K-12 Physical Education Teaching

Concentration Requirements

The kindergarten through 12th grade physical education teaching concentration prepares students to be eligible for teacher licensure in physical education in the state of Tennessee. 

Teacher candidates are trained to assume leadership roles in the classroom, school, and community, while developing skills and knowledge in professional content and pedagogy with a special emphasis on technology, multicultural, and inclusion education.

Physical Education specialists develop skills in reflective thinking and decision-making as they grow personally into caring lifelong learners.

Program Requirements

See TBR General Education Core Requirements for options.

Science Requirement for K - 12: 

  • HSCI 2010/11 Anatomy and Physiology I

Major Core Requirements (18 Credit Hours)

  • PHED 1130 - Wellness for Life (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 2955 - Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 3032 - Psychomotor Development (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 3080 - Teaching Aerobic Conditioning (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 1510 - Introduction to Kinesiology (3 hrs)
  • SALM 4210 - Legal Issues (3 hrs)

Physical Education-Teacher Education Concentration (20 Credit Hours)

  • PEXS 2701 - Aquatics (1 hr)
  • PEXS 3005 - Instructional Delivery Techniques (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 3085 - Teaching Rhythms and Gymnastics (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 3095 - Teaching Individual & Dual Sports Skills (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 3850 - Scientific Basis of Human Performance (4 hrs)
  • PEXS 4001 - Teaching Team Sports Skills (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 4060 - Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Education (3 hrs)

Physical Education Core (41 Credit Hours)

  • EDFN 2300 - Foundation of Professional Teaching (3 hrs)
  • EDFN 3301 - Issues in Education (3 hrs)
  • HDAL 3310 - Educational Psychology (3 hrs)
  • MEDA 3570 - Educational Technology (2 hrs)
  • PEXS 4007 - Elementary Physical Education Methods (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 4250 - Adapted Physical Education (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 4700 - Secondary Lifetime Wellness (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 4717 - Secondary Physical Education Methods (3 hrs)
  • PEXS 4110 - Teaching Fitness & Lifetime Physical Activities
  • PEXS 4065 -  Pre-Residency Field Experience (1 hr) *summer only*
  • PEXS 4075 - Residency I Field Experience (2 hrs)
  • PEXS 4850- Residency II Field Experience (9 hrs)
  • PEXS 4851 -  Residency II Seminar (3 hrs)

Total Hours Required for Degree = 120 Credit Hours

Program of Study Worksheet

Program Information

For more information please contact the K-12 Physical Education Program Coordinator:

Dr. Kason O'Neil 
Department of Exercise Science
Box 70671
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614-1701
Voice: (423) 439-4632
Fax: (423) 439-5383
E-mail: oneilkm@etsu.edu 

Financial Assistance

Various forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Financial Aid. In addition, student assistant positions may be available within the Department of Exercise Science.