The purpose of this study was to investigate the internal thoughts, attitudes and beliefs of exceptional physical education teachers. Elementary and secondary physical education teachers (N = 18) identified as outstanding were interviewed to reveal their feelings about teaching physical education, teaching in general, and their students. They responded to questions outlined in a teacher interview tool called "Further Insight into Teacher Talent" developed by The Gallup Organization and used by various school districts across the country, and four additional interview questions developed by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. Coding and analysis of their answers uncovered 23 repeating ideas which were clustered into six themes. The six general themes were: fulfills moral responsibilities that come with teaching, establishes relationships with students and colleagues, addresses the whole child/student, creates an inviting learning environment, maintains a strong sense of self/personality, and uses successful methodology. These six general themes contribute to three major theoretical constructs that describe these exceptional physical education teachers: they have high self-efficacy, concept and regulation, they facilitate positive relationships and interactions within the school setting, and they employ student-centered methodology. This study suggests that while additional research is still needed, this preliminary profile of first-rate physical education teachers may be a valuable tool for school district administration in their efforts to hire teachers who will conduct quality physical education programs in their schools.
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