Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Student Organizations in Supporting Professional Development Activities in PETE Programs

Involvement in meaningful professional development through physical education teacher education (PETE) programming offers students the opportunity to engage in networking, collaboration, learning, and growth with other respected professionals in their field. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for promoting and increasing preservice teacher participation in professional development opportunities. The framework investigates creating a culture of involvement through scaffolded practicum expectations and required professional development points. A successful student organization model with a strong emphasis on professional development participation is outlined, detailing the requirements and responsibilities of preservice teachers as student officers. This framework focuses on both state organization and national organization attendance for preservice teachers and faculty. A funding model is also presented to make these opportunities as cost effective as possible, and importance is placed on faculty involvement in professional development and the value of inviting preservice teachers to assist and/or co-present when possible.