Physical Education Teacher Education
College of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Human Performance
Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall
570-422-3293
www.esu.edu/pete
About the Program
ESU has been recognized as a leader in teacher preparation since it began as a Normal School in 1893.
The Department of Physical Education at ESU offers a bachelor of science degree with majors in Physical Education and Health Education. In addition, students may choose to become certified as a Physical Education and Health Education Teacher in Pennsylvania.
The Physical Education and Health Education Teacher certification program is a unique and dynamic curriculum for prospective teachers. A student in this area will be prepared to become a teacher of physical education and health education in the public schools.
This 136-credit dual major leads to Commonwealth teaching certificates in Health Education (P-12), and Health and Physical Education (P-12). Students interested in this dual major must complete the degree requirements for both a Bachelor of Science in Health Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Only those students who satisfactorily complete all requirements in both the physical education and health education degree programs will be endorsed for certification to teach Health and Physical Education in Pennsylvania. Successful completion of the physical education teacher preparation program satisfies the academic requirements for a Pre-K-12 Health and Physical Education Teaching Certificate and K-12 Health Education Teaching Certificate in Pennsylvania, as well as eligibility for teacher certification in most other states.
The goal of the Physical Activity program is to provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of outdoor and traditional physical activity courses. The outdoor class offerings allow students the opportunity to explore the magnificent Pocono Mountain area while the traditional courses allow students to explore courses in traditional settings. The outdoor physical activity courses include Backpacking, Canoeing, Cycling, Horseback Riding, Rock Climbing, and Skiing/Snowboarding. Traditional physical activity courses include Aqua Fitness, Personal Fitness, Swimming I, and Tennis I. Please feel free to suggest course you might like to have offered.
The ESU physical education teacher preparation program is endorsed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE/SHAPEAmerica). The Health Education preparation program is also accredited by CAEP and the American Association for Health Education (AAHE/SHAPEAmerica).
Employment / Career Opportunities
ESU physical education teacher education graduates are recognized as quality physical educators.
They are highly competitive in the employment market. ESU graduates can be found teaching health and physical education in school districts across Pennsylvania and throughout the country.
Graduates are also successfully pursuing advanced degrees for positions in educational administration, research or college teaching.
This program is designed to provide the student with academic and professional experiences, preparing them to teach Physical Education and Health Education in schools.
Why Choose Physical Education Teacher Education at ESU
- Small class size
- Qualified, experienced faculty
- Practical experiences with P-12 learners
- Nationally Accredited Program through CAEP/NASPE
- Graduate with a dual major and certification in Health Education and Physical Education
- A Professional Development School experience
Is a physical education teacher education a career path for me?
Career Potential
- Physical Education Teacher
- Health Teacher
- Physical Education and Health Teacher
Career Settings
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Charter schools
- Cyber schools
- Colleges and universities — education administration, research
More detailed career information is available from the department.