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Physical Education Degrees in Missouri

With students facing an increasing amount of academic pressure, extracurricular activities, and home responsibilities, physical activity and healthy eating often get forgotten. Kids are naturally energetic and active, but restricting their playtime and their activity levels can quickly transition them into a sedentary lifestyle.

Physical education teachers in Missouri are dedicated to stopping this trend by helping children develop an enjoyment of sports and appreciate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

As a physical education teacher in Missouri, you may be able to empower students to improve their lifelong health through the decisions they make now.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in Missouri

There are several PE teaching degrees that can prepare you for teaching certification in Missouri.

Compare your options at schools near you by requesting information below.

Although research clearly supports the need for physical education and schools, educators still have to advocate to keep their funding, class time, and class space. By getting involved in local physical education groups, you can become part of a strong community of teachers who promote health.

Some of the goals of the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance include protecting physical education and legislative areas, implementing best practices for physical education and health, increasing awareness of physical education benefits, and enhancing community wellness programs. Even as a student, you may be able to volunteer and start to make a name for yourself in Missouri education.

For you, the next step is comparing PE teacher programs. Missouri schools aim to graduate teachers who are ready to change the face of education.

Get more information from the schools listed below.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in Missouri

Consider everything that a gym teacher does during the day and you may quickly see why training is so important for this career path. Before you can become licensed as a teacher, you need a Bachelor’s degree.

Most students choose to simply earn a Bachelor’s degree in physical education. Those who already have an undergraduate degree may opt for Master’s degree programs or alternative certification programs.

For a Bachelor’s degree, you need to earn at least 120 credits and meet strict classroom experience requirements. In the early stages of education, you may get some teaching experience to help you start getting acclimated to a school environment. Theory courses help you build your skills and think about how to apply them in the classroom.

Courses that may be required at the undergraduate level include:

  • Healthy Lifestyles: Preventive Approaches
  • Foundations of Physical Education
  • Applied Human Anatomy
  • Team Sports
  • Recreational and Aerobic Dance Techniques
  • Athletic Injuries
  • Individual and Dual Sports
  • Teaching K-4 Physical Education
  • Motor Learning in Physical Education
  • Social Basis of Physical Activity and Sport
  • Sport Theory
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Philosophy of Physical Education

Plan on developing your teaching skills consistently each semester through classroom observation, field experience courses, and teaching seminars. It’s important to build your classroom confidence as much as possible, since student teaching puts you in a local school for a full semester.

While working with one or more gym teachers, you discover how Missouri teaching standards play out in the classroom and how you can maintain order in your classes while ensuring that students learn. The connections you make at area schools can possibly lead to job opportunities, so make a good impression and stay in touch with your professional contacts.

Once you have made it through your student teaching experience, you earn your physical education degree. This is required for licensure in Missouri. Through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, you apply for a teaching license. Like many other states, Missouri licenses PE teachers to teach kindergarten through 12th grade. You must take a licensing test and earn a passing score. Missouri uses their own unique licensing exams.

Your education has the benefit of showing you why your area of study is so important. Throughout your degree, you may analyze current education research and find out how physical education improves the student experience.

Your readings may uncover connections between physical activity, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Furthermore, you may see for yourself how gym classes help students focus and do well in other subjects.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in Missouri

When you begin working as a gym teacher, your responsibilities may vary from semester to semester. Small districts with limited funds may have gym teachers teach at multiple schools, rather than having a separate gym teacher for each facility. In a larger school district, you may have a set grade that you teach all year long.

Compare options when you get close to graduating to find out what is available for you.

Salaries fluctuate a bit across Missouri, since they are partially determined by individual school districts. Elementary school teachers with a degree in physical education report an average salary of $52,920 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Secondary school teachers claim an average income of $47,960 annually (BLS, 2016).

The job outlook in Missouri is fairly bright, so this may be an excellent time to get involved in education. O*Net anticipates a 10% increase in elementary school teaching jobs through the year 2022 (2016). Secondary school teachers may experience a 4% increase in job openings during this time (O*Net, 2016).

One of the best things teachers can do for their students is ensure that they maintain their physical health, as physical health is a huge factor in overall quality of life. Find out how to become a PE teacher and what the next step is by reaching out to Missouri schools below.