Health and Physical Education Grades K-12

Health and Physical Education Grades K-12

From a foundation of scientific knowledge relating to human movement and the psychological processes of learning skills and developing lifestyle behaviors, our program emphasizes the development of professional skills that lead to the promotion of healthful and physically active lifestyles in youth.

During their senior year, students participate in a two-semester student-teaching residency in an area school with a grade K-12 classroom. The degree leads to initial teacher certification.
Our program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Providers and approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Courses Include

• Motor Learning
• Adolescent Psychology
• Methods in Health Education for Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Physical Education Methods and Strategies
• Tests and Measurements in Physical Education

For the past two years, McNeese grads have received the highest performance scores on COMPASS, a statewide teacher evaluation system, during their first two years of teaching.
During their senior year, students will be paired with a mentor teacher to observe and teach in a grade K-12 classroom setting. At least 60 percent of the instructional week is spent in residency during the fall semester and 100 percent during the spring semester.

The residency includes opportunities for students to synthesize content learned in past coursework such as designing, implementing and assessing instruction; collaborating with colleagues and families; and student motivation and engagement.

Upon completion of the program, students receive certification from the Louisiana Department of Education.
Job placement is immediate for certified graduates since there is a large shortage of certified teachers in the state of Louisiana.

Career Outlook for High School Teachers

Employment of high school teachers is expected to grow 8 percent through 2026—about as fast as the average for all occupations. Rising student enrollment should increase demand for teachers, but employment growth will vary by region.

According to Salary.com, the salary range for a public secondary school teacher is $50,870–$67,270.

Related Careers

• Physical education teacher
• Athletics trainer
• Camp director
• Referee
• Coach