Courses Required for Becoming a Physical Education Teacher
Physical education teachers instruct students at both the primary and secondary education levels in the fundamentals of exercise and, in some cases, nutrition. A degree in education is generally required to teach physical education, except in those states, like Texas, where no education degree is needed to teach in the public school system. However, a bachelor's degree is still required. Courses required for physical education teachers include a variety of areas of study relating to teaching in general as well as physical education.
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General Education Courses
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Physical education teachers must pursue general education courses as part of their bachelor's degree coursework. Whether pursuing a degree in education or a degree related to physical education, undergraduate degrees require the completion of courses designed to provide students with a well-rounded education. General education courses introduce students to other fields of study outside of their undergraduate major. Courses generally include areas of study such as English, literature, psychology, sociology, history, math and science.
Education Courses
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In states where students are required to complete an education degree to become a teacher, students generally take courses designed to develop their professional capabilities as teachers. Courses usually include introductory education courses that introduce students to the theories and methods used by teacher. Students also take courses like educational psychology and curriculum development. Most education programs also require students to complete some type of student-teaching component in order to gain experience working in the classroom.
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Physical Education Courses
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Physical education students typically take a wide array of coursework covering the various aspects of exercise and physical activity that they will teach throughout the course of their career. Some of these courses include fields of study such as first-aid and CPR, health and physical education, preventing athletic injuries, rhythmic and non-rhythmic activities and anatomy and physiology. Other areas of study are usually related to coaching various sports such as basketball, football and baseball.
Graduate Courses
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Students pursuing physical education degrees at the master's degree level often take more advanced courses in the field, many of which are theory or research-oriented in nature. Although not often required, master's degree courses in physical education may need to be taken by students pursuing alternative certification or who intend to teach at the collegiate level. Areas of study can include studies in analysis of teaching methods and curriculum, issues in health education, physical education statistics and physical education research methods.
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References
- Photo Credit Physical Competitors image by Jana Lumley from Fotolia.com
