Teach the power of movement

A deep understanding of science of human movement combined with learning the best practices of teaching prepares you to make a difference as an educator. You’ll graduate prepared to teach physical education at the elementary, middle, and high-school levels. We also offer endorsements in health education and coaching.

A Student Perspective

Parker pursued a P.E. degree at Iowa State to help children learn the importance of physical activity in living a healthy life.  

“It’s nice to be able to make things happen here (in P.E. class) that can influence them the rest of their lives,” shared Parker. 

Iowa State’s P.E. Teacher Program

With Iowa State’s physical education teacher education option, you will graduate with the coursework and experience you need to be recommended for teacher licensure to then teach grades K-12. You’ll also have an in-depth understanding of human movement – because you’ll be part of the Kinesiology and Health Department and the School of Education.

Kinesiology and health curriculum will teach you age-appropriate educational movement and fitness activities along with a multitude of teaching strategies.

The School of Education curriculum will integrate courses in teaching methodology with professional skills. The curriculum will prepare you for licensure, as recommended by Iowa State University to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

Coursework Includes:

  • Motor learning and control
  • Bio-mechanical aspects of human movement
  • Physiology of exercise
  • Sport psychology
  • Methods of teaching physical education and dance
  • Adapted physical education
  • Physical education curriculum design and program organization
  • Multicultural awareness and non-sexism in the classroom
  • Professional activity/skills classes including team sports, individual sports, dance, and more

Heath and Coaching Authorization endorsements can also be added to your academic plan.

School of Education

The ISU School of Education Educator Preparation Program monitors the progress of all teacher education students and coordinates the licensure process. Students must apply to the School of Education after they have started their physical education teacher education coursework.

You will have three core steps in your teacher education process:

  1. Admission to the Educator Preparation program (typically at the end of your first year)
  2. Student teaching
  3. Licensure (application submitted at the beginning of your student teaching semester)

Admission Requirement Details

The School of Education has a list of requirements to meet before applying for admission to the educator preparation program. The Department of Kinesiology and Health has additional requirements:

  • Completion of KIN 280 or 281 approved 10 hours of pre-student teaching field experience.
  • Completion of two or more of the following PETE fundamentals courses; KIN 231, 232, 236, or DANCE 211.
  • Demonstrate character and desire to be a teacher – faculty will complete an evaluation form.