Physical Education and Health dual program

Physical Education students who wish to expand their educational opportunities may decide to declare a dual major. The Physical Education and Health program offers dual certification in physical education and health (K-grade 12). The Physical Education and Health teacher candidate may also wish to pursue a minor. Minors generally range from six to eight required courses. A listing of the minors can be found under the Academic Curricula section of the catalog. Some majors and minors can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement. But in some cases additional course work may be required.

Teacher Certification Options

The teacher preparation program strives to develop a liberally educated individual who has special knowledge and skills in the areas of movement and sport and their interrelated disciplines. Major emphasis is placed on the development of educational and performance foundations which will prepare an individual to teach in kindergarten through grade 12 or to pursue professional growth through further study and/or graduate work.

Candidates enjoy a continuous and extensive program of clinical and laboratory experiences at the college and through our collaboration with our professional development schools which provide opportunities for in-school observations, micro-teaching, teacher assisting, and large-group instruction. These experiences help to insure that the program remains responsive to the needs of the candidates, students and the profession.  Candidates pursuing the Physical Education/Health Teacher Certification Option complete a total of 150 hours of practicum experiences in three different courses (PED 311, PED 441 and HED 325) before student teaching. 

This program of instruction incorporates the standards established for physical education and health at the local school district level, the New York State learning standards for health and physical education, National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) beginning teacher standards, and the curriculum standards outlined for health education and health certification by the American Association for Health Education (AAHE). The teacher certification option culminates with a 14week student teaching experience in the K-12 schools. Each student teacher is given the opportunity to experience the privileges and responsibilities of a full-time teacher on both the elementary and secondary levels. An individual choosing to graduate without completing student teaching must fulfill this credit requirement in consultation with his/her advisor.

Academic Criteria for Endorsement and Completion of Program

  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Grade of ‘C’ or higher in major courses
  • Satisfactory performance in field placements
  • Successful portfolio review
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