Physical Education Teaching Major
Discover your calling in physical education teaching
Are you passionate about the health and wellness of children and adolescents? A major in physical education teaching prepares you to teach K-12 physical education in public and private schools.
As one of the oldest and largest physical education teaching programs in the Midwest, preparing PE teachers is part of UNI’s legacy. With small class sizes, superb facilities for activity classes and labs, and the in-depth field experience you can expect from UNI Teacher Education, you will feel fully supported as you work to achieve your degree. Not to mention, PE teachers are in high demand!
Career Placement
This career path is in high demand. In fact, our graduates have recently found 100% success in finding a job after graduation.
years of excellence
Become a part of the oldest and largest physical education teaching preparation program in Iowa.
teaching tech
State-of-the-art labs give you hands-on experience with exercise science-related content.
Interested in Majoring?
Contact us directly at:
Department of Kinesiology & Athletic Training
WRC 104
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0200
Phone: (319) 273-6854
Email: fabio.fontana@uni.edu
Courses and Facilities
Courses
Curious about what kind of courses you might be taking as a physical education major? Below is a course sampling to show just a few of the classes you’ll take on the way to your degree.
- Physical Activity and Nutrition for Health and Fitness
- Physical Education Teaching Methods
- Adapted Physical Education
- Physical Education and Technology
- Assessment Processes in Physical Education
- Administration and Curriculum Development in Physical Education
Upon successful completion of your degree, you’ll be recommended for endorsements for physical education K-8 and physical education 5-12.
Facilities
The Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC) serves as the primary instructional and research center for the undergraduate physical education program. The WRC contains state-of-the-art spaces designed for research, teaching and public service which include laboratories for exercise physiology, biomechanics, and psychomotor behavior in addition to a full complement of physical activity spaces.
Health Education
It’s becoming standard practice for physical education and health to be taught by the same teacher. Add on this minor and you can earn a K-8 or 5-12 health education teaching endorsement.
Coaching
Gain the skills and experience you need to become a successful coach in a sport you love — and qualify for the Iowa K-12 coaching endorsement.
Sport Administration
Expand your knowledge — and career options — by studying the business side of the sports industry.
Strength & Conditioning
Improve sport performance through effective strength and conditioning programs — and set the stage for national certifications.
Beyond the Classroom
Get Connected
Joining a student organization can help you get connected with your peers and gain experiences that prepare you for your career. And they look great on your resume! The Physical Education Teaching Club adds to your preparation through:
- participating in helpful training sessions,
- volunteering with local afterschool programs,
- hearing from experienced individuals in the field
- engaging in interview preparation with peers
Apply Your Knowledge
As with all UNI teaching majors, you’ll find yourself in a school gym or field early in your education. We want you to gain as much real, hands-on experience as possible before you graduate. You'll progress through diverse and extensive experiences:
- learning to conduct fitness assessments
- gaining exposure to adapted physical education for students with disabilities
- progressing through four levels of classroom placements where you'll observe, create lesson plans, get in-depth in both elementary and secondary settings and finish with student teaching in two schools for a full semester.
Be Recognized
An array of undergraduate scholarships exists at UNI, including some specific to physical education majors.
The Betty Swanson Endowed Outstanding PE-Teaching Award is one example. It's a scholarship opportunity for one or two graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and are pursuing a major in physical education K-12 teaching. This scholarship may be renewed if the selected student maintains academic criteria for methods of teaching courses and in activity courses required within the major.
Get Connected
Joining a student organization can help you get connected with your peers and gain experiences that prepare you for your career. And they look great on your resume! The Physical Education Teaching Club adds to your preparation through:
- participating in helpful training sessions,
- volunteering with local afterschool programs,
- hearing from experienced individuals in the field
- engaging in interview preparation with peers
Apply Your Knowledge
As with all UNI teaching majors, you’ll find yourself in a school gym or field early in your education. We want you to gain as much real, hands-on experience as possible before you graduate. You'll progress through diverse and extensive experiences:
- learning to conduct fitness assessments
- gaining exposure to adapted physical education for students with disabilities
- progressing through four levels of classroom placements where you'll observe, create lesson plans, get in-depth in both elementary and secondary settings and finish with student teaching in two schools for a full semester.
Be Recognized
An array of undergraduate scholarships exists at UNI, including some specific to physical education majors.
The Betty Swanson Endowed Outstanding PE-Teaching Award is one example. It's a scholarship opportunity for one or two graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and are pursuing a major in physical education K-12 teaching. This scholarship may be renewed if the selected student maintains academic criteria for methods of teaching courses and in activity courses required within the major.
Panther Success Stories
"I knew that being physically active was one of my biggest passions. All throughout my life, I played sports and especially loved Olympic weightlifting. I wanted to share what I love with others because physical activity has so many benefits for one's overall health and well-being. It truly is a lifetime activity."
Bri Netty, '22
Physical Education - Teaching, BA
Panther Success Stories
"I’ve built an immense network here, thanks to the tips and tricks of the faculty, and landed several jobs during my time here at UNI (from coaching Cedar Falls freshmen football to working as a facility manager at the Wellness and Recreation Center)."
Caleb Barker, '23
Physical Education Teaching
Panther Success Stories
"My area of expertise is physical competency, my ability to move my body in different forms of physical activity. I feel that my greatest accomplishment since entering the workforce is building rapport and relationships with my students."
Kate Jackson, '21
7-12 Physical and Health Education and JV Volleyball Coach, West Bend-Mallard Community School
Panther Success Stories
"If you're looking for a place that will help you make you a better person and help you make lasting relationships, come to UNI. This place is special and can really help you succeed."
Tyler Merical, '22
Physical Education Teaching, BA; Health Education Minor