Physical Education Degrees in Tennessee
Educational research has shown time and time again that kids who struggle with their health are less likely to succeed academically. This finding indicates that students who do not have support at home, do not get enough physical activity, or have poor diets may be less likely to succeed than students who have these types of support.
What does this mean for you if you are considering a career as a physical education teacher?
It means that the work you can do after you graduate is extremely important. Not only can you help students make positive changes to their physical health and well-being, you can increase their chances of success in academic subjects.
Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Tennessee
Starting a new career is a big step, and many new students want to make sure that they are making the right choice. Teacher education programs can help.
Contact the Tennessee teaching schools below to talk more about your options and which option best suits you.
One of the benefits of becoming a PE teacher is the amount of support you may enjoy throughout your career. The Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance supports teachers in their efforts to make their students healthier and more active.
As physical education initiatives have taken root all over the country, Tennessee educators have taken up the call and dedicated themselves to helping students succeed. In the TENN is IN: 50 Million Strong program, physical education teachers have pledged to encourage healthy lifestyles in and out of the classroom, promote health education in Tennessee, and motivate other health and gym teachers to offer the best education possible.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and get involved in the field of education, don’t wait any longer. Learn how to become a gym teacher by contacting Tennessee programs today.
Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Tennessee
As you start to compare Tennessee programs, you may see that there are several ways you can get your initial teacher certification in this state.
The most widely available option in Tennessee is the Bachelor’s degree program, a four-year program that provides a thorough education in health and teaching while preparing students for licensure. However, students that already have a Bachelor’s degree may have other options to consider.
An alternative certification program may help you get certified more quickly, while a Master’s degree in physical education may qualify you for more administrative career paths.
If you decide to complete a Bachelor’s degree, plan on earning about 120 credits while studying pedagogy, teaching techniques, teaching research, specialized physical education teaching methods, and physical health.
As important as theory is, it’s equally crucial to know how to apply it. From the very first semester of your program, you may get experience in local classrooms and gym classes. This allows you to find your strengths, figure out where you need to improve, and learn about school districts that may suit your work environment preferences.
Courses Offered in Physical Education Teacher Degrees
- Games, Gymnastics, and Rhythms
- Fitness Education K-12
- Pedagogy of Physical Education
- Adapted Physical Education
- Concepts and Tactics of Teaching Games
- Motor Behavior
- Educational Rhythms for Teachers
- Authentic Assessment in Teaching Physical Education
- Curriculum in Physical Education
- Elementary Physical Education Teaching Methods
- Secondary Physical Education Teaching Methods
The more time you spend with students while earning a degree, the more you may be ready to jump into your career. For that reason, it’s important to make the most of every teaching experience course you take.
Ask questions of your supervising teacher, ask for feedback on how you can improve, and stay involved in each gym class as much as you can. The references you get during school rotations and student teaching experiences can make your job search much less stressful.
Throughout this process, you may find that becoming a licensed teacher involves a significant amount of work and study. However, the payoff can be huge. Teachers are some of the most important people in today’s society, since they literally shape the minds of those who will determine Tennessee’s future.
The United States has suffered in health-related areas for several years, and when you become a physical education teacher, you have the power to change that in your community.
Working with a Physical Education Degree in Tennessee
After you graduate with a degree in physical education, the next step is becoming a certified teacher. Through the Tennessee Department of Education, you can submit your proof of education and take your licensing exams. The state requires two Praxis II exams: the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam and the Physical Education Content and Design exam.
Demand for teachers is growing all over Tennessee, a fact that may benefit you when your are ready to jump into your new career. O*Net anticipates a 15% increase in job openings for elementary school teachers by 2024 (2016). They expect demand for secondary school teachers to swell 8% during this time (O*Net, 2016).
Your salary may depend on which school district you work for and which grade levels you teach. Elementary school teachers report an average income of $49,470 per year and secondary school teachers bring in an average of $50,570 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Don’t put off your dreams of becoming a teacher any longer.
Get more information on earning a physical education degree today by contacting Tennessee schools below.
