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Kinesiology
WIU Home > COEHS > Kinesiology > Undergraduate Programs > Physical Education Teacher
Physical Education Teacher Education
Physical education teacher education (PETE) is the study and practice
of the art and science of teaching movement. The WIU PETE program is
focused on developing teacher expertise based upon knowledge of the
scientific disciplines related to movement, the skills and motor
patterns of many physical activities, strategic implementation of
pedagogical techniques, and data based reflection and self-evaluation
of teaching opportunities.
A focus of the WIU PETE program is to instruct pre-service
teachers using cutting edge information of the disciplines, physical
activities, and methods of teaching physical education so that
graduates can make an immediate impact on their students. Pre-service
teachers in this program are instructed to put curriculum and learning
theory into practice to facilitate success as a physical educator for
years to come in any school context. In particular, pre-service
teachers will have many opportunities to “learn by doing”. Pre-service
teachers spend many hours in the field teaching elementary, middle,
and high school physical education classes prior to their student
teaching experience.
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical education teacher education
is the first step toward developing expertise as a teacher of physical
activity at a time when the health of a large percentage of the nation
is threatened with diseases related to sedentary lifestyles.
Admission Requirements
Western Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action educational institution and does not discriminate in any aspect of its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled veteran.
High school seniors and graduates interested in attending Western Illinois University should write to the Office of Admissions for application forms or obtain an application from the high school guidance office or community college counseling/transfer center. An electronic application may be accessed at http://www.admissions.wiu.edu/application.
Handbook of Program Policies and Procedures for Physical Education Majors
Teacher Certification Links
- AAHPERD
- IAHPERD-- Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
- Human Kinetics
- PE CENTRAL
