Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Sports and K-12 Education: Insights for Teachers, Coaches, and School Leaders

Much of the landscape of K-12 education is infused with sports. In the United States and the United Kingdom, nearly half of school-aged children play some form of organized sport. The impact of athletics on schools is enormous when informal athletic activity and the ubiquity of sports merchandise are also taken into account. What does this mean for educators? What challenges and opportunities do sports and athletic participation present to educators serving in K-12 schools? As an introductory text, Sports and K-12 Education addresses these questions through an accessible and engaging collection of chapters divided into three overarching themes: sports and classroom success; sports and identity; and sports, media, and schools. The book's diverse set of authors-scholars, teachers, administrators, former athletes, athletic directors-offer a multifaceted exploration on a range of topics, including parallels between coaching and teaching, the complexities of student-athlete identity, role conflict among teacher coaches, strategies for supporting athletes from marginalized populations, media representations of female athletes, sports values and teaching, and more. Review Grappling with current issues, this groundbreaking book represents a major contribution to the fields of physical education and sports worldwide. Many interesting case studies - engaging and real - provide hope and possibility that will build the capacity of K-12 teachers, coaches, and school leaders to create environments in which diverse groups can thrive and reach their full potential. This book will also stimulate and guide professors, students, and other professionals associated with careers in physical education teaching, coaching, and recreation.--Nick Cutforth, professor, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver Speaking as a former collegiate athlete and educator, this book helpfully unpacks many sides of sports in education, providing necessary insights on challenges found in sports and education alike. The authors explore how sports can promote a growth mindset, teach teamwork and cooperation, and bridge cultural and racial gaps. The book provides the experiential data needed to understand multiple issues and navigate them successfully as an educator, coach, or school leader.--Carly Pederson, K-12 educator and former NCAA athlete Sports and K-12 Education: Insights for Teachers, Coaches, and School Leaders provides readers with captivating insight into the numerous parallels between athletics and academics. It is masterful collection that belongs in the personal libraries of all educators. This comprehensive examination of the convergence between sports and K-12 education is certain to be an iconic piece of work for years to come.--Lance Dalleck, associate professor, Exercise and Sport Science, Western State Colorado University About the Author Ian Parker Renga is Assistant Professor of Education in the Education Department at Western State Colorado University. His research examines the intersection of practice, identity, and culture in teaching and teacher education. Christopher Benedetti is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Learning, and Curriculum at Plymouth State University. His research interests include leader and group psychology, organizational systems, and leader preparation and development.