Navigating Mentorship: From Athletic Coaching to Teaching in Physical Education

Globally, alternative routes to K-12 teaching certification have been utilized to address teacher shortages. Athletic coaches are a specific population of people who may be attracted to these routes, as they can coach and have a full-time teaching job at the school. In university settings, athletic coaches of college teams may similarly have opportunities to teach general courses housed within kinesiology programs. Both scenarios place the coach in the unfamiliar role of teacher and may lead current educators, who took traditional routes to certification and teaching, to be less than welcoming. By utilizing mentorship roles, both parties may find the transition to be less stressful and can create a positive work environment. Mentorship may also lead to a push for quality pedagogical practices within physical education. This article provides recommendations for those taking pathways from coaching to teaching, as well as those in current teaching positions who can mentor new teachers to ensure the transition is positive and that students’ needs are met effectively.