Teacher of Physical Education (Elementary or Secondary) Concentration
The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of Physical Education has received national recognition from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).
Westfield State University is nationally accredited by the national Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) at the initial and advanced levels.
Requirements for the Movement Science Major - 29 Credits
All majors in the department of Movement Science, Sports and Leisure Studies must complete the twenty-nine (29) credits of courses specified below. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the Major Core Classes is required to be eligible to graduate with a degree from the department.
Major Core Classes
- MOVP 0100 - Introduction to Exercise Science
- MOVP 0105 - Foundations of Movement Science I
- MOVP 0106 - Foundations of Movement Science II
- BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning
- MOVP 0203 - Motor Development and Behavior
- MOVP 0204 - Kinesiology
- MOVP 0205 - Physiology of Exercise
Note:
In order to progress through the major, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department as outlined in the Professional Development section below.
Required Course List:
- MOVP 0103 - Introduction to Teaching Physical Education
- MOVP 0260 - Theory and Practice of Teaching Educational Games and Dance in Elementary and Secondary Physical Education
- MOVP 0261 - Theory and Practice of Games I: Analysis of Invasion Games and Striking/Fielding Games in Elementary and Secondary Education
- MOVP 0262 - Theory and Practice of Teaching Gymnastics and Aquatics in Elementary and Secondary Physical Education
- MOVP 0264 - Theory and Practice of Games II: Analysis of Net/Wall and Target Games in Elementary and Secondary Physical Education
- MOVP 0302 - Measurement & Evaluation in Physical Education
- MOVP 0311 - Adapted Physical Education
- MOVP 0314 - Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary and Secondary
- MOVP 0316 - Curriculum Planning & Implementation
- MOVP 0348 - Practicum I in Physical Education: Elementary MOVP 0350
- MOVP 0349 - Practicum II in Physical Education: Elementary MOVP 0352
- MOVP 0355 - Practicum Seminar: Physical Education
- EDUC 0363 - Sheltered English Immersion
- EDUC 0380 - Critical Multicultural Education
Select one of the following Lifetime Fitness skills courses:
- MOVP 0113 - Fitness for Adults: Walking
- MOVP 0118 - Step Aerobics
- MOVP 0162 - Strength Training and Conditioning
- MOVP 0181 - Aqua Aerobics
- MOVP 0183 - Relaxation Techniques
- MOVP 0185 - Swimming for Fitness
- MOVP 0305 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- With advisor permission the student may substitute any 3-credit wilderness concentration course.
Select one of the following Lifetime Pursuits skills courses:
- MOVP 0138 - Boating and Canoeing
- MOVP 0139 - Kayaking
- MOVP 0140 - Square Dance
- MOVP 0141 - Folk Dance
- MOVP 0143 - Ballroom Dance
- MOVP 0155 - Ski Touring and Snow Shoeing
- MOVP 0165 - Racquetball and Handball
- MOVP 0167 - Camping Skills
- MOVP 0172 - Orienteering
- MOVP 0173 - Initiative Games and Ropes
- MOVP 0180 - Rock Climbing
- MOVP 0312 - Interdisciplinary Learning Through Movement and Dance
- With advisor permission the student may substitute any 3-credit wilderness concentraiton course.
Professional Development Procedures
In order to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors, students must meet the academic and professional development criteria necessary to earn intermediate and advanced standing in the department.
Intermediate Standing
Requirements for Intermediate Standing to progress through the Movement Science and Athletic Training majors.
- Minimum GPA of 2.3 in the following courses:
- MOVP 0100 - Introduction to Exercise Science
- MOVP 0105 - Foundations of Movement Science I
- MOVP 0106 - Foundations of Movement Science II
- MOVP 0202 - Introduction to Motor Learning or MOVP 203
- BIOL 0237 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 0239 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- Additional Requirements (all Movement Science/Athletic Training majors):Personal Statement Resume First Aid / CPR Certification Membership in a professional organization Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points Two (2) Faculty Recommendations Two (2) examples of best work Additional Requirements (specific to Physical Education concentration):Students must show proof of registration and/ore scores for the Communication (Reading) and Literacy (Writing) portion of the MTEL tests Students must keep a monthly fitness log using a logging system approved by the Coordinator of the Physical Education program Keep a record of competencies met for NASPE standards Students progress toward meeting Advanced Standing in Teacher Education is monitored at the end of the sophomore year (57 credits). All students must meet the requirements for Advanced Standing to achieve teacher candidacy. Please see section on Licensure for Teaching under Academic Policies.
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing is required for those completing an internship, ATEP clinical experience, or student teaching practicum. The requirements are as follows:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major core area (29 credits)
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 in the courses in the concentration (Placement in the Teaching Practicum requires a 2.8)
- Minimum overall GPA of 2.8
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- First Aid / CPR Certification
- Membership in a professional organization
- Earn a minimum of 15 Professional Development Points (in addition to those earned for Intermediate Standing)
- Three (3) Faculty Recommendations and two (2) additional recommendations from outside the department
- Five (5) samples of best written work
- Supervising Practitioner Recommendations
Additional information can be found in the MSSLS Department manual.
Note:
Students must satisfy the following requirements prior to practicum placement:
- A 2.7 average in English Composition I and II.
- A 2.8 overall GPA (including transfer work).
- A 3.0 GPA is required in pedagogical coursework specific to your licensure program.
- MSSLS advanced standing status and a minimum grade of 2.7 in
- A passing grade on all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
- Keep a record of competencies met for NASPE standards.
- Show evidence of meeting 3 our of the 5 components of fitness as defined by FITNESSGRAM.
- Must meet the competencies defined in all skill testing.
- Students must keep a monthly fitness log using a logging system approved by the Physical Education Program Coordinator.
Additional Graduation Requirements
All students must meet the
PROFESSIONAL SEQUENCE Elementary PreK-8 or Secondary 5-12
MOVP0103 Intro to Teaching P.E.*
MOVP0260 (MOVP0261) Analysis of Teaching Selected P.E.Skills I Elementary (Secondary)
MOVP0262 Analysis of Teaching Selected P.E. Skills II
MOVP0302 Measurement and Evaluation in P.E.
MOVP0311 Adaptive P.E.*
MOVP0313 (MOVP0314) P.E. Teaching Methodology* Elementary (Secondary)
MOVP0316 Curriculum Planning and Implementation in P.E.
EDUC0380/0580 Multicultural Education
MOVP0355 Practicum Seminar
MOVP0348/0349 Practicum I & II: Elementary
⁺
MOVP0350/0352 Practicum I & II: Secondary⁺
Decisions regarding coursework in the academic major are based on a student’s academic record, performance on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), previous college coursework or other related professional experience reflective of the student having met state and national standards.
See Appendix D for academic subject matter coursework.
It is important for a student to meet with an academic advisor as early as possible to determine a program of study.
*Field experience required
⁺Please note: To receive licensure in both 5-8 and 8-12, students must complete a student teaching practicum for each grade level. This practicum may be outside of the student's program of study and may require additional credits.
