Physical Education Degrees in Colorado
From kindergarten through 12th grade, children learn everything they need to know to pursue postsecondary education or entry-level work positions. Beyond English, math, and science, that includes subjects like physical education.
Physical education helps kids adapt to their rapidly growing bodies and move more efficiently. In addition, it is a subject that helps students develop strong social skills and an appreciation for teamwork.
Studying physical education at the undergraduate or graduate level can prepare you to pursue teaching jobs in Colorado.
Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Colorado
When you’re interested in exploring physical education degrees, Colorado schools have various options for you to consider. Learn more about this degree and get in touch with the schools listed below to start the next stage of your education.
Many states have been addressing the importance of physical education with fitness initiatives, legislation, and public outreach programs. Colorado is one state that has taken major steps to protect physical education time in schools. A proposed law would have cut high school physical education in Colorado to save money, but educators and advocates fought down the bill and allowed high school students to keep their daily gym classes (ChalkBeat, 2016). This is a positive environment in which to begin your career as a gym teacher.
There’s a lot that goes into a successful teaching career, particularly if you specialize in a field like physical education. As you learn more about how to become a PE teacher, compare teacher education programs in Colorado below.
Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Colorado
In Colorado, aspiring teachers have to go through a strict process to earn a teaching license and start working with students independently. For most students, this process begins with choosing an area of specialty. Since you want to specialize in physical education, you do not choose an age range or grade level to teach. Rather, you become licensed as a kindergarten-12th grade physical education teacher. This license allows you to teach students at any age level.
There are several components of education in this field. First, you need to know how to be an effective educator in general. You may take general teaching courses, learn about child development, and learn about the differences in teaching each age group. You also take courses in anatomy, physiology, health, and motor health. You combine these two areas of study by taking physical education teaching courses.
Physical education colleges often required courses like those listed below:
- Educational Psychology and Philosophy
- Field Experience in Secondary Education
- Teaching Physical Education
- Methods of Teaching Physical Activity and Fitness Education
- Methods of Teaching Outdoor Education
- Curricular Aspects of Elementary Physical Education
- Curricular Aspects of Secondary Physical Education
- Methods of Teaching Team Activities
- Motor Learning and Development
- Adapted Human Performance and Sport Activities
Field experience is required in all teaching programs. To become a licensed physical education teacher, you must get experience in elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools.
Your field experience may begin with observation, but you should quickly progress to working with students and teaching under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Your experience culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience, which should give you the opportunity to teach gym classes at different grade levels.
Another way you may prove yourself as a teaching student is through the creation of a portfolio. Throughout your courses and your teaching experiences, you may create a portfolio of lesson plans, independently taught classes, and projects that display your knowledge of teaching theory.
A PE degree can help you find professional fulfillment, help students build strong fitness habits, and help school systems enrich their course offerings. Regardless of where you end up teaching in Colorado, evidence-based physical education programs can improve schools everywhere.
With a degree from an accredited college or university, you may apply for a teaching license through the Colorado Department of Education. The testing process is different for each specialty. You must pass the PLACE Physical Education exam to earn your license.
Ready to find out how you can become a teacher? Request information from physical education teacher schools below.
Working with a Physical Education Degree in Colorado
Once you are a licensed physical education teacher, you can begin working, teaching classes, and creating your own lesson plans. Although you may be licensed to teach at all grade levels, you may be assigned to an elementary or secondary school.
Your income may be determined by the grade you teach. The Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that elementary school teachers earn an average of $50,330 per year in Colorado (2016). Secondary school teachers bring in an average income of $52,650 annually (BLS, 2016).
The demand for educators is growing in Colorado. By 2022, O*Net expects a 20% increase in elementary school teaching jobs (2016). Job openings for secondary school teachers may increase 13% during this time (O*Net, 2016).
There’s a lot you can learn from other physical education teachers. Take advantage of networking opportunities by joining groups like the Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
At a teacher education program, you can learn from experienced teachers, build a strong knowledge of Colorado teaching standards, and get started in a rewarding career.
Get more information on physical education degrees by contacting Colorado teaching schools today.
