Physical Education
专业介绍
Welcome to the Physical Education Teacher Education program! We believe great PE teachers help students grow into healthy, happy, and helpful humans. Our unique PE teacher preparation program has dedicated faculty with decades of experience who are committed to guiding you to be the best teacher you can be.
The Physical Education program is not one of the larger programs in the state, but we think it is one of the best. More than once, a retired Health and Physical Education Curriculum Director from a school district in Wisconsin told us our graduates are better prepared than students coming out of any other program. We feel good about that.
In addition to the Physical Education major, we also offer a minor in Adapted Physical Education and a minor in Health Education. The Adapted minor is important for teaching at all levels and the Health minor is important for teaching at the secondary level. You can develop the program to fit your needs and graduate with just the Physical Education major, the major and one minor, or the major and both minors.
The UW–Madison School of Education Teacher Pledge can financially support your dreams of becoming a teacher. You pledge to teach in Wisconsin PK-12 schools for 3-4 years after graduation. In return, we pledge to pay the equivalent of in-state tuition and fees, testing, and licensing costs.
We are committed to transforming physical education into a powerful experience in which students develop physical, mental, and social skills for life. To that end, our program includes the following elements:
- Standards-based curriculum models
- Culturally responsive teaching techniques in inclusive and multicultural settings
- Social and emotional learning that incorporates community building and behavior management
Physical Education students also benefit from:
- Nationally and state-recognized faculty and staff members
- Student teaching placements in urban, suburban, or rural settings, depending on the needs of the individual
- Small class sizes and advising groups
- A strong science and technology-based curriculum
- Instruction within the #1 nationally ranked UW–Madison School of Education
From the beginning, you will get to work with students from diverse educational backgrounds, ensuring you will be prepared to thrive in any setting after graduation. We offer many “out-of-the-classroom” opportunities to strengthen and expand your physical education knowledge, and proudly have a presence in Special Olympics, adapted clubs, and local Boys & Girls Clubs.
You’ll also have a chance to study abroad and take our team-building course in Costa Rica! We go every May after the spring semester, and our students learn how to create a safe, inclusive learning community in a unique cultural setting.
Throughout the Physical Education program, you’ll observe PE teachers, team teach home-schooled elementary students, and participate in community service opportunities in the Madison area. In your final year at UW, you’ll be mentored by veteran PE teachers who use various PE curriculum models: Adventure Learning, Fitness Education, Teaching Games for Understanding, and Sport Education. These invaluable teaching practices will prepare you for the joys and responsibilities of your own PE classroom.
Physical Education students also have the opportunity for professional growth as they earn their degree. Students have given presentations at the Wisconsin, Midwest, and national Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) conferences. Several students have recently served in leadership positions at the state and district levels.
The world needs individuals like you who want to make a difference through physical education. We are excited you want to be a part of the movement!
On, Wisconsin!
