This physical education major is designed to prepare educator licensure candidates to teach physical education in grades kindergarten through 12th grade (PE K-12). Students must take KNPE 200, 203, 235, and 340 within the first 15 semester hours of their program. KNPE 335, Developmental Skill Based Approach to Teaching, must be taken within the first 30 semester hours of their program. All students seeking licensure to teach physical education must submit a satisfactory electronic teaching portfolio to complete student teaching requirements. Students are urged to take KNPE 200, Introduction to Teaching Physical Education, during their first semester in order to begin the portfolio.
To remain a major in physical education, candidates must (a) maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better, (b) receive a grade of C or better in professional and clinical coursework, and (c) pass all state-mandated licensure tests the semester before enrolling in student teaching courses.
These requirements must be met prior to admission to KNPE 302. Admission to KNPE 302 constitutes admission to teacher education in physical education. Once admitted to the program, students must provide proof of valid First Aid/CPR certification (American Red Cross or American Heart Association) each semester. In accordance with ISBE requirements, students must earn a grade of C or better in the following courses in order to be eligible for licensure: KNPE 200, KNPE 203, KNPE 235, KNPE 302, KNPE 303, KNPE 335, KNPE 340, KNPE 343, KNPE 344, KNPE 348, KNPE 364, KNPE 365, KNPE 368, KNPE 421, KNPE 449, KNPE 466, KNPE 467, KNPE 468, KNPE 490, and KNPE 492. Students are encouraged to maintain close contact with their advisor as the teacher preparation program in physical education is tightly sequenced.
Candidates who successfully complete the program and pass the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment will have completed all required ISBE and CAEP standards for receiving university recommendation for licensure. Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.
The student learning outcomes for this degree are located at http://www.niu.edu/assessment/clearinghouse/outcomes/index.shtml.
Check departmental information for any additional requirements.