Teaching PreK-12 Physical Education

What You’ll Learn

The Physical Education major includes an exciting curriculum that blends educational theory, exercise science, human anatomy, and sports-specific teacher training. You can learn to teach swimming, dance, individual sports, racquet sports, wellness, and more. You will apply for admittance into the Teaching PreK-12 Physical Education Concentration at the end of your second academic year. Learn more about the requirements for admission into the Physical Education student teaching practicum in the catalog.

Student Teaching

The Physical Education student teaching experience is a 15-week practicum and capstone practical experience for this concentration. All students will complete placements in both elementary and secondary classrooms, which may be completed as 15 continuous weeks in a dual elementary-secondary school or as an experience encompassing 8 weeks of student teaching in an elementary school followed by 7 weeks of teaching in a secondary school. We will prepare you for the student teaching experience, support you during it, and review your competencies to ensure you’re on track.

Upon completing your student teaching experience, you should be able to demonstrate the beginning teacher competencies and standards identified in the Vermont Endorsement Competencies for Physical Education or Health Education and the Level I Teaching Licensure Portfolio. Candidates intending to gain licensure beyond the state of Vermont will identify requirements specific to the state they intend to teach in.

Double-Majoring in Health Education

Many students decide to pursue a dual endorsement in teaching both school health and physical education. For more information, visit the catalog or speak with the program coordinator.