This is the first book to examine physical education from the perspective of workforce research and development. It adopts a whole system approach—including schools, higher education and public policy—to advance an action‑oriented framework for meeting the needs, challenges and opportunities of the global physical education profession.

Presenting a new framework for research and continuous improvement, this book focuses on the physical education workforce, and the workforce system, as a key social determinant of new program design and implementation, and therefore of better outcomes for children and young people. Including the voices of higher education faculty, in-service physical education practitioners and professional association leaders, this book explains how specialized workforce components such as teacher education, school programs, doctoral programs and public policy are inter‑related, and takes a close look at how a workforce R&D approach can shine new light on physical education across the globe, including in-depth case studies from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The final section of this book presents comparative analysis, considers lessons learned and outlines an agenda, which will empower readers to participate in and lead workforce development initiatives.

Combining practical guidance and thorough research, this book is fascinating reading for any advanced student, researcher, in‑service teacher or policymaker with an interest in physical education, coaching children in sport, teacher education, international education or education policy.