The Department of Health, Human Movement, & Sport offers the degree in Physical Education with concentrations in elementary and secondary education (BS.PED.ESE) or Health and Physical Activity Promotion (BS.PED.HAP). The department makes a strong commitment towards a standards-based approach to the development of beginning educators.
The Department of Health, Human Movement, & Sport holds high expectations for their students' effort and behavior. As a result of this teacher educator program, students are expected to demonstrate a variety of goals, including, but not limited to;
- The ability to organize, develop, implement, and evaluate a physical education program (Pre-K-12 curriculum, athletic programs, health fitness programs)
- The recognition and incorporation of safety, risk management, and liability considerations in physical education programs.
- The ability to develop and implement an assessment plan consistent with national and/or state standards.
- The ability to develop accommodations for physical education program to meet the needs of all individuals. This includes an understanding of applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
In addition, each student choosing to become a teacher is responsible for developing a portfolio. The portfolio is constructed during all semesters of the undergraduate experience. The portfolio will demonstrate individual learning and growth as well as how the individual course work and field experiences work together to foster proficiency in meeting Vermont State regulations and standards for teacher preparation.
Courses within the department and at field experiences in local schools and community organizations focus on the skill, knowledge, and understanding necessary to be successful in contemporary educational settings. Field practical experiences are those in which the student becomes part of a collaborative relationship in a school and/or community setting. They are an integral part of the teacher education experience. The role of the student becomes more complex as students advance in their program, which culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience. A minimum of 80 scheduled hours of field experience is required prior to student teaching.
Physical Education Teacher Education students are introduced to theory and practice of physical education beginning in their first year of study within the teaching major. The electronic portfolio process will allow students to demonstrate and assess their process towards the goals of the physical education teacher education program.
Two beginning-level pedagogy courses, PED 2420 - Foundations of Teaching Health and Physical Education , and PED 2410 - Curriculum and Instruction in Physical Education incorporate the production of evidence indicated by the Level I Licensure Portfolio. Two intermediate level pedagogy courses, PED 3070 - Methods of Teaching Elementary Physical Education , and PED 3140 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Physical Education incorporate additional portfolio requirements.
Between the student's first year until the semester leading up to student teaching, gateways will be used to assess teacher candidate progress through the program. Upon successful completion of PED 2420 and PED 2410 , students must satisfy the requirements of Physical Education Gateway I before proceeding with PED 3070 and PED 3140 .
Requirements for Physical Education Gateway I include:
- Receive a positive recommendation encouraging continuation in the program;
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.75;
- Earn a minimum within the major GPA of 2.75;
- Complete a minimum of 14 credits of 2000 and/or 3000 level course work within the Physical Education core;
- Make progress towards completion of the General Education Program;
- Submit electronic portfolio evidence completed in PED 2420 and PED 2410 that demonstrates progress in the student's understanding of an effective teaching and learning environment, and evidence of a commitment to one's personal development as a future professional;
- Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test for Educators or meet the alternative requirements.
Following completion of Gateway I, the program's emphasis will be on completing the requirements of the physical education major as well as honing pedagogical expertise in the field as well as the classroom. The Methods of Elementary Physical Education and the Methods of Secondary Physical Education courses will provide students with the opportunity to gain additional learning experiences using field-based inquiry, reflection, and analysis. Prospective teacher candidate will also continue to build their electronic portfolios by providing evidence that documents their understanding of the central connections between content and pedagogy.
Upon completion of Physical Education Gateway II, students may be accepted into the student teaching practicum. These Gateway II benchmarks are as follows;
- Complete the department's application to student teach the semester before enrolling in student teaching;
- Pass the first portion of their electronic portfolio, which includes evidence indicated by the Department of Health, Human Movement, & Sport;
- Have completed all physical education major and general education coursework; or, obtain permission from the Teacher Education Program Coordinator.
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a GPA of 3.0 within the physical education major; or written certification of intellectual competence by an academic dean;
- Receive a recommendation from members of the faculty to continue in the teacher education program.
- Through related coursework, complete a minimum of 80 hours of supervise field experience.
- Pass any additional teaching motor skills competency tests as required by the Department of Health, Human Movement, & Sport.
- Pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test for Educators;
- Pass the ETS Praxis II Physical Education content exam; if the student does not pass the Praxis II examination for physical education, the physical education program coordinator may permit the student to develop and submit a written plan outlining the strategies by which he or she intends to strengthen content area. This plan must be approved by the physical education program coordinator.