According to the Center for Disease Control, physical inactivity has contributed to an unprecedented epidemic of childhood obesity in the United States.  This obesity not only has health risks associated with it, but also leads to low self-esteem.

          Physical Education is one of the best ways to stop obesity in its tracks.  Physical Education can not cure obesity, but it will prevent future children from being physically inactive.  Physical Education is no longer a “roll out the ball” class, or a class that prepares students to be athletes.  It is now a class that prepared students for being healthy and active for the rest of their lives. 

          I strongly believe success influences value and instills confidence.  Every single student in my physical education class will find some kind of success.  My goal is to expose students to a multitude of activities.  I believe it is important to teach traditional sports, but also strongly believe physical education should emphasize activities students can carry on for the rest of their lives.  Exposure to activities such as individual sports, wellness, and lifetime activities will be a focus of my physical education classes. 

          I also believe fitness needs to be a major component of physical education.  Fitness is a vital aspect of getting students active and providing them with a physical best education.  Unfortunately, many students associate fitness with being boring or painful.  It is my goal to show how fitness can be fun and enjoyable, and the different ways students can achieve fitness.    

          There is more to physical education than just being active.  Physical education also brings social interaction and emotional well-being.  I feel if students experience success in the affective domain, they will in return be more active.  I believe all students should be comfortable in the physical education setting.  Self-esteem can be greatly raised by being healthy and having a strong emotional well-being, both of which can be achieved through physical activity.  The students will also be taught the knowledge of living a healthy and active lifestyle.  They will understand the components of fitness, and also how to play various activities outside of the classroom.  Physical education encompasses the body, mind, and the spirit of an individual.

           As a teacher of physical education, I will plan and prepare lessons that lead to the development of healthy, active lifestyles.  I will find ways to help each student experience success in activity.  I will also be a positive role model for the students by leading a healthy, active lifestyle myself and showing enthusiasm for physical education.   

          Physical education is part of the total education process.  I believe it is as important, if not more important today, than the core areas of education.  Physical education, when taught properly, will ultimately create healthy, active lifestyles and improve the quality of life.