The physical education major prepares students to be effective physical education teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels through a strong content and pedagogy curriculum. Students are well prepared to pass state certification exams and to apply for and achieve multi-state teaching certification. During each semester of the junior year and the first semester of the senior year, teacher candidates spend a minimum of 75 hours observing and teaching under the supervision of a certified physical education teacher and a university faculty member. During the final semester of the senior year, candidates complete a full semester of student teaching at both the elementary and secondary levels.
Those who enjoy sports and physical activity and would like to impact the lives of children and adolescents may find teaching physical education to be the ideal major. There continues to be a need for dedicated and effective physical education teachers in the schools, especially at a time when the percentage of children and adolescents who are obese in the United States is at an all-time high level. Within the next several years, the “baby boomers” who are currently teaching will be retiring, and the need for new teachers will increase dramatically. Students who graduate with a degree in physical education are also prepared to work with youth in community recreation, family fitness and sports centers, and to coach school and youth sports.
Students interested in majoring in physical education should first declare pre-physical education as a major and sign up to meet with an advisor in the College of Education and Human Services advising center and talk with a faculty member in the physical education program located in HC 104. To apply for admission to the teacher education program, students must:
- Earn 60 hours of course credit with an overall GPA of a 2.75 or higher.
- Earn a minimum score of 150 on the Praxis I mathematics exam; a minimum score of 162 on the writing exam; and a minimum score of 156 on the Praxis I reading exam.
- Complete “ CMST 101 Public Speaking - OC (3 credits)” with a grade of B or better.
- Complete “ ENG 102 Advanced College Writing - WC (3 credits)” with a grade of B or better.
- Pass “ EDU 104 Orientation: Education Profession/Program (1 credit).”
To continue into the next professional semester, students must:
- Successfully complete each of the professional semester course requirements with a C or better.
- Complete a portfolio with a MET rating, on Kentucky Initial Teaching Standards.
To be eligible to student teach, students must:
- Successfully complete professional semesters I, II, and III.
- Maintain a 2.75 or higher overall GPA.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the major core content courses and the professional education courses.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
These prerequisites are not included in the program totals in the table below, but they must be completed IN ADDITION TO other program requirements.
It is recommended that physical education P-12 certification majors also minor in health education and apply for health education P-12 certification.
