Health and Physical Education Certification Emphasis

The goal of the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Pathway in the Applied Exercise and Health option is to provide teacher candidates with practical opportunities to work with students in the Pre K-12 health and physical education setting. Teacher candidates will be able to incorporate up-to-date content and methods to promote a physically active and healthy lifestyle for today’s youth. In addition, teacher candidates will develop instructional strategies aimed toward Pre K-12 students to encourage the practice and promotion of health, wellness and physical education. The concept of physical activity across the lifespan is the underlying framework of this certification pathway by encouraging youth to focus on and enhance their personal health and well-being.  Completion of the Health and Physical Education Teacher Certification Pathway leads to a Level 1 Pennsylvania Teaching Certification that is also transferable across various states.

• Understand the instructional and learning processes needed to deliver a high-quality and comprehensive health and physical education program that promotes skill acquisition, fitness, and wellness to Pre K-12 students.

• Be able to engage Pre K-12 students in understanding and performing fitness-enhancing physical activities that contribute to disease prevention, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interactions.

• How to implement pedagogical content that emphasizes wellness, fitness, and behavior change in a Pre K-12 setting.

• How to implement pedagogical content that emphasizes skill acquisition that aligns with game categories and National Standards to promote lifetime activity.

• How to implement pedagogical content that emphasizes functional movement skills that create a climate of mastery and align with the National Standards.

• How to develop lessons and presentations utilizing health skills such as analyzing influences, accessing information, interpersonal communication, decision making, goal setting, self-management, and advocacy which align with the National Health Education Standards.

• How to implement developmentally appropriate health and physical education lessons using differentiated instruction, authentic assessment measures, and technology.

Teach health and physical education in Pre K-12 Public or Private Schools

Coach youth and intercollegiate sports

Sport Performance – strength & conditioning and speed coach

Health Educator

Wellness Programs – Fitness Club Coordinator

Youth Fitness Programs

Parks and Recreation Coordinator

Community Wellness Program Director

Military Bases

Corporate Wellness & Private Business Wellness

Health Promotion

Public Health