The physical education and health major prepares students to be effective health and 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 health and 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 are interested in helping children and adolescents stay healthy may find teaching physical education and health to be the ideal major. There continues to be a need for dedicated and effective physical education and health 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 interested in majoring in physical education and health should first declare pre-physical education and health as a major and sign up to meet with an advisor in the College of Health and Human Services advising center and talk with a faculty member in the physical education program located in HC 206. Students will also have a second advisor in the College of Education. 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).
The physical education and health teaching certification major prepares students to be effective health and physical education teachers at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels. Students are also prepared for professional roles in:
-YMCA and YWCA
-Community recreation centers
-Family fitness centers
-Summer camps
-Community health organizations
-Voluntary health organizations
The Physical Education and Health program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).
Dr. Carol Ryan
Physical Education and Health Program Director
859-572-5152
ryanc@nku.edu
