Why Major in Physical Education at PBA?
Look toward a passionate career of spirited activity, meaningful teaching, and holistic support for students’ minds, bodies, and hearts. At Palm Beach Atlantic, you’ll explore wide-reaching aspects of teaching, both generally and for the unique demands of physical education settings.
The Bachelor’s of Physical Education also addresses the Sunshine State Standards, Accomplished Practices, and Florida Education Standards Commission’s Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct and its ramifications—standards that can lead you to first-rate employment opportunities after you graduate.
- Grounded in Christ: Our Christian perspective empowers you to cultivate nurturing classrooms that center your students’ holistic wellbeing.
- Internships and Field Experiences: Throughout your studies, you’ll gain practice in real classrooms and health and fitness settings.
- K–12 Competency: Prepare to teach physical education, wellness, and fitness in elementary, secondary, and all-level schools.
- Prepare for Certification: PBA’s internship and coursework requirements meet the prerequisites for Florida teacher certification.
What You’ll Learn
In PBA’s physical education degree program, you will:
- Complete an internship with a local school or recreational program
- Proficiently assess individuals’ fitness with a focus on health
- Gain experience using the types of facilities and equipment you will encounter in your professional roles.
“My professors have been a great influence and a great help in developing the skills and knowledge that I need to be a successful physical educator.”
-Michael Fritz, Physical Education alum, Teacher Education (K-12)
Hands-on Student Teaching
Exhibit your potential in a semester-long internship alongside teachers in the Palm Beach County School District. This hands-on learning is vital to your fluency and success as an early-career teacher. Your student teaching experience, worth 10 credits toward your degree, meets the requirements to qualify for Florida Department of Education teacher certification.
Learn more about the physical education major plan of study. →
Program Details
Ground yourself in holistic approaches to teaching, assessment, and supporting students’ health and wellness. Over 121 credit hours, examine everything from setting up your classroom to designing physical education curricula. Our professional education courses equip you for diverse classrooms that cater to students of all abilities and backgrounds.
Review all courses for the physical education teacher program.
Once you’ve completed the physical education teacher program, you can take steps toward Florida teacher certification. Start by applying to the state for certification at http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/. The state will send you a Statement of Eligibility, which will indicate any additional requirements you must complete, including Subject Area Exams.
In addition to your semester of student teaching, you’ll conduct fieldwork throughout your physical education degree for shorter-term, focused experiential learning. At PBA, you’ll gain high-value hands-on experience in all the aspects of teaching you can expect to face, including professional development, classroom management, and curriculum development.
Make the most of your time at PBA with our streamlined graduation pathway for students who transfer with an A.A. degree. The physical education transfer plan of study prioritizes foundational classes and screenings/teacher knowledge tests in your first semester, meaning you’ll be able to maximize your practical experience.
Careers
The valuable skills you cultivate at PBA lead to rewarding careers in teaching, coaching, and fitness training. Once you have completed the requirements for Florida teacher certification, you’ll be eligible to teach in elementary, middle, and high schools in Florida.
The median annual salary in West Palm Beach is nearly $56,000 for K–12 teachers, around $62,500 for elementary school teachers, and over $63,000 for secondary school teachers. You may also choose to work outside the classroom as a fitness trainer or instructor, where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth over the next decade.
