Physical Education, Preschool – Grade 12

Nothing is more important than the health of future generations. When you prepare to become a teacher in physical education, certified by the Alabama State Department of Education, you’re making a commitment to teach in a preschool, elementary, middle, or high school in Alabama, or in any state with which Alabama has a reciprocity agreement. If coaching interests you, this teaching certificate opens the door for you to become a teacher/coach — a role most schools want to fill. Even if you choose to not work in a school setting, you will have complete knowledge of the teaching/learning process of all ages.

Detailed curriculum information can be found in the catalog.

Download the Physical Education program brochure here.

Curriculum

Professional Education Component: 35 hours

• ED 300. Introduction to Teaching and Learning (3)
• ED 333. Reading Methods Secondary/P-12 (3)
• ED 335. Field Experiences P/12 I (1)
• ED 336. Field Experiences P/12 II (1)
• ED 384. Methods of Teaching Physical Education (3) *
• ED 400. Measurement and Assessment (3) *
• ED 405. Technology and Education (3)
• ED 408. Technology Portfolio (1) *
• ED 435. Field Experiences P-12 III (1) *
• ED 436. Field Experiences P-12 IV (1) *
• SE 400. Introduction to Special Education (3) *
• ED 409. Internship, Pre-School through Grade Twelve (12) *

Teaching Field Requirements: 27 hours

• PE 282. Teaching, Coaching and Officiating Sports (3)
• PE 321. Teaching Elementary Games and Activities (3)
• PE 345. Motor Learning and Motor Development (3)
• PE 373. Introduction to Athletic Training (3)
• PE 423. Adapted Physical Education (3)
• PE 424. Teaching Aspects of Physical Education (3)
• PE 432. Organization and Administration in Human Performance (3)
• PE 443. Kinesiology (3)
• PE 444. Exercise Physiology (3)

Note(s):  * Must be unconditionally admitted to the Teacher Education program in order to enroll in this course.

Physical Education Teacher Certification Program Plan

Extra-curricular activities

• UWA Physical Educators Club
• UWA Intramurals & Officiating
• Participation in Alabama PE Conference
• Physical Education Major Award

Career Preparation

With a physical education major, you will be a certified teacher of physical education and adapted physical education (for people with disabilities) in Alabama schools for grades prekindergarten through grade 12. You will also be prepared to coach, whether it is in a school, youth program, or in a YMCA or recreation setting. Successful high school coaches often rise to the college ranks or beyond. With the major, you can also train athletes or help average citizens become more physically active.

• American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance ~ www,shapeamerica,org 
• Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance ~www.asahperd.org
• National Association for Sport and Physical Education ~ www,shapeamerica,org 
•  Educator Preparation and Certification Office

Contact Information:

School of Health Science & Human Performance  contact Natasha Satcher at (205) 652-3683 or Gunnar Cazers at (205) 652-3507.