Teaching Children How to Be Healthy and Active
Regular physical activity as children will help kids be happier, healthier adults. You want to teach kids to be healthy and stay healthy. In IUP's K–12 Teacher Education BSEd in Health and Physical Education, you'll learn how to develop and strengthen children's bodies inside and out.
Why Major in K–12 Teacher Education in Health and Physical Education at IUP?
As a K–12 health and physical education (HPE) teacher, you'll play a critical role in improving the overall well-being of children. You'll teach them the skills and information they'll need to lead healthy lives.
In IUP's K–12 teacher education program, you'll benefit from:
- Faculty with years of experience who are leaders in the field.
- A health and physical education program that's among the top in the state and the region.
- A strong alumni network of HPE teachers across the country who can help open doors for networking and job opportunities.
And IUP health and physical education students consistently win state-level awards as future professionals in health and physical education.
Our program will prepare you to teach both health and physical education in grades K–12. Wherever your career takes you, this bachelor's degree from IUP will give you the foundation to be a successful health and physical education teacher.
Imagine Your Future
Pennsylvania Teacher Certification is accepted in nearly every state. This means you can look for a K–12 teaching position anywhere in the country. Stay local. Or experience somewhere different.
The bachelor in K–12 teacher education in health and physical education leads to two separate teacher certifications:
- Health Education certificate
- Physical Education certificate
To be even more marketable, earn an additional certification. Add the safety education/driver’s education teacher certification to your teaching license. IUP is the only university in Pennsylvania that offers you this certificate opportunity.
Some of the fields outside of the classroom that want your expertise include:
- Adapted physical activity
- Adventure tourism
- Aquatics
- Coaching
- Community outreach
- Parks and recreation
- Wellness
- Women’s health
General teaching salary
Classes and Requirements
Your classes and student teaching experiences will get you ready to teach both health and physical education.
Classes are designed to be taken in a specific order—each class is a step toward your next class. The background and skills you'll learn will help you become a high-quality teacher candidate.
Practical application of what you're studying and experiential learning opportunities make sure you're ready to start teaching.
Student teaching in other territories and countries can be a great, eye-opening experience. The health and physical education program's most recent partnership is with Puerto Rico. If you are a student teacher in Puerto Rico, you'll teach at a school on a US military base.
Teacher Certification Requirements
All students seeking teacher certification must meet the requirements of the Three-Step Process for Teacher Education.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Early Admissions for Your MEd in Health and Physical Education
Students who pursue a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education at IUP are eligible to apply as an early admit for the MEd in Health and Wellness Education program. Students can apply in their junior year and take 12 graduate credits to get an early start on their graduate degree.
Student Teaching Abroad
If you're interested in what it's like to teach outside of the 50 states, you can pursue student-teaching experiences in other territories and countries.
The health and physical education program's most recent partnership is with a private school in Puerto Rico, where students teach at an English-speaking school.
Join the IUP HPED Majors Club
Are you interested in activities that add to your health and physical education studies? As a student member of the HPED Majors Club, you'll have the chance to
- Volunteer
- Participate in fundraising
- Travel to state and national conferences where you can meet peers and network with people in the field
IUP HPED students recently participated and presented at educational events in Nashville, Salt Lake City, Boston, and Tampa.
These experiences make great additions to your résumé.
Clubs and Activities
Health and physical education/K-12 Teacher Education majors can engage in activities outside of the classroom, deepening their commitment to an area of expertise.
James G. Mill Center for Health and Fitness
Here is where you can keep yourself fit. Enjoy the personal and clean atmosphere, work with accommodating staff, and experience the biomechanically correct equipment.
Add Teacher Certifications
The health and physical education program works with other IUP degree programs to give you opportunities to earn additional certifications.
Common add-on certifications include:
- Safety Education/Driver's Education
- Special Education
Athletic Coaching Certificate
If you’re interested in coaching athletes in your sports career, we recommend that you pursue IUP’s Athletic Coaching Certificate. You’ll earn a variety of certifications, including CPR, the American Sport Education Program Coaching Certificate, and Certified Special Olympics Coach. To obtain certification, students will be required to take courses during the winter and summer academic sessions.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Driver Education Certificate
Candidates for the driver education certification must possess, or be a candidate for, a valid Pennsylvania certificate in any area of certification.
Students must request the certificate in driver education when they apply for graduation. For students who have already graduated, contact the Office of the Dean, College of Education and Communications, for correct procedures.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this certificate.
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