A bachelor’s degree in Physical Education will prepare you for a career in teaching principles of physical activity to grade students of all ages.
What is Physical Education?
Physical Education entails instructing pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 kids the basic movements and awareness of fundamental motor skills, games and sports along with the social and interpersonal competencies associated with physical activity participation. Physical Educators on every levels are accountable for teaching these skill-sets on a variety of competency levels, which includes suiting the requirements of youngsters with disabilities.
What does a Physical Education Teacher do?
Elementary physical education teachers generally instruct grades pre-K through 5. The capability of fundamental locomotor and non-locomotor actions in a variety of ways and sequences is the focal point at the elementary grade school level. As an example, an elementary course of study will consist of education in neuro-motor abilities like running, marching, jumping, kicking, tossing, and striking. The junior high school physical education instructor usually deals with grades 6 through 8. They are accountable for the progression of motor and non-locomotor motions by means of a range of diverse organized personal and group activities. Interpersonal communication abilities are emphasized in the primary school course of study.
High school or secondary physical education (grades 9 through 12) underscores involvement in longterm activities including cardiovascular exercise, golf, hiking, cycling, running, and weightlifting. The high school syllabus promotes students to become competent in activities that may be applied throughout their life-time. Certain schools provide a health and wellness curriculum for their students which focuses on a holistic approach to well-being. This course of study may feature classes in emergency response, social connections, and nutritional requirements along with sports and physical activities.
Physical education teachers with supplemental education in Adapted Physical Education work to make sure that children with disabilities are given excellent physical education instruction as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.
Preparing to become a Physical Education Teacher
Students who intend to work in public schools must be accredited or licensed in the state where they will educate. A bachelor’s degree coupled with a passing score on state certification instructor exams is required. Non-public and parochial schools differ in their criteria for teaching accreditation. Every state is not the same so it is necessary to look at state requirements prior to putting together any educational arrangements.
As touched on previously, certain schools have specialized health and wellness curriculums. To instruct in these programs, it is a good idea for a student studying to be a physical educator to take health classes or obtain a certification along with a physical education license. Offered at a number of universities, a student thinking about physical education may also concentrate on a specific population or area like adapted physical education, outdoor education, and working with older adults.
High school classes in the subject of wellness and fitness, sport, biology and anatomy, and exercise science serve to better prepare for university study in this field. Classes in the field of child growth and development (psychological, social, and physical) are also quite helpful. Joining the Future Teachers of America or similar high school associations like Big Brother programs is also recommended. Lastly, think about volunteering for regional programs that involve adapted sports programs and the Special Olympics.
Get related work experience before deciding on a Physical Education Bachelor’s degree
Certain students get involved with the area of physical education due to a devotion to his or her own learning and physical education experience. Many students find their passion for physical education through previous work related experiences. It is recommended that prospective students thinking about the field attain work experience that includes dealing with youngsters, sport, and physical activities. Relevant job experiences may include youth sports coaching and officiating and playground supervisor.
Job opportunities for those with a Bachelor’s in Physical Education
By having a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, graduates may attain full-time employment right away or they may discover that they must choose part-time work before a full-time opening is available. It is beneficial if a college graduate is prepared to take a job in more than a single district or state in addition to different grade levels. A number of physical educators decide to take on a coaching role or umpire also. Following being employed, the majority of states call for physical educators to acquire continuing education credits or degrees. As working physical educators come to be more skilled and knowledgeable, they may come across personal advancement in the guise of increased wages. A number of physical educators progress in administrative capacities as either a director of physical education, adapted physical education, athletic program director. Additional academic certifications and degrees may be required.
