“It’s Like Coming Out of the Cave Into the Light”: The Role of Literacy Integration in Physical Education

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine pedagogies of teacher socialization for physical education teacher education candidates through the context of literacy integration. Method: We situated our data collection in qualitative case study methodology, emphasizing data from focus group interviews conducted during the final month of physical education teacher education candidates’ programs. Results: We demonstrate three primary insights and/or adjustments to their perceptions about literacy integration in physical education settings: (a) Literacy integration should support physical education objectives, (b) literacy integration could be easily implemented in a myriad of ways and for different age groups, and (c) literacy integration can improve student learning and outcomes. Discussion/Conclusion: Extending current teacher socialization literature, we emphasize three factors instrumental in shifting physical education teacher education candidate subjective theories and beliefs: movement-oriented literacy activities, reflection, and experiential applications.