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Physical Education Degrees in Kentucky

Today’s students are busy, no doubt about it. Between increasing educational standards, a greater variety of extracurricular activities, and home responsibilities, certain tasks fall to the wayside.

Over the years, fitness and physical activity have been pushed to the side. This trend is changing, due in part to the fact that decreased physical activity has been linked to higher obesity rates, poor academic function, and reduced emotional regulation skills.

That’s why many schools are investing more and more in physical education and setting strict requirements for how much time students spend in physical education classes. If you want to do your part to turn this trend around and help students create lasting fitness habits, you may be an excellent candidate for a physical education teaching program.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Kentucky

Healthy lifestyles are the result of collaboration between many groups of people. Contact Kentucky schools to learn how to become a physical education teacher and do your part to reach the next generation.

 

Physical education teachers are doing very important things in Kentucky, creating a tidal wave of change in the state. When you begin your education and your career, you can benefit from groups like the Kentucky Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

Professionals in this group aim to successfully reach students in schools, in the community, and at home. They run seminars and training events that aspire to improve physical education in Kentucky schools, with teams like outdoor physical education and healthy eating. Teachers in this group provide insight into strengthening physical education curricula, increasing physical literacy, and helping kids get excited about fitness.

Ready to find out which education program is a good fit for your skills and interests? Get started by reaching out to teaching programs in Kentucky.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Kentucky

Earning a degree in physical education takes approximately four years for most Kentucky students. With a Bachelor’s degree in physical education, you can develop the teaching skills you need while learning about kinesiology, exercise science, and childhood development. In a Bachelor’s degree program, you must earn 120 credits, a requirement that includes several in-school teaching experiences.

In addition to general education courses, you may take classes like:

  • Principles of Human Anatomy
  • Nutrition and Physical Fitness
  • Human Nutrition and Wellness
  • Elementary Physiology
  • Curriculum Design and Developmental Sports Skills in Elementary Schools
  • Physical Education in the Elementary School
  • Physical Education in the Secondary School
  • Teaching Exceptional Learners
  • Methods of Teaching Health Education

As noted, physical education experience is crucial. However, you shouldn’t wait until your final student teaching experience to become a competent teacher. Rather, consider PE teaching degrees Kentucky options that get you into a variety of schools early and often.

The quicker you start working with real students, the more comfortable you should be by the time you graduate. However, student teaching really is one of the most important aspects of your education.

As a student teacher, you maintain the same hectic schedule as a licensed teacher, learn from their experience, and eventually take on teaching responsibilities of your own in your classroom. The references and reviews you get from your student teaching time are a huge factor in your employment search, so work hard to make a good impression on teachers and administrators.

Getting experience in the field of education can help you get the most out of your training. If you plan on working while earning your degree, consider looking for employment opportunities at after-school programs, tutoring facilities, or athletic programs for kids.

Through the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, you can apply for your teaching license. They license physical education teachers to teach at all grade levels, which means that you must pass the Praxis II Physical Education Content and Knowledge exam to get a license.

When it comes to graduates with PE teacher degrees, Kentucky schools have a lot to gain. Highly trained gym teachers can create activities that fit the developmental needs of students, help kids burn excess energy, and give students a new environment in which to succeed and build self-esteem. This is particularly beneficial for kids who may not have a knack for common academic subjects, since it gives them the chance to prove themselves in other areas.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in Kentucky

Your responsibilities and daily tasks depend on the district you work for after graduation and which grade level you teach. In general, it’s good to remember Kentucky physical education standards when planning and carrying out activities.

Gym standards indicate that teachers should plan activities that build and maintain bone and muscle strength, reduce the risk of obesity, promote mental well-being among students, and strengthen academic performance. This is a tall order, but the training you get at Kentucky teaching programs should give you everything you need to reach these goals.

Overall demand for teachers is rising steadily in Kentucky. According to O*Net, job openings for elementary school teachers may increase 14% between 2012 and 2022, while job openings for secondary school teachers may jump 7% during this time frame (O*Net, 2016).

Your salary may be influenced by the type of school you work in. Elementary school teachers in Kentucky earn, on average, $51,920 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). The average income for a secondary school teacher is $53,430 per year (BLS, 2016).

With the right training and encouragement, you can teach an entire generation of students to build and maintain healthy habits. Learn what your next step is by contacting Kentucky teacher education programs below.