Helen M. Heitmann Research Grant

The purpose of the Helen M. Heitmann Research Grant is to help determine the direction needed to reverse the trends of doctoral programs decline and the shortage of qualified higher education faculty members in Physical Education Teacher Education and related fields.  Funding of $10,000 for one study has been awarded through January 31, 2010. The one-time grant will was awarded in May of 2009. The research topic is for a study on the lack of higher education faculty and researchers. Over the past few years, there has been a critical shortage in candidates for positions in physical education teacher preparation programs and related disciplines. Some of the desired outcomes resulting from this grant will be to:

• Determine the current number of doctoral programs and specialty preparation areas in Kinesiology/PETE disciplines
• Examine the supply of new graduates and demand for faculty members in Kinesiology disciplines
• Determine reasons for recent reductions in the number of programs and strategies that will attract more professionals to Higher Education positions
• Advocate the importance of faculty work in professional preparation programs
• Mentor junior faculty members; and suggest means of reversing the trend in declining programs and increasing the number of doctoral graduates to fill positions around the country

Helen M. Heitmann Research Grant Recipients 

2010 Helen M. Heitmann Grant Final Report [pdf]

2010 AAHPERD National Convention Helen M. Heitmann Grant Presentation [ppt]