Full participation in PE, a proactive solution to shortage of teachers

A team of students undergo soccer training at the Sinopec Primary School on October 13, 2023. Photo: Shan Jie/GT

It might sound a bit weird to hear that nearly all faculty members of a school are teaching physical education (PE), but some schools in China are actually putting this into practice.

Confronted with issues such as smoking and scuffles on campus, a primary school in Xuanwei, Southwest China's Yunnan Province, took a proactive approach by organizing sports activities and events to instill discipline and teamwork among students. The school believes that through sports, students can learn the importance of rules, the consequences of their actions and the value of cooperation.

By engaging in sports activities, students were kept occupied and therefore did not have idle time that could potentially lead to undesirable behavior. The move gradually created a more positive school climate and resulted in increased engagement in the classroom and better student behavior.

Seeing the benefits, the school has vigorously promoted PE activities. Since the school's three full-time PE teachers were overwhelmed with the extra workload, teachers of other subjects were mobilized to pitch in. 

"Sports breaks down the barriers between teachers of different subjects, enhances teamwork, and brings teachers and students closer, so teachers like to participate in sports activities and education," said Lei Yingfei, head of the school. 

However, the participation of all faculty members in PE highlights the glaring issue of a shortage of professional PE teachers, especially in the country's rural areas.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Education in July 2022, PE takes up about 11 percent of a school's overall curriculum. Based on the number of 15 classes per week for a PE teacher, there is a shortage of about 120,000 PE teachers across China, especially in rural primary and middle schools. And many PE teachers cannot enjoy the same healthcare and social insurance packages that teachers of other subjects have.

With the implementation of the "double reduction policy" issued by the State Council in 2021 to reduce after-school tutoring and the burden of homework, the practice of "one hour of physical activity on campus every day" has been widely promoted. However, the number of PE teachers has not measured up to expectations. 

In Shanghai, there is a shortage of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 PE teachers.

Lu Guoqiang, deputy director of the Nanxun Education Bureau in East China's Zhejiang Province, said that he is in favor of the participation of all teachers in PE. 

It's difficult to hire professional coaches as they don't have the teacher certification that is compulsory for them to teach at a school. Therefore, mobilizing as many teachers as possible is the most viable solution to promoting PE education at rural schools, said Lu. 

Another barrier that keeps sports professionals away from school is insufficient funds. 

More support from all sectors of society is required to break through barriers and give rural schools more access to PE teachers and sports equipment. The full participation of faculty members in PE is not only a good attempt, but also integrates PE with the holistic curriculum.

In partnership with a charity foundation, a total of 84 schools in 12 provinces and regions across the country have been promoting the model of full participation as teachers can receive free training in soccer, basketball, hockey and other sports. The program is designed to offer every child the opportunity to thrive through sports.