Department of Health and Human Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
121 credits*
Introduction
The study of Physical Education and Health involves courses in Kinesiology, Behavioral and Cultural Foundations, Health Education, Physical Education pedagogy, and educational foundations. These courses prepare individuals to effectively teach pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students’ motor skills and movement patterns; develop their understanding of movement concepts, skills, and strategies; and facilitate students’ knowledge of health related concepts related to lifelong fitness and health.
The Physical Education and Health P-12 major must be accompanied by the Secondary Education Professional Program offered through Woodring College of Education.
*36 credits from the Secondary Education program including the student teaching internship. This major leads to an endorsement in health and fitness for grades P-12. For questions about the teacher certification process or when to apply, contact PE/Health Education Advisor Dr. Washburn at 360-650-7709 or Nick.Washburn@wwu.edu. For additional information, see the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Why Consider a Teaching Certification in P-12 Physical Education and Health Major?
This major provides concentrated study of Physical and Health Education. Completion of requirements leads to Teacher Certification in P-12 Physical Education and Health (Health and Fitness). The program is unique in that it consists of four sequential five-credit blocks in Physical Education pedagogy with practicum experiences at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels in diverse teaching environments, allowing students concentrated time to develop teaching strategies while working with children and adolescents in the school based setting. Ongoing analysis of teaching effectiveness is incorporated throughout the program. The health component requires a series of 17 credits of coursework and practica in a health education setting which is integrated into PE 441P. The number of students admitted into the program is limited.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Students desiring entry into the program should follow the process outlined below:
- Meet the minimum qualifications of the Woodring College of Education admissions process. Students must apply to Woodring’s Secondary Education program by the September 1 deadline before applying to the physical education and health (PEH) P-12 program the following fall. Students who do not meet the minimum qualifications of Woodring College of Education cannot apply for entry into the PEH P-12 program.
- Meet with a department advisor to declare the pre-major and outline a plan of study.
- Enroll in KIN 308, PE 340 and BIOL 348 fall quarter.
NOTE: BIOL 348 and KIN 308 may be taken prior to fall quarter.
- Submit a completed application packet for the PEH P-12 program early in October. See advising coordinator in CV 201A for exact application date and hard copy of program application. Students are encouraged to submit applications as soon as they meet the minimum qualifications of Woodring College of Education.
- Successful completion (grade C or better) of BIOL 348, KIN 308, PE 340 is required before starting the PEH P-12 program in the winter quarter.
- Applications for the PEH P-12 program will be reviewed by faculty, and a limited number of candidates will be accepted into the program and notified prior to winter quarter. Criteria for acceptance are established by physical education faculty, and applications will be evaluated accordingly.
Grade Requirements
Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement and the academic major.
