About the Physical Education Major (Grades P-12 Certification) at TROY
If you are passionate about athletics, health and wellness, and want to help others
lead a healthy lifestyle, becoming a physical education teacher can help you achieve
your goals. A physical education degree from Troy University equips you to teach PE
at all grade levels and make a positive impact on students of all ages, backgrounds
and abilities. Upon completing the program, you'll be prepared to apply for teaching
certification in Alabama.
Work with Diverse Learners of All Grade Levels
By earning a bachelor's degree in physical education from TROY, you'll learn how to plan, design and demonstrate activities for children
in grades P-12 to ensure they're fully engaged in class. You'll also gain an understanding
of diverse cultures and communities, learn how to collaborate with school staff, faculty,
students and parents, and instill lifelong health and wellness benefits in your students.
Prepare for Alabama Physical Education Certification
After earning your physical education degree from TROY, you'll be eligible for physical education teacher certification in Alabama.
TROY's physical education degree requirements include coursework in the sciences, such as physiology, kinesiology and exercise physiology,
along with teaching and practicum experience to prepare you for certification. You'll
also take courses in diverse learners, classroom management and motor development.
The bachelor's in physical education program is offered on the Troy campus. For more
information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.
Join a Student Organization Centered on Physical Education
As a physical education major, you'll have the opportunity to meet like-minded
peers and network with school systems through student organizations. TROY has two
groups dedicated to physical education and related disciplines: Physical Education
Student Organization (PESO) and Phi Epsilon Kappa (PEK).
Through PESO, you and other physical education majors can network with local and regional
school systems and professionals. You can also attend conferences where you can sit
in on sessions, engage with other professionals and meet physical education majors
from other universities. PEK is a fraternity and honor society for students in physical
education and related fields, such as kinesiology.
What Can You Do with a Physical Education Degree?
A physical education degree from TROY qualifies you for careers as an elementary
or secondary physical education teacher (grades P-12). You may also pursue coaching,
fitness or educational leadership roles or continue on to graduate study.
Faculty Profiles
Lana Johnson
Lana Johnson is a physical education lecturer and holds a B.S. and M.S. in physical
education from TROY. She is also the creator of a successful program that brings home-schooled
children to campus for activities led by TROY students.
Dr. Lanier received her B.S. in sport pedagogy from the University of Georgia, M.S.
in sport pedagogy from Georgia Southern and her Ph.D. in sport pedagogy from Georgia
State University. Her research interests include student mental health and physical
activity.
Dr. Sluder received his degrees in sport pedagogy from The University of South Carolina
(B.S.) and Auburn University (M.S. & Ph.D). His research interests include autonomy-supportive
teaching in elementary school PE and faculty mental health readiness at the university
level.
Dr. Smith received her B.S. Physical Education and M.S. Foundations of Education at
Troy State University and her Ph.D. at Auburn University. Her specialty is Motor Development
with an emphasis in Special Education. Her research focuses on fundamental motor skills,
cognitive development and motor skill interventions with preschool-aged children.
She is a full professor and the Coordinator of Teacher Education for the Department
of Kinesiology & Health Promotion.
Learn more about the field of physical education and our program.
What jobs can you get with a physical education degree?
If your degree is from TROY, you'll be certified for physical education teacher jobs at elementary, middle or high schools. Additionally, you can pursue roles as a sports
coach, fitness instructor or educational administrator. You'll also be prepared to
pursue graduate studies in physical education, sports administration, sports psychology,
exercise science and related fields.
Do TROY graduates go on to careers in physical education?
Yes, the job placement rate for TROY's physical education program is 98%. Our alumni
work as physical education teachers, adapted physical education teachers, sports coaches, and area principals and superintendents in Alabama and throughout
the United States.
How can I become a physical education teacher?
If you are interested in becoming a physical education teacher, the first step is
to identify the physical education degree that works best for you, your level of education
and your career goals. If you do not yet hold a bachelor's degree, you can pursue
a bachelor's in physical education. If you already have your bachelor's in education
or a related field, you can earn your physical education certification as part of a graduate certificate program.
Why become a physical education teacher?
If you are passionate about sports, exercise, health and wellness and want to work
with children, becoming a physical education teacher is an excellent choice. It allows you to help children and adolescents develop healthy
habits, engage in exercise and even discover a love of athletics. You'll have the
opportunity to design and use fun, engaging lessons that contribute to the overall
well-being of your students. And you'll enjoy a flexible and rewarding career that
allows you to live out your passion.
How much does a physical education teacher make?`
How much a physical education teacher makes varies by school district and state.
Salaries for P.E. teachers range from $39,000-$100,000, with an average salary of
around $75,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. P.E. teachers who coach can also add to their salary.
What does a physical education teacher do?
A physical education teacher works with students at various grade levels to teach
the importance of physical activity, health and wellness. Physical education teachers
create and implement lesson plans covering health, sports, nutrition, fitness and
exercise topics. They also assess student fitness levels and progress over time and
give feedback on how to improve overall physical well-being.
Physical Education Program a Win-Win for Future Teachers, Home School Students
When COVID-19 shutdowns threatened the opportunity for Troy University students
to gain valuable teaching experience in the classrooms of area school systems, a faculty
member came up with a creative solution that has proven to be a win-win for both her
students and members of the community.
