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Physical Education Degrees in Connecticut

Education is one of the most important services in society, simultaneously improving the lives of individuals and advancing society as a whole. The state of Connecticut is impacted by both state legislation and federal education legislation.

If you want to become a teacher, it’s important to understand and be able to apply teaching standards and research. In the field of physical education, that means viewing children as whole beings and knowing that their physical health and mental health are closely connected.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Connecticut

Earning a physical education degree from an accredited teaching training program is the first step to becoming a competent, trusted educator at a Connecticut school.

Explore your options now by contacting CT schools for physical education teachers.

 

Throughout your career, you are required to follow the standards, ethics, and guidelines of the Connecticut State Department of Education. They note that an effective physical education program must meet the needs of children in terms of nutrition, physical health, and balanced living habits.

This agency espouses the benefits of regular, structured physical education. These benefits include improvements in cognitive health, affective health, and psychomotor health. Long-term, physical education can improve performance in literacy, motor skills, and wellness activities.

Clearly, committing to a career in physical education can positively impact the children of Connecticut. Discover how you can contribute to this area of teaching by checking out the list of Connecticut programs below.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Connecticut

As you start to contact Connecticut schools and weigh your options, be sure that you only consider schools approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education. They have rigorous standards for teacher training programs, and you can only become licensed by attending an approved program.

To graduate from a teacher training program, you must display competence and current knowledge in a variety of subject areas. Connecticut curricular requirements include coursework in exercise science, pedagogical analysis, pedagogical techniques, and teaching philosophy. You grow in traditional theory-based courses and clinical field experiences in multiple schools in your area.

Before you complete your student teaching course and graduate, you may attend classes like:

  • Physical Education Curriculum Materials
  • Adaptive Physical Education
  • Applied Anatomy and Physiology
  • Physiological Basis of Movement
  • Technology and Assessment in Physical Education
  • Motor Development
  • Individual Activities and Games
  • Team Activities and Games
  • Elementary School Activities
  • Teaching, Organization and Administration

Student teaching is the capstone experience of your degree. After learning how to become a gym teacher and proving your knowledge of teaching techniques, you put your skills to work in a semester-long student teaching experience.

As you work with students in different grades and activity levels, you develop your teaching persona and gain the confidence you need to teach independently. You are assessed by your supervising teacher, so it is crucial to exceed standards and expectations as a student teacher.

You can move toward teaching licensure after finishing your student teaching coursework and graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. All in all, this takes about four years of full-time study.

At this point, you submit your transcripts and student teaching hours to the Connecticut State Department of Education. Once they’ve received proof of a passing score on the ETS Praxis II Physical Education Content and Design exam, you may earn your teaching license.

As a new teacher, you can see the effects of your hard work pay off. You can use your knowledge of research to effectively teach students, help students of all skill levels enjoy fitness activities and sports, and build strong connections with teachers in your district. The more time you spend in this field, the more you can see that physical education is a core part of every Connecticut school.

Your path to a teaching career can start right now. Use the list of schools below to contact teaching programs near you.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in Connecticut

The teaching shortage is a prominent issue in many states, which is clear in Connecticut. Between 2012 and 2022, demand for elementary school teachers may swell 15% in Connecticut (O*Net, 2016).

This decade may see an 8% boost in secondary school teaching jobs (O*Net, 2016). Depending on the size of your district, you may teach in an elementary school, a middle school, or a high school. Small districts may require gym teachers to travel to different facilities throughout the day.

Teaching salaries in Connecticut tend to be somewhat higher than national averages. Elementary school teachers in Connecticut earn an average of $75,700 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Secondary school teachers report an average income of $75,190 annually (BLS, 2016).

The early years of your teaching career may have a steep learning curve, which is why it’s important to take advantage of any learning opportunities you can. Get in touch with other gym teachers by joining a group like the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Help create a healthier, happier Connecticut with a teaching career. Make your move now by requesting information on Connecticut physical education degrees below.