We are regularly approached by individuals in our network who are keen to work closer with the team at PE Scholar. We want to enable this and also increase the diversity of voices that we are able to elevate to reach and influence the physical education profession.
We feel it is important to formalise the process, much in the same way that many of us have had a secondment onto SLT for a set period to work on a specific focus area. This will be an unpaid position but one that we hope will be of mutual benefit and may lead to some funded opportunities in the future.
What we expect from you:
- Role model and strive for great PE for all to include being a great practitioner and advocate for our subjectÂ
- Contribute at least three insight blog posts that challenge and support the profession to be better in terms of research informed practice
- Contribute at least three resources for our members library that will help reduce teacher workload and improve the quality of PE provision (note: these must be your own work and/ or permission granted for any ideas used from their original author)
What we will give you in return:
- Opportunity to showcase your work to our international network to include featuring on our social media feeds and our newsletter that goes to over 10,000 active subscribers every week
- Opportunity to connect with our extended PE Scholar family for support, collaboration and meet upsÂ
- Opportunity to have your ideas enhanced through discussion and review with a member of our team and then professionally graphic designed for publication where appropriate
- Discounted access to our events and premium resources/ courses
- We will also name Associates on our ‘about us’ page (note: we reserve the right to cease this engagement at any time in the cases of reputational risk)Â
- Opportunity to progress to paid opportunities to create content, present or even join our education consultant team
Our 2024/25 cohort
We are so grateful for the output (blogs, podcasts, resources, conference delivery and general collaboration) that has come from 9 incredible educators. Here is what they had to say about our Associates programme:
- “If you get the opportunity to work as an associate with PE Scholar, I would take it. Not only has it been a pleasure to meet other people but it has been great to get to see the wealth of experience and knowledge that is shared” (Annie Finch-Johnson).
- “The associate experience has given me the confidence to speak up, to share my perspective, and to recognise the value in my voice. For a long time, I have struggled with imposter syndrome—often questioning whether I belonged in certain spaces or if I had anything meaningful to contribute. Being part of this cohort has helped me to overcome that fear and start to believe in myself. The community I’ve met through this opportunity has played a huge part in that journey. Connecting with others who are passionate, supportive and driven has been empowering. It keeps reminding me that I’m not alone, and that we’re all learning and growing together” (Aaminah Hussain).
- “My experience as an Associate for PE Scholar has been both valuable and manageable alongside my day to day work. It has provided a welcome opportunity to engage with practitioners in different contexts, explore relevant research, and reflect more deeply on my own philosophy and curriculum design. PE Scholar were hugely supportive in supporting my output into the community as well. Their support in the development of my blog helped add professionalism and encouraged me to underpin my reflections with academic research. This is something has refined my understanding of current literature in a way that I might not have done had I not been in the Associate role. A standout moment of my year was delivering seminars on physical literacy-informed practice for PGCE students at the University of Buckingham, a rewarding experience that I hope to build upon in future. PE Scholar is the kind of forward thinking organisation our subject has long needed, and I hope to maintain strong links with them for mutual benefit and, ultimately, for the continued development of Physical Education in the UK” (Tom Butler).
- “Being an Associate for PE Scholar has been a rewarding experience. It has empowered me to champion the vision of delivering great Physical Education for all, both within my formal role at Podium Analytics and in wider contexts. Through this opportunity, I have been able to explore new areas of professional growth, particularly writing blogs that connect research-informed practice with real-world application. Reflecting on my journey so far, I am grateful for the networks it has introduced me to and wide range of topics I’ve been lucky to hear experiences of. Looking ahead, before the end of the summer, I would love to hear more reflections of challenges and shared experiences, what has worked well in embedding learning and what has not from the Associates. Conscious I’ve not been able to support and share in the same way however always benefit from hearing ideas, and best practices” (Kat Jones).
- “Taking on the role of Associate with PE Scholar this year has been a fantastic opportunity. The chance to work with such a motivated and experienced group of PE practitioners has really elevated my thinking around what is really important for us within our space. The opportunity to converse, collaborative and interact has been really valuable, to both my own practice and (I think) to the content that we have put out there during our year together” (Phil Mathe).
- “Being part of this cohort has been an incredibly insightful experience. Connecting with like-minded individuals from across the country and around the world, each passionate about driving forward the quality of PE has been both inspiring and energising. I’ve loved being able to reach out to others who are doing brilliant things in their settings, to pick their brains, collaborate on blogs and book ideas, and share resources and strategies. The opportunity to lead sessions at conferences and deliver CPD has been a real highlight, and I’ve felt privileged to have articles/blogs published as part of this journey. These experiences have opened up new connections for me and allowed me to work with people outside my local PE community. It’s that spirit of openness and generosity that makes this group so powerful. I’ve met some genuinely lovely people. Being able to walk into a PE conference anywhere in the country and recognise someone has really made me smile” (Kate Reynolds).
- “I would encourage anyone interested in developing themselves further in physical education to take up the opportunity to be an Associate. Surrounding yourself with passionate and knowledgeable professionals can only make you better!” (Anna Sheppard)
We look forward to hearing from you!
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