Âé¶¹TV

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students playing volleyball in intramural gym

Physical Education Major

Become a physical education teacher

Do you have a passion for teaching? Are you interested in being a gym teacher or coach? Do you enjoy leading recreational activities with children? Âé¶¹TV's physical education degree will equip you to become a physical education teacher in elementary or secondary schools.

When you graduate with a physical education degree from Âé¶¹TV, you will be certified to teach P.E. at all grade levels, K-12, giving you great flexibility when pursuing career opportunities.

The Physical Education bachelor's degree is offered through Âé¶¹TV's College of Professional Programs.

100%
placement
rate

(Over the past seven years, 100% of physical education graduates have received employment in their field or entered graduate school.)

The Âé¶¹TV Advantage

  • Benefit from the expertise of faculty in both the Division of Kinesiology and the Division of Education.
  • Field experience opportunities begin as early as your freshman year and culminate with a student teaching semester in your senior year.
  • Hands-on learning happens through peer teaching and instruction as you apply what you are learning in your methods courses.
  • Physical education faculty hold Missouri teaching certification.
  • Âé¶¹TV physical education students have a historical 93% pass rate on the P.E. certification exam.

Faith Integration

As a physical education major you will be challenged to consider how your faith influences your teaching and why you do what you do. Physical education stresses the importance of striving for healthy bodies. As Christians, we believe this is important because our bodies are God's temple.

The intentional integration of Christian faith with the education curriculum distinguishes Âé¶¹TV's Division of Education. Christian principles are discussed in the classroom and applied to educational strategies, philosophies, and best practices. At Âé¶¹TV, we approach education, teaching, and coaching from the basis of a Christian worldview.

As an education major at Âé¶¹TV, you'll not only develop your skills as a teacher, but you will also become a role model and a servant leader. You will learn to view the physical education classroom as a mission field in which well-trained Christian teachers are desperately needed.

Our Division of Education faculty live out their own walks with Christ in all they do - in the classroom, with advisees, with fellow faculty and in service to the University, community and their local churches.

Zachariah Rippee
"The greatest academic asset that Âé¶¹TV offered me was a chance to learn from passionate, professional individuals that not only cared for their students, but who strongly believed in the material they teach, and practice it in their daily lives. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to learn in a classroom where I knew I was valued!"
Zachariah Rippee '15
Youth Care Specialist and Teacher

Student Missouri State Teachers Association

As a physical education student, you are encouraged to join Âé¶¹TV's chapter of Student Missouri State Teachers Association (SMSTA) to benefit from professional development, insurance, liability coverage, and networking opportunities as you prepare for your future teaching career.

Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE)

Additionally, as a physical education major, you also are encouraged to join the Missouri Society of Health and Physical Educators (MOSHAPE). Joining this organization will provide you with field-specific networking and professional development opportunities.

Graduate Schools

An advantage to studying education at Âé¶¹TV is the access to Âé¶¹TV's distinguished master's and doctorate degree programs in education. Many students begin their teaching careers while simultaneously pursuing further education at Âé¶¹TV with one of the following degree programs: