Movement Science Degree, Teacher of Physical Education (Elementary or Secondary) Concentration, B.S.

Overview

The Physical Education major concentration prepares any student with the necessary tools and knowledge to teach Physical Education to PreK - 12 students. 

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Physical Education has received national recognition from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). 

Topics Covered

  • Theory and Practice of Teaching Games, Gymnastics, Aquatics  and Dance 
  • Adaptive Physical Education 
  • Curriculum Planning and Implementation 
  • Measurement and Evaluation 
  • Teaching Methodology 
  • Multicultural Education 

Program Highlights

  • Observations in surrounding community schools (elementary, middle and/or high school) 
  • Opportunities to teach lessons on campus to visiting students 
  • Full semester practicum (student teaching)

Schedule of Coursework

  • 27 Credits in the Major’s Core 
  • 46-50 Credits in the Concentration 

Outcomes

Prepare students to obtain state licensure (initial) and teach physical education at the elementary and/or secondary level. 

 

  • 120

    credits

  • Prep for

    Certification

Requirements

Requirements for Physical Education Concentration

The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Physical Education has received national recognition from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Physical Education Core Requirements (27 credits)

Required Course List (44 credits)

Skills Courses (2-6 credits)

Select two of the following skills courses:

Professional Development Procedures

Physical Education students have to meet Intermediate and Advanced Standings in order to progress through their field of study. The Physical Education requirements for these standings are different than other Movement Science concentrations.

Intermediate Standing

Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Physical Education program:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the following courses:
  • MOVP 0100 - Science of Physical Activity and Health
  • MOVP 0194 - Musculoskeletal Structure and Function
  •  Additional Requirements (specific to Physical Education concentration):Evidence of met/passed state and national competencies (signed/verified log of observation hours, skill assessment scores, Gateway Assessment lesson plans, teaching evaluations, reflections) and MTEL scores in Communication and Literacy (001). Student Acknowledgement Form/Advisement Form Copy of Degree Evaluation (2.5 minimum GPA in MOVP 0100 and MOVP 0194) Current First Aid / CPR certification card Two (2) faculty recommendations Writing sample from ENGL 0101, graded B- or higher Earn a minimum of 12 Professional Development Points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; 3 from each area)

Advanced Standing

Student progress towards meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (min. 54 credits earned). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. For more information about requirements, see Licensure for Teaching  found in the Academic Policies page.

Advanced Standing is required for completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the Major Core area (27 credits)
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Physical Education Certification courses, and a minimum GPA of 2.7 in the PE concentration
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • First Aid / CPR Certification
  • Membership in a professional organization
  • Earn a minimum of 16 Professional Development Points across four (4) different areas (Academic, Clinical, Professional, Social Justice; 4 in each area)
  • Three (3) faculty recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department
  • Evidence of met/passed state and national competencies (signed/verification log of observation hours, skill assessment scores, Gateway Assignments, lesson plan scores, fitness assessments, passed licensure exam scores for reading, writing, and Physical Education)

Additional information can be found in the SMHP Department manual.

Practicum Eligibility

Students must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement:

  1. Overall GPA of 2.8
  2. GPA of 3.0 in PE Certification courses, and a 2.7 GPA in the PE concentration
  3. SMHP Advanced Standing Status
  4. A minimum grade of B- (2.7) in MOVP 0314 - Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary and Secondary 
  5. Passing scores on all required licensure exams (example: Reading, Writing, and Physical Education MTELs)
  6. Evidence of meeting/passing state and national competencies (verified/signed observation logs, skills assessments, Gateway Assessments, lesson planning assessments, fitness assessments, passing licensure examination)
Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will understand and demonstrate cultural competence.
  • Students will understand the need for and will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications and be able to utilize different forms of current technology.
  • Students will use reflective practices to plan, implement and evaluate program, personal, community and professional goals.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to explain the relevance of scientific and theoretical knowledge appropriate to his/her chosen field of study to everyday problems.
  • Students will utilize critical inquiry to advance knowledge and apply that knowledge to practice.
  • Students will understand the importance of and will engage in professional behaviors including pursuit of appropriate credentials.
  • Students will understand the role of Physical Activity in the Health and Wellness of individuals across the lifespan.
  • Students will value and participate in Civic Engagement.
Westfield State Athletics students in discussion

Still have questions?

Program Director
Dr. Heidi Bohler
hbohler@westfield.ma.edu