American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

Issue: April 2012

Supervising PETE Candidates Using the Situational Supervision Model
Linda S. Levy & Lynn V. Johnson  

Abstract: Physical education teacher candidates (PETCs) often, as part of their curricular requirements, engage in early field experiences that prepare them for student teaching. Matching the PETC's developmental level with the mentor's supervision style enhances this experience. The situational supervision model, based on the situational leadership model, is one model of supervision that can be used in physical education teacher preparation programs. When using this model, the mentor varies the supervision style according to the PETC's level of skill and motivation to succeed. Each PETC's ability to progress through the model depends on the amount of instruction and motivation needed by the PETC and provided by the mentor teacher. The matching of the supervision style to the developmental level of the PETC individualizes the learning process and allows the PETC to grow as a teacher in a supportive and interactive atmosphere. This article introduces the situational supervision model and provides examples to illustrate its application to physical education teacher education.

Article category: Professional Preparation