Physical Education Degrees in Oregon
Education has come a long way in the last decade, with new research empowering teachers to make the most of students’ potential and natural love of learning. One of the main discoveries in educational research is the fact that physical activity and cognitive performance are closely linked.
Children who do not get sufficient exercise have difficulty concentrating and often perform more poorly on academic exams. For that reason, physical education is one of the most important parts of a student’s day.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to become a PE teacher in Oregon, this may be the time to make your move.
Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Oregon
How could you use a physical education degree to make Oregon schools more effective?
Find out how you can use this degree by reaching out to Oregon teaching programs today.
Physical education is changing in Oregon, making this an excellent time to get involved in the field. State legislators recently passed a bill that would add physical education requirements to elementary and middle school curricula.
By the 2017-2018 school year, students in kindergarten through fifth grade need at least 150 minutes of physical education per week, while students in sixth through eighth grade need at least 225 minutes per week (Oregon Department of Education, 2016). By getting involved with groups like the Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators, you can learn how other teachers are preparing for these requirements and utilizing them in their schools.
Take the first step to a teaching license now. Compare Oregon colleges and universities below to find schools that fit your needs.
Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Oregon
To qualify for teacher certification, you must meet the strict standards and requirements of the state of Oregon. This involves earning at least a Bachelor’s degree in physical education. If you have a Bachelor’s degree in another field, alternative certification programs may be available to you. These options generally require about one year of education.
The average student needs four years of full-time study to complete a 120-credit Bachelor’s degree. Your education includes general subject courses, teaching pedagogy coursework, and physical education classes.
Teaching Courses in Oregon
- Foundations of Exercise Science
- Lifespan Motor Development
- Lifespan Adapted Physical Activity
- Physiology of Exercise
- Assessment Strategies in Physical Education
- Curricular Issues in Physical Education
- Teaching Movement Education
- Teaching Dance in Physical Education
- Teaching Games
- Teaching Outdoor and Adventure Education
- Teaching Methods in Physical Education
- Biomechanics
Oregon teaching programs develop their curricula based on the National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education. These standards outline what proficiencies you must have to become a competent gym teacher. Areas of study include movement education, tactical games, dance education, outdoor education, fitness education, and personal responsibility.
After completing a variety of practicum rotations throughout your degree, you can put yourself and your knowledge to the test in your senior year. Over the course of one to two semesters, you get student teaching experience in a variety of grades and activities.
Licensure covers preschool through high school, so you may cover a wide range of teaching standards and expectations while working as a student teacher. Not only do you discover how to work effectively with students, you build skills for assessment, time management, teacher cooperation, parent communication, and lesson planning.
The work you do as a physical education teacher is essential to teacher performance all over Oregon. Of course, your students benefit directly from physical education. They may develop confidence, become physically healthier, and focus better in other classes.
This helps teachers in other subject areas, as they can spend less time disciplining unruly students and spend more time teaching.
PE teacher degrees should prepare you to become a licensed teacher in Oregon. The Oregon Teaching Standards and Practices Commission allows new graduates to pursue a Preliminary Teaching License. You must pass the Oregon Educator Licensure Assessment in the area of physical education to become licensed.
Working with a Physical Education Degree in Oregon
When you start working in Oregon, you may work in any number of districts. Flexibility is important. If you work in a large district, you may teach a select few grades in a small range. If you work for a rural district, physical education teachers may teach at all grade levels and travel between schools.
The demand for teachers is on the rise in Oregon. Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers and secondary school teachers are expected to swell 9% (O*Net, 2016).
Average salaries in Oregon are slightly higher than nationally reported averages. The mean income for an elementary school teacher in Oregon is $58,030 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Secondary school teachers currently earn an average of $60,730 per year (BLS, 2016).
Major change is coming to Oregon physical education. Take advantage of this huge overhaul by learning more about physical education teacher degrees and furthering your education.
Check out local schools below and contact them for more information.
