Institutions typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree from all teachers, including physical-education instructors. The bachelor's degree consists of approximately 45 credits of general-education courses such as math (typically including College Algebra), laboratory science, speech, written communications, social sciences and arts and humanities. Within this core, teachers often take courses in educational psychology, human growth and development, sociology and statistics. Advisors encourage physical-education majors to include biology and human anatomy in their science choices.
Courses within the major focus on physiology of movement and exercise. Sample titles include: Biomechanics, Care and Prevention of Injuries, Anatomical Kinesiology and Weight Training and Fitness. Schools prepare students for coaching activities with courses in gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, dance, outdoor programming, and track and field activities. Degrees often include courses about basic health, as well as nutrition, wellness and health promotion. Some institutions have developed classes that combine concepts, such as sports psychology or sociology courses.
To prepare teachers for the classroom, programs include courses in fundamentals of education, instructional design, and working with diverse/special populations. Since many schools require writing across the curriculum, teachers in training take courses about reading and writing in content areas. Other courses focus on teaching in a physical-education environment with courses such as principles of coaching, physical activities for children, determining developmentally appropriate activities, and learner assessment in a physical-education environment.
Teacher-education programs include courses that require future instructors to observe and assess current teachers in the field. Students generally spend one semester student teaching, working under an experienced teacher's supervision. Student teachers receive college credit for their work in the classroom and may meet with other student teachers in a regular class or with a college/university supervisor periodically. Advisors recommend student teaching the final semester before graduating so all preparatory coursework is finished.