Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) Major

Program Coordinator
Patty Hacker, PhD
Phone: 605-688-5218
E-mail: patty.hacker@sdstate.edu
Click here for additional information. 

Program Information

The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) major provides knowledge, skills and abilities to students who are interested in becoming physical education teachers in K-12 schools. Coursework includes skill classes designed to teach candidates how to teach the content that forms the basis of physical education in schools as well as refine their personal skills in those areas. Content also provides candidates with knowledge to develop curriculum, organize and administer physical education and sport programs, work with children with special/diverse needs, work in recreational settings, and teach dance and health in K-12 schools. Content also provides the science basis for the discipline, including biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor learning. With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. This major also leads to employment opportunities in areas such as Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and recreation programs.

The Secondary Teacher Education program is structured around the three components of General Studies (meeting university core requirements), Specialty Studies (meeting major content requirements), and Professional Studies. Professional Studies has three professional semesters which directly prepare students for the profession of teaching. All teacher education students complete SOC 100 or PSYC 101 as part of the University General Education Core prior to enrollment in the program. Application for admission into the Physical Education Teacher Education Major is required and can begin during the Spring Semester of the freshman year, providing PE 180, ENGL 101, and SPCM 101 have been completed (with a minimum grade of “C”) or are in progress during the time of application. Additional admission requirements are available from the PETE Coordinator. A minimum final grade of “C” is required in each course in the major and specialization area.

All Physical Education students are required to take the PRAXIS II Physical Education content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. If pursuing the Health Education minor, the Praxis II Health Education test must be taken by graduation. A minimum score must be achieved on the Praxis II Physical Education content test to be eligible to enroll in Professional Semester III. A minimum score on the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure, and a minimum score on the Praxis II Health test must be obtained for health teaching licensure. Students must maintain a 2.8 GPA in Education courses and a 2.9 GPA in major courses to remain in good standing in the program. Additionally, all Heath Education Physical Education teaching specialization students are strongly encouraged to obtain a health education minor.