An Equity Scholar in Health, Physical Activity & Education

Associate Professor Tara Blackshear taught health and physical education worldwide before joining TU eight years ago. The program coordinator for the physical education/teacher education program and the only Black woman to hold a tenured position in the Department of Kinesiology, Blackshear considers herself an equity scholar in health, physical activity and education.

A More Progressive Approach to Phys Ed

One of her first goals was to expand her course syllabi to include a diverse group of scholars and to advocate for a more progressive approach to physical education. She describes how more traditional physical education teachers pride themselves on their old-school approach of free play and keeping students moving. “Today’s physical educators create class plans, deliver quality instruction and seek to improve students’ psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities,” explains Blackshear. She notes the more things change in physical education, the more they stay the same. “The current focus on fitness was popular during the 1950s and 1960s with fitness guru Jack LaLanne, and high-intensity interval training is a repackaging of calisthenics.”

“ I am committed to exposing students to a holistic, realistic educational experience. ”

Forging Partnerships

Dr. Blackshear has been instrumental in forging a partnership with Reginald F. Lewis High School in Baltimore City and a Baltimore-area home school group, resulting in some 40 students participating in classes at TU and giving teacher education students exposure to a diverse classroom. “We want TU student teachers prepared to go into classrooms and help their students develop the confidence and competence to engage in physical activities throughout their lives,” she adds.

In 2023, Dr. Blackshear received the E.B. Henderson Award, issued by the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE), for her scholarship, mentorship and service to the Black community and increased involvement of underserved populations in physical education. “At TU, we work hard to help students think critically, avoid beliefs rooted in ‘isms’ and foster an environment that promotes physical activity for all.”

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