Craig Parkes Ed.D

Education

B.A., Physical Education, University of Wolverhampton, 2011
M.Sc., Health Education, Ithaca College, 2012
Ed.D., Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2018

Teaching Philosophy

I believe my role in higher education is to encourage and support my students in becoming critical thinkers, who will graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to become outstanding physical educators and kinesiology professionals. As professionals in this field students must be able to apply theoretical and pedagogical knowledge within a real world setting. I like to develop the application of pedagogical content knowledge and instructional methods through early field experiences, such as peer-to-peer teaching, P-12 teaching, and internship opportunities whenever possible. I firmly believe that students should become independent learners, and hold themselves accountable for their learning and professional development, while I facilitate the process. Employing a range of instructional strategies, and providing students with detailed feedback in a timely manner are key components of my teaching. Students’ should be motivated to come to class, want to ask questions, get involved in discussions, and absorb as much information as possible, before making informed decisions on how they decide to perform their professional roles and responsibilities. What works at one school/facility may not work at another, and what works with one child/client may not work with another. Therefore, students are encouraged to be reflective, and to critically evaluate their teaching and instructing practices, because even the most experienced professionals can still make improvements!

Research

I primarily investigate the influence of occupational socialization theory on physical education teachers and sports coaches throughout their careers. I am also interested in youth sports participation, especially at the elite level.

Outreach

I have been involved in youth and community soccer as a volunteer, coach, and coach educator for over 20 years, in both the United States and the U.K. In 2018 I worked with the Special Olympics soccer team in State College, PA. Many of the undergraduate students I taught, and the youth soccer players I coached, were also involved in this project under my supervision. I am a professional member of SHAPE America, Alabama State AHPERD,  American Education Research Association, United Soccer Coaches, and have affiliations with several professional soccer clubs in Europe. I am currently serving as a reviewer for European Physical Education Review, Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education, Journal of Sport Behavior, Strategies, and the Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Since moving to the gulf coast in 2019 I have been coaching for a youth soccer organization near to my home in Pensacola, Florida.

Biography

I was born in Wolverhampton, England, but have spent most of my adult life living in the United States. Prior to accepting the position at USA, I spent six and a half years as an assistant teaching professor in the kinesiology department at Penn State University. Early in my career I taught physical education in the British public school system, and also have over 20 year's soccer coaching and coach education experience. I currently reside in Pensacola, Florida, with my wife, sons, and dogs. My hobbies include soccer, golf, fishing, and spending time at the beach. I also enjoy watching sports, and my favorite team is the England national soccer team.

Courses

HPE 506, Physical Education Curriculum, 1 course.
HS 365, HPE Curr/Methods-Elem Teachers, 1 course.
KIN 201, Orientation to Kinesiology, 3 courses.
KIN 351, Sports Skills, 1 course.
KIN 370, Basic Motor Learning, 1 course.
KIN 429, School Lab Experience-PE, 1 course.
KIN 452, Methods of Teaching PE-W, 1 course.
KIN 506, Physical Education Curriculum, 1 course.
PE 100, Concepts of Health and Fitness, 1 course.
PE 201, Orientation to HPE, 1 course.
PE 351, Sports Skills, 1 course.
PE 370, Basic Motor Learning, 1 course.