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Physical Education Degrees in West Virginia

Physical education has seen a resurgence across the United States. The decline in physical education led to children who had difficulty focusing, did not spend enough time on physical activity, and struggled with their health as adults.

Since teaching research overwhelmingly supports the inclusion of gym at all grade levels, West Virginia schools are back to regularly scheduled gym classes. If you believe in the importance of physical health and you’re ready to dedicate your career to it, you could be a great PE teacher.

Role of Educators with a Physical Education Degree in West Virginia

 What does it take to become a gym teacher? Get information on specific requirements in West Virginia by contacting teaching programs below.

 

As the field of physical education has grown in West Virginia, the teaching community has evolved to give physical education teachers opportunities to network, build their skills, and stay on top of current research.

Once you are accepted to a teaching program, look into joining a professional organization like West Virginia Elementary Physical Education. This organization provides dozens of resources to elementary gym teachers, including annual training events, seminars, legislative updates, and networking opportunities.

Another established group in West Virginia is the West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Members participate in statewide events that advance public knowledge of PE programs and raise funds for West Virginia schools.

Take this chance to learn how to become a PE teacher. Compare school listings below and contact the ones that fit your needs.

Getting Your Physical Education Degree in West Virginia

Before you start planning the future of your teaching career and picking out courses, it’s important to figure out exactly which type of degree you need.

If you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, you may save time by enrolling in an alternative certification program or going through a two-year Master’s degree program.

However, since most aspiring teachers do not yet have a Bachelor’s degree, an undergraduate program in physical education licensure is the most popular option. This four-year degree requires at least 120 credits, although several West Virginia schools do require more.

While earning PE teacher degrees, WV students must be prepared to spend much of their time in area schools. Through classroom rotations and student teaching, you can gradually build your skills and use the knowledge gained in each semester of coursework.

PE Coursework Options in WV

  • Instructional Technology
  • Primary Movements
  • Group Fitness Leadership
  • Teaching Elementary Health and Physical Education
  • Collaborative Planning
  • Educational Psychology
  • Instructional Design
  • Content Reading in Physical Education
  • Physiology of Exercise

Your curriculum should be extremely complex and well-developed, since teaching is a major responsibility that demands a high level of knowledge. You should spend plenty of time studying general teaching theories and research, theories and techniques that are unique to physical education, and instructional assessment methods.

Regular and frequent school experience is essential, since you must be ready to combine your skills by your final semester of training. Your last semester is spent almost entirely in a local school, where you work alongside a licensed gym teacher and eventually take on full teaching responsibilities. The feedback and assessments you get from school administrators and educators can influence the search for your first teaching job.

Once you have earned your degree in physical education, you are ready to apply for your teaching license. This process is regulated by the West Virginia Department of Education. Like many other states, they require completion of the Praxis II Physical Education Content and Knowledge exam.

The extensive education and licensing requirements of the teaching industry are necessary to give children access to the best education possible. By mastering important concepts, learning how to connect with students, and becoming licensed, you can give your students the chance to develop a lifelong love of fitness and learning. This outcome benefits the field of teaching as a whole, West Virginia communities, and each individual student.

Working with a Physical Education Degree in West Virginia

Across the country, the demand for teachers has increased substantially in recent years. In particular, rural areas struggle to attract and retain licensed teachers. If you work in a rural part of West Virginia, you may have the chance to make a huge difference for a local community and its residents.

Whether you teach physical education at the elementary or secondary school level, you may find that salaries are fairly similar across West Virginia. Elementary school teachers claim an average annual income of $46,010 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Those who work in secondary schools report an average salary of $44,550 per year (BLS, 2016).

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most important careers in the world. Take the first step to an exciting and challenging teaching career now. Request information on earning a physical education degree from West Virginia schools below.