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Physical Education Degrees in Alaska

Children go to school for many reasons, and not all of them are based in mastering academic subjects. The education children get at Alaska schools should prepare them to become contributing, healthy members of society. That’s why physical education is so important.

The earlier children learn healthy habits, the more likely they are to turn them into lifelong habits and routines. Becoming a physical education teacher gives you the chance to instill a love of fitness and activity in students.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Alaska

Physical education teachers in Alaska are responsible for teaching students of all ages and backgrounds. Contact Alaska physical education programs to find out how you can get started on this rewarding career path.

 

Physical activity is a major priority in Alaska schools. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services reports that only 16% of Alaska secondary school students attended daily physical education classes in 2013 (2016). This statistic is half the national average of 32%.

They outline a number of goals for physical education programs in the state. They note that quality physical education should teach general and specialized movement skills, strengthen motor skills, put children in a position to develop meaningful fitness habits, and help children learn appropriate behaviors in group settings.

In total, elementary school students should get at least 150 minutes of physical education per week. This number increases to 225 minutes per week for secondary school students.

These standards are an important part of the future of education and health in Alaska.

Contact Alaska schools for physical education teachers to find out how you can contribute.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Alaska

If you want to become a physical education teacher, there are two main routes you can take. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you can earn a Bachelor’s degree in physical education through a teacher certification program in Alaska. This route requires four years of full-time study, student teaching, and the completion of 120 credits.

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to get your teacher certification by earning a Master’s degree in physical education. This option requires an additional two years of study and about 30 credits.

The curriculum for a teacher education program is diverse and complex. Not only do you have to master physical education, your chosen subject area, you have to develop a comprehensive understanding of teaching theories and standards.

Courses that are commonly required in physical education teacher schools’ curricula include:

  • Issues in Alaska Native Education
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • History of Education
  • Inclusive Teaching and Learning
  • Kinesiology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Methods in Elementary Physical Education
  • Methods in Secondary Physical Education
  • Student Teaching

After you select a school, you typically have to complete some general education courses before you can be accepted to the teacher education program. You need to pass the initial Praxis exam to demonstrate your general knowledge and capacity to become a teaching professional.

From there, you jump into your courses. You may complete a field experience course and work in a variety of settings throughout your education, a requirement that helps you gradually build your practical teaching abilities. At the conclusion of your program, you must complete one semester of student teaching experience.

This may all take place at the same grade level, or you may work with a variety of grade levels to develop your skills in different areas.

You may find that there are many reasons to study physical education and build a career in this area. Students who get plenty of physical activity tend to perform better in other classes, as they have a healthy outlet for their energy. As a physical education teacher, you can help students as well as your fellow teachers. This impacts the field of education as a whole.

After earning a degree, you are close to being able to start your physical education career. However, you must get your state practice license through the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. They require all applicants to pass the Basic Competency Exam.

As a physical education student, you must also past the Physical Education Content Knowledge Exam. Once the department verifies your educational credentials and completes your background check, you may be eligible to get your license and begin working.

As a physical education teacher, you can spend your days doing something you love and helping kids lead healthier lives. Get more information on physical education degrees by contacting Alaska schools below.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in Alaska

Salaries and job opportunities vary throughout Alaska, given the remote layout of the state. Alaska has a fairly significant teacher shortage, since few people want to work in the extremely rural parts of the state (Fairbanks News Miner, 2016).

If you’re willing to go where you are needed, you may secure a strong compensation package as an Alaska teacher.

The job outlook is stable in Alaska. Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net expects to see a 10% increase in jobs for elementary school teachers and secondary school teachers (2016).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that elementary school teachers earn an average of $71,350 per year (2016). The average salary for a secondary school teacher is $82,020 per year (BLS, 2016).

As Alaska’s teacher shortage continues, earning a specialized teaching degree may help you thrive in this field. Request information from the schools below to find out how to become a PE teacher.