Physical Education Degrees in Virginia
When schools across America cut physical education to make more room for academic subjects, students suffered. Not only did they have a greater risk of becoming overweight or obese, they did not get enough physical activity to get rid of excess energy and focus in the classroom.
That is why physical education is a significant priority in the United States, particularly in states like Virginia. If you are considering a career in teaching, you may choose to focus on the field of physical education.
Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Virginia
How do physical education teachers make life better for students and other teachers? Find out how you can make a difference in this field by contacting Virginia schools today.
One of the benefits of working in physical education is the strong community that exists in this area of study. Physical education teachers and those in related fields advocate for a healthier Virginia through groups like the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. If you join this group as a student, you may connect with experienced gym teachers and learn more about the long-term goals of this field.
You may also get the chance to attend specialized training events and seminars.
As the field of education grows, you may find that this is a great time to learn how to become a PE teacher in VA.
Explore options below and get in touch with schools in your area.
Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Virginia
The most common way to become a teacher in Virginia is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in physical education. A teacher education program prepares you for the certification process in Virginia by providing you with experience in local schools, educating you on teaching methods and research, and exploring teaching standards in Virginia.
To earn a Bachelor’s degree in physical education, plan on earning at least 120 credits over a period of four years. Your curriculum should include general education classes, teaching courses, and physical education coursework.
Physical Education Coursework in Virginia
- PK-12 Instructional Technology
- Foundations of Education, Physical Education, and Health
- Aquatics and Outdoor Education
- Personal and Community Health
- Teaching Sports and Dance
- Methods and Materials in Teaching Physical Education
- Human Growth and Motor Development
- Adapted Physical Education
- Physiology of Exercise
- Nutrition and Fitness Education
As you look into local teaching programs, you may find that you need a lot of classroom experience to get a physical education degree. Since physical education teachers are licensed to teach grades pre-K through high school, experience with children of different ages is essential.
The most significant teaching experience of your education is student teaching, a semester-long experience in which you focus on teaching classes, assessing students, and taking on the full duties of a physical education teacher.
During this experience, you are paired with a licensed PE teacher. This teacher should provide feedback, assess your progress, and help you grow professionally. Some students who do extremely well in their student teaching experience go on to work at their student teaching site after graduation.
After you have your Bachelor’s degree, you can apply for your teaching license through the Virginia Department of Education. All teaching applicants must pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment. However, you must also pass the Praxis II Physical Education Content and Knowledge test.
Working with a Physical Education Degree in Virginia
One of the best parts of earning a degree in physical education in Virginia is the strong job outlook in this state. Between 2014 and 2024, O*Net expects job openings for elementary school teachers and secondary school teachers to swell 11% (2016).
The average annual salary for a Virginia elementary teacher is $63,330 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Secondary teachers in this state claim an average income of $65,010 per year (BLS, 2016).
Work experiences vary from person to person. If you secure a position in a busy school district, you may be assigned to specific grades and classes. However, if you work in a more rural area, you may travel between schools within your district and teach students of different grade levels. No matter what, the training you get from an accredited teaching school is a huge part of your success.
If you are ready to use your passion for teaching to encourage healthy habits, browse the list of Virginia teacher education programs below and request information on PE teacher degrees today.
