Cracking a Window on Stinkin’ Thinkin’: Negative Perceptions of Physical Education as a Career

Abstract Despite the high level of education and training that is required for the profession, PE is often met with negative perceptions. The misconceptions and stereotypes about the profession can make it difficult for PE teachers to be taken seriously and can discourage students from pursuing a career in the field. It’s important for PE teachers to advocate for the profession and to work to change these perceptions by promoting the true value and importance of PE. The focus of this article is to examine these negative perceptions and look to identify some of the root causes that lead to their pervasiveness.