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
The PETE department offers a B.S. program with a major in Physical Education, with two tracks for students, 1) those who want to be a health and physical education teacher in a P-12 public school setting; and 2) those who desire to work with people in a health and physical activity setting. The first track is the teacher certification track. Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements in both the physical education major (teacher certification track) and the health education major (offered by the Health Department) will be considered for certification to teach Health and Physical Education in Pennsylvania. To complete all requirements for certification students must enroll in two programs (Physical Education AND Health Education) and complete 136 credits. Upon completion of these programs students will leave with a Bachelor’s of Science degree with two majors and be considered for a job teaching: 1) Physical and Health Education; 2) only Physical Education; or 3) only Health Education.
This is a very unique opportunity that only East Stroudsburg University provides in the Commonwealth. This program has been approved by the Department of Education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Furthermore, this program has attained National Accreditation approval at the exemplary level from their professional governing body, Shape America- Physical Education and the Council for the Accreditor of Educator Preparation (CAEP) as part of the Teacher Education Unit at East Stroudsburg University.
The second program is the Health and Physical Activity (non-certification) track. An increase in independent and entrepreneurial job opportunities has revealed a new but growing field for health and physical activity instructors outside the public school setting. Students who choose to work in many physical activity settings do not need a teaching certification. To this population, we have a concentration of "Health and Physical Activity" (non-certification track) that consists of 120 credits. Upon leaving this program students will have earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major of Physical Education. This track will enable students to plan, implement, and evaluate health and physical activity programs with children, youth and adults in a global and diverse society. Employment opportunities for graduates of this program include a variety of children, youth and adult activity programs, such as: adventure education programs, adapted physical activity programs, disability sports programs, charter schools, parochial schools, YMCA/YWCA, aquatics facilities, recreation programs, residential facilities, coaching programs, youth sport programs, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and state and local agencies. This concentration will provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to adapt to a greater variety of related opportunities within the field of health and physical activity.
After completing 60 credits, students will be able to decide which track to pursue: 1) health and physical education certification or 2) health and physical activity. If you are interested in only Health Education please visit the Department of Health Studies for further information.
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/SHAPE America-Physical Education
- 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.