Physical Education

Why Study Physical Education?

Physical activity (along with nutrition) has long been recognized by the medical community as the most important preventative to illness and injury that negatively affect both the quality and longevity of one's life. Recent research also affirms a substantial relationship between physical activity, fitness and improved cognitive and executive functioning of the brain. Regular physical activity - even short bouts -enhances various aspects of brain activity that affect academic performance, including learning, memory, concentration, and mood.

Physical education teachers have the unique opportunity to guide young people through developmentally appropriate activities that will instill the knowledge of the benefits of physical activity and teach the skills inherent in the games, contests and activities that will allow them to realize the benefits.

CSU PETE faculty prepare students well. 100% of those who have taken the edTPA assessment for licensure have passed. Most students scored above the state and national averages. All program completers pass the required Content Area Exam required for licensure.

The need for individuals with a Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Endorsement in Physical Education Grades PK-12 in Illinois and Chicago has never been greater. The need also extends into other areas of the profession as our economy has been projected by the Department of Labor for continued and unprecedented growth for the next five years. It is also part of the  ever-expanding sport and fitness sector, a multi-trillion-dollar industry.

Contrary to popular belief, employment opportunities are bright. In fact, every graduate from the physical education program at Chicago State University that has sought employment over the past ten years has been gainfully employed in the field.

Many CSU PETE alumni happily accept the challenge of coaching in the school and pursue endorsement in driver education and health education through CSU. Some of the students take the related courses while undergraduates.

How Do I Know If Physical Education Is Right For Me?

• Do you enjoy working with others who are dedicated to serving youth?
• Would you like to make our communities better places to live?
• Do you take pride in helping and seeing people succeed?
• Do you like working with young people in a fun environment?
• Do you enjoy being physically fit and would you like to help others become fit?
• Do you enjoy participating and competing in sports and would you like to help others realize this enjoyment?
• Would you like to contribute to the wellness of others and help them experience more quality in their lives and live longer, healthier lives?
• Would you like to contribute to a change in another's ability to perform and witness the changes in personality that accompany this?

If these things characterize you and you could dedicate yourself to the challenge of preparing for, and making it happen... the undergraduate program in physical education teacher education at Chicago State University may be the place for you!

Course of Study

The professional program of study is designed to prepare graduates for a career in teaching physical education PK-12 upon completion of the program. Students qualify for a Professional Teaching License (PEL) with a Physical Education Endorsement K-12. Students may attach any endorsement (e.g., health, driver's education) to their PEL. 

General Education (36 Hours)
Composition (6 hours)
ENG 1230/1270	3 cred.	Composition I
ENG 1240/1280	3 cred.	Composition II
Oral Communication (3 credit hours)
CMAT 1130 (recommended)	3 cred.	Communication for Professionals
Math (3 hours)
MATH 1200 (or higher)	3 cred.	College Algebra
Humanities & Fine Arts (9 hours)
Fine Arts (3 hours)
ART 2150 (recommended)	3 cred.	Survey of Women Artists
Natural Sciences (6 hours) (Must take at least one laboratory course)
BIOL 1080 (recommended)	3 cred.	Biol. Sc. Survey II
PH S Elective	3 cred.
Social Sciences (9 hours)
POL 1010 (recommended)	3 cred.	Amer. Nat’l Govt.
PSYC 1100	3 cred.	Introduction to  Psychology
PSYC 2040	3 cred.	Psych Childhood & Adolescence.
Core Requirements (51 Hours)
ED 4312	3 cred.	Teaching with Technology
HS 1575	3 cred.	First Aid/AED/CPR/Infant
HS 2200	3 cred.	Personal Health & Wellness
PE 2010	3 cred.	History & Philosophy of PE
PE 2130	2 cred.	Meth. of Teaching Tumbling & Gymnastics
PE 2140	3 cred.	Meth. Teach Movement. Conc. & Dance
PE 2360	3 cred.	Aquatics for PE and Rec Prof.
PE 2363	4 cred.	Motor Learning & Development
PE 2380	3 cred.	Meth. of Teach Lifetime/Team Sports
PE 2500	2 cred.	Assessment in PE
PE 2610	2 cred.	Principles of Physical Fitness
PE 2611	2 cred.	Principles of Group Exercise
PE 3010	3 cred.	Applied Biomechanics
PE 3030	3 cred.	Physiology of Exercise
PE 3280	3 cred.	Psycho-Social Aspects of Sports
PE 3520	2 cred.	Curriculum Design in PE
PE 4022	3 cred.	Meas. & Evaluation in PE
ZOOL 2050	4 cred.	Human Anatomy

In addition to the core requirements, 33 credit hours of professional education is also required, including the following:
PE 1950	2 credits	Introduction to teaching in PE
PE 2800	3 credits	Behavior Management
PE 3040	3 credits	Adapted physical education
PSYCH 2020	3 credits	Educational Psychology
S. ED 4301	3 credits	Characteristics of Exceptional Children

The following courses may be taken only upon admission to the College of Education.
READ 4100	2 credits	Teaching English Language Learners
S. ED 4303	2 credits	Teaching students with exceptional needs
PE 4520	3 credits	Internship in PE
PE 4530	3 credits	Methods & Practicum in PE in the Elem/Mid Sch.
PE 4540	3 credits	Methods & Practicum in PE in the Sec. School
PE 4750	6 credits	Student Teaching in K-12 PE. (edTPA must be completed

For More Information Contact

Dr. Mark Kutame, Chairperson

Department of HEPER, JDC 216

Phone: (773) 995-2290

E-mail: mkutame@xabiaojie.com

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