Bachelor of Science in Teacher Certification (PETE)
The teacher certification program prepares teacher candidates to teach physical education in grade levels from kindergarten through secondary school (k-12). The teacher licensure program is fully accredited by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In 2010, NASPE requested that Winthrop University allow the NASPE/NCATE Physical Education Report to be posted on the website as a sample for other universities to use as a model. In addition, six of the eight assessments submitted in the report were posted on the NCATE website as models of quality assessments in PETE. The current PETE program continues the tradition of excellence in teacher education.
Curriculum
The physical education program is housed in the Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance in the Richard W. Riley College of Education. The degree requires 126 semester hours of coursework. Teacher candidates are given numerous opportunities to develop their teaching skills through a series of experiences with children. At the end of their sophomore year, teacher candidates apply for admission to the College of Education. Admission requirements include a 2.75 GPA, a passing score on PRAXIS I, C or above in core physical education and education coursework, and meeting movement and fitness competencies. The department offers small classes, ensuring teacher candidate interaction with faculty members.
Degree Planning Sheet (pdf)
Study Abroad Sheet (pdf)
The Program
Teacher candidates take a series of Education Core Courses housed within the Richard W. Riley College of Education. After 30 hours, teacher candidates must meet the following requirements: (1) A “C” or better in PHED 112 and EDUC 110; (2) Take the PRAXIS I examination; (3) Achieve and maintain the healthy zones on 4 of the 5 components of health related fitness as measured by Fitnessgram; (4) Demonstrate competency in selected invasion and net games as measured by a B- or better in PHED 234; and (5) Demonstrate the six fundamental movement skills at the proficiency level. Before enrolling in EDUC 475 and 490, teacher candidates must (1) Achieve a C or better in PHED 348 and 391; and (2) Pass the PRAXIS II examination (both content and video portion).