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Physical Education Degrees in Kansas

Part of being a teacher is anticipating your students’ needs based on their age, developmental stage, and behavior. Physical activity is consistently shown to help students lead happier, more fulfilling lives. It contributes to their physical health, their ability to concentrate, and their overall function.

Additionally, practicing sports in school may help kids find talents and skills that can give them meaning and fulfillment. If you are ready to devote your career to sports, fitness, and the pursuit of health, a career as a physical education teacher could be the ideal choice for you.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Kansas

PE teaching degrees in Kansas can help you thrive in districts throughout the state. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting field and request further information from Kansas teaching programs.

 

If you decide to work in the specialized area of physical education, you can look forward to having a strong support network that includes other teachers, administrators, fitness advocates, and parents. Health and fitness professionals throughout the state work toward improved health for Kansas residents through the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

One of the main responsibilities of this group is developing in-school programs that encourage kids to stay active during the summer and when they are not in school. Many of these programs also contribute to important causes in the community. Successful programs include Jump Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart, and Fuel Up to Play 60.

The benefits of a physical education career extend beyond your professional growth to impact students, school districts, and entire communities.

Contact the schools listed below to learn how to become a PE teacher in KS.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Kansas

Students deserve the best education they can possibly get, and the state of Kansas has high teaching standards to ensure that students have this opportunity. To qualify for licensure as a professional teacher, you must earn your undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited, approved teaching program in Kansas.

A Bachelor’s degree is the most popular option, since Master’s degree programs are often intended for working teachers. However, those who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree may be able to consider alternative certification options at certain Kansas schools.

If you decide to earn a Bachelor’s degree, plan on spending approximately four years in school. By the time you graduate, you need to have at least 120 credits. Depending on the school you attend, you may have even more. Your curriculum is broken up into several components.

First, you complete general education courses and apply for admission to the teaching program. From there, you get some field experience and began studying educational theories. In the final semester of your education, you work full-time as a student teacher to apply what you’ve learned, find out where you need to improve, and discover what it’s really like to work in a classroom.

However, before you get to the point of student teaching, you get to learn from experienced teachers and researchers in your field. In an undergraduate program, you may find yourself taking courses like:

  • Foundations in Physical Education
  • Individual Sports
  • Adventure Sports
  • Movement Concepts
  • Team Sports
  • The Education Profession
  • Kinesiology and Biomechanics
  • Health and Wellness Concepts for PreK-12 Teachers
  • Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
  • Motor Learning
  • Physiology of Exercise
  • Organization and Administration of Physical Education Programs
  • Instruction Strategies Assessment and Management

In Kansas, physical education teachers are licensed to teach all grade levels. That’s why it’s important for you to get hands-on experience working with classes from kindergarten through high school. You may find that you have an affinity for working with a specific age group, which may impact the jobs you apply for and the teaching experiences you seek out.

After you earn your degree, you should be ready to apply for your teaching license. The Kansas State Department of Education runs a criminal background check on all applicants. They review your application materials and verify your educational qualifications. You may receive your license after you earn a passing score on the Praxis II Physical Education Content and Knowledge exam.

The time you spend in school doesn’t just give you the teaching techniques you need to succeed. It also helps you appreciate the value of physical education in your school system. You should learn about the many benefits of regular physical activity and why it’s so important for students to get this opportunity. You may also learn about how physical education strengthens education as a whole by improving cognitive function and developing students’ self-esteem.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in Kansas

Once you start your teaching career, you are expected to uphold the teaching standards of Kansas. You should cover these standards thoroughly in your training. Keep in mind as you develop curricular plans and activities for your classes. The standards indicate that you should focus on movement competency, the learning and the improvement of motor skills, regular physical activity, maintenance of physical fitness, and appropriate physical and social behavior (Kansas Healthy Kids, 2016).

The need for teachers is increasing in Kansas, a fact that may have a positive influence on your job search. Through 2022, O*Net anticipates a 16% increase in elementary school teaching jobs and a 9% boost in secondary school teaching jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers in Kansas earn an average of $45,490 per year (2016). The average salary for a secondary school teacher is $47,680 per year (BLS, 2016).

Now that you’ve learned how to become a PE teacher, you are ready to start the path to a new career. Find out more about earning a physical education degree by contacting Kansas colleges and universities below.