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Physical Education Degrees in New Hampshire

The role of research in education has improved school standards, schedules, and priorities. At one time, physical education was seen as a course that largely served entertainment purposes, letting kids play and learn about sports.

However, research on child development shows that regular physical activity is tied to overall improved health, academic performance, and emotional regulation. Physical education is not required in most schools, since it can help children focus better in academic courses and create lifelong healthy habits.

Learning how to become a gym teacher allows you to become part of this movement and improve the field of education in New Hampshire.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in New Hampshire

Gym teachers have been steadily increasing their role in New Hampshire education, which may make this the ideal time for you to become a teacher.

Get in touch with New Hampshire schools below to find out if this is the right specialty for you.

In response to the growing demand for physical education teachers, education professionals developed the New Hampshire Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. This organization hopes to encourage healthy lifestyles for all New Hampshire residents, but they primarily work with students.

Children are at the right point in their life to develop positive attitudes about health and fitness, a shift that could completely change the future of New Hampshire. As an aspiring gym teacher, you may join this group to learn about education standards, attend training programs, learn about New Hampshire legislation, and become part of the teaching community.

There’s no better time than right now to learn how to become a PE teacher. Our list of New Hampshire colleges and universities makes it easy to request information from the schools that catch your interest.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in New Hampshire

Even though physical education teachers are only licensed to teach this specific area of study, it is still important for you to have a broad general education that makes you a good fit in public and private schools.

A Bachelor’s degree provides that education. Most New Hampshire programs run in a similar format. They require you to complete general education courses in a variety of subjects before you apply for acceptance to the teaching program. Once you demonstrate your capacity to learn and master information, you may be accepted into the teaching program, at which point you begin your courses in physical education and teaching theory.

All in all, you should earn approximately 120 credits by the time you graduate. Many of these courses relate specifically to your teaching career. The courses listed below and courses similar to them are commonly required:

  • Elementary Physical Education Pedagogy
  • Secondary Physical Education Pedagogy
  • Contemporary Issues in Health
  • Biomechanics
  • Team Sports
  • Lifetime Sports
  • Movement and Gymnastics
  • Motor Development
  • Inclusion in Physical Education
  • Contemporary Perspectives in Education
  • Contemporary Issues in Education

Throughout your teaching career, you may work with students of all ages and needs. For that reason, your field experiences should be very diverse. Ideally, you should get experience in all grades, starting with kindergarten and going through high school.

Many programs allow students to get some field experience every semester, which is particularly helpful when you begin your job search and you have connections at local schools. During this time, you may also find out which grade you work best with and where you would like to focus your job search efforts.

Student teaching is perhaps the most important assessment of your teaching education. Although this full-semester course is only 12 credits in most cases, it involves over 40 hours of work per week. Your supervising teachers and administrators watch to see how you take feedback, use it, and grow as a teacher. If you do well, you may have the chance to secure a teaching position before you leave the school.

Working in local schools is a crucial part of your education, since it shows you how physical education fits into a student’s day and how it improve their overall quality of life. Don’t be afraid to talk with teachers in other specialty areas to discuss how physical education affects their students and their classroom time.

You may quickly see that physical education makes for happier, healthier students who are ready to take on academic challenges.

The New Hampshire Bureau of Credentialing oversees teacher licensing. After passing a background check, submitting your educational credentials, and passing the Praxis II, you may earn your K-12 teaching license.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in New Hampshire

The need for teachers is increasing in many parts of the country, a trend that has affected New England as well. Your salary and job outlook may depend on whether you choose to teach elementary school, middle school, or high school. Between 2012 and 2022, job openings for New Hampshire elementary school teachers may increase 11% (O*Net, 2016). Secondary school teachers may benefit from a 4% boost in demand during this time (O*Net, 2016). New Hampshire elementary school teachers currently claim an average salary of $55,650 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Those who teach secondary school earn an average of $56,850 annually (BLS, 2016).

Clearly, a physical education degree can have a significant impact on you, your community, and the state of New Hampshire. Learn more about how to become a PE teacher in NH by contacting the schools listed below.