own lives outside of school. I always want to reach as many students as possible individually so that students leave the Elementary School with a foundation of skills and abilities that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

6 :: Tell us how do you handle discipline problems? What are your classroom management strategies? What do you do to minimize discipline problems?

When it comes to discipline of the students, I prefer to get to know the students and form a relationship with all of my students. By developing a relationship and establishing a rapport with the student(s), I can talk to the student about an issue in the event that there is a disciplinary issue. I prefer to reward students for good behavior rather than only punishing those who misbehave. I like to try to get to the bottom of what may be causing the issue rather than just giving the student a punishment. For example, if a student begins arguing with another student during class, I can begin the activity for the rest of the class and call each of the students over individually and talk to them. I would ask them if they are doing ok or if they are having a bad day, and if so I would address the issue that is bothering them or have the school counselor come in if the issue is serious enough. I would emphasize and encourage them to make good decisions about their behavior and being positive with one another. I would make sure that they are aware that I believe that they are not a "bad kid" and I believe in them and think they can make good decisions. By focusing on cooperation in class rather than competition, this can help strengthen the bonds of classmates and result in students being able to bettter work together in the future.

7 :: Tell us do you prefer teaching at the elementary or secondary level in Physical Education?

I enjoy teaching at both levels. Each level has their own benefits that I very mich enjoy. I think particularly at the Elementary level, I have the benefit of working with a group of very enthusiastic students. It is important to keep students active and engaged in activities in order to optimally benefit the students in the class.

8 :: As you know our school is focusing on integration throughout the curriculum. How do you see physical education fitting into this?

It is important for me as a physical education teacher to be in contact with classroom teachers to get an idea of what students are learning in their classes in order to integrate that into my curriculum.

For example, while at the Intermediate School during student teaching I was able to create a fitness lesson plan that integrated knowledge students had of the geographic locations of states around the United States. Similar to the TV Show "The Amazing Race" students would travel from state to state performing exercises at each state (states were set up as they would be on a map throughout the gymnasium)

9 :: Tell me as Physical education teacher position, what is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you tackle it?

The reason why you are asked this question is to hear what you consider difficult and how you approached the situation. Select a difficult work situation, which wasn’t caused by you and can be explained in a few sentences. You can then show yourself in a positive light by explaining how you handled the situation.

10 :: Tell us how do you feel about the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in your classes? Are you open to this and do you have experience with this?

I am open to the idea of including individuals with disabilities into my classes but I think they would have a greater benefit from having an adapted physical education course. I say this because in an adapted physical education course, this student would have more individual attention and would have activities that are better suited and designed for the student's disability. Depending on the student's disability, a student may benefit from being in a traditional physical education class but it would depend on what would be best for the student according to their IEP.

11 :: Can you please provide some examples of how you might collaborate with other teachers in the school?

PE should never be taught in isolation! I like to talk to classroom teachers to find out what their students are interested in, which students especially need a chance to take on leadership roles or get energy out, and what they are studying in class. I can teach sports and games from different periods in history to go along with a social studies curriculum, and I can incorporate counting, measurement and other math concepts into my instruction. I start by listening to what other teachers hope to get out of our collaborative relationship, and I move on from there.

12 :: As you know there is a big push in our school district to significantly raise our physical fitness test scores. How would you go about doing this?

I would include more activities that emphasize physical fitness, including fitness stations to start each class period. By establishing this routine students will immediately be active upon entering the gym while also working to improve their fitness levels at the same time.

13 :: Tell us what professional organizations do you belong to? What professional physical education journals do you read? What is the last professional conference you attended?

I belong to the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD), SHAPE America, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

14 :: Explain me as Physical education teacher position, how would your co-workers describe you?

Questions such as this one are asked with the aim of getting you to discuss some of your qualities, perhaps hidden that you wouldn’t have mentioned if you weren’t asked.

“Well, my colleagues will tell you they can count on me. They will tell you that I am a team player and someone they enjoy working with.”

15 :: Tell me do you see any advantages to having internet access as a PE teacher? Give specific examples of how you would use the Internet for your own professional development and with your students.?

Internet can be a great asset as a physical education teacher because I will be able to bring up video clips, and internet materials to show to students on how to perform an activity while helping to peak student interest.

16 :: As you know our parents are very active and involved in the education of their children. How will you work towards quality communication and dialogue with parents?

I think that one way I can reach parents is to encourage an open line of communication as well as send out a publication to introduce myself as well as show parents what their students are learning in physical education class.

While at the Intermediate School I created a pamphlet for parents in the School District as part of an assignment for my Penn State Student Teaching experience. I created a pamphlet that introduced myself, introduce what units the students are performing at the school, explain the importance of physical education and provide opportunities in the community for adults and children to be active in the community.

17 :: Explain me what would you say are the three major goals of a physical education program?

Of course I think every PE program has multiple goals, but the major ones should be teaching about health and fitness, teaching about collaboration and cooperation, and getting kids moving as much as possible. I want kids to come away from my classes with a good understanding of why it matters to take care of their bodies as well as their minds. I want them to understand why working together can be just as important as competing. Finally, I want kids to spend as much of my class as possible moving and exercising.

18 :: Tell us when delegating a recent duty, please describe how you showed your confidence in the person's ability to do the job?

Discuss your method of assigning responsibility to the best candidates. How you communicate with employees to make them understand what is expected of them and how you make sure that the employees have the resources needed to carry out specific tasks. You should also chip in your follow-up procedures.

19 :: Tell me are there any other things you would like to share with us that will help us to understand you and your teaching philosophy better?

I have a passion for teaching and working with children. Teaching students is incredibly rewarding and something I greatly look forward to providing to my future students. Physical activity in today's society is needed now more than ever and encouraging young students to be active and establishing the foundation for a healthy and active life is a challenge that I look foward to meeting.

20 :: As you know many of our teachers and parents don't think learning occurs in PE. Convince us that this happens and how you can demonstrate that learning will occur in your PE Class?

Physical education is not the same as recess. Students have skills and abilities that they learn and are assessed on in physical education. As a teacher, I design lesson plan based on State and National Standards aimed at demonstrating the learning taking place in lessons. Aspects of a unit in physical education such as a pre and post test help to exhibit the skills that students learn. Just like any classroom subject (such as math for example) students may enter the addition unit of a math class not knowing how to add numbers together. After learning how to add numbers, students take a post test in which students can show their level of understanding. The same is true for physical education. Students may come into a basketball unit with little to no understanding on how to dribble a basketball. By the end of the unit, students are assessed on their dribbling ability and are able to show their level of understanding through their performance of the skill.

21 :: Tell us what would you do to convince those in decision making positions that PE in our school is important and children are learning valuable things in PE?

Improved physical fitness, motor skill development, regular physical activity, improved academic performance, self discipline, stress reduction, strengthened peer relationships, improved self confidence and self esteem, ability to set goals

22 :: Tell us why did you decide you were interested in becoming a PE teacher?

Being a PE teacher helps me work on both of my major passions at once: health and education. I have always loved to exercise, and I've always been really interested in fitness. At the same time, I love spending time with children and helping them learn new things. As a PE teacher, I get to help inspire kids to take care of their bodies, enjoy movement, and learn sports and games. I get to spend my days moving and helping others at the same time.

23 :: Tell me what tasks do you find most difficult as a teacher?

One of the most difficult aspects of teaching is creating lesson plans that are capable of allowing all students to develop their skills and abilities and be successful despite the variety of ability levels that I will find in my future classes.

24 :: Explain me in addition to the PE position, we will have a ________ coaching position open. Would you be interested in this?

I have experience coaching a swim team as well as the girls lacrosse team here at Mifflin and would be opening to other coaching opportunities should they present themselves.

I was the assistant coach at Bellefonte High School for their swim team, which went on to become District 6 champions for the men's team.

I've also been fortunate enough to work with Mrs. Allen here at the High School with the girls lacrosse team and primarily worked with the JV team to improve their skills and abilities to compete for a position on the varsity team. We've been fortunate to have one of the greatest seasons in the history of the lacrosse program (or so I've been told!) and I've really enjoyed working with the girls on the team.

25 :: Tell me me some examples of ways you feel that collaborative efforts between you and the classroom teachers could be achieved?

While at the Intermediate School during student teaching I was able to create a fitness lesson plan that integrated knowledge students had of the geographic locations of states around the United States. Similar to the TV Show "The Amazing Race" students would travel from state to state performing exercises at each state (states were set up as they would be on a map throughout the gymnasium)
Physical Education Interview Questions and Answers
40 Physical Education Interview Questions and Answers