Physical Education

Mission Statement For Physical Education

Queens College Physical Education (PE) program prepares exceptional, New York certified P-12 teachers and transformative leaders in the field. The program’s comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum equips graduates with the advanced knowledge and pedagogical skills essential for delivering high-quality physical education across diverse learning environments. This professional preparation directly fosters increased quality physical activity for all P-12 students. Ultimately, the program’s impact empowers students to embrace movement, achieve optimal well-being, and build the foundational habits for a healthy, physically active life.

SHAPE Standards

The program aligns its curriculum with the SHAPE America National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education (2017). Supported by the Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs of New York State, the program guarantees that all graduates meet the requirements for and obtain New York State Initial Certification.

The SHAPE America Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education are:

Standard 1: Content and Foundational Knowledge,

Standard 2: Skilfulness and Health-Related Fitness,

Standard 3: Planning and Modification

Standard 4: Instructional Delivery and Management,

Standard 5: Assessment of Student Learning,

Standard 6: Professional Responsibility.

Undergraduate Program

The academic program in physical education prepares individuals for a Bachelor of Science degree and for service as teachers in physical education. It leads to New York State Initial Certification for teaching physical education in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 with a concentration in human movement, sport, and exercise science. The program prepares individuals to assume the following professional roles: movement specialists in the primary grades; instructors of sports in the middle and upper grades

​Graduate P​rograms

Post-Baccalaureate Initial Certificate
This sequence of courses prepares students for the New York State Initial Certificate to teach Physical Education Pre-K–12. It is designed for individuals who have completed an undergraduate major other than in teacher preparation in physical education, and want to teach physical education. This program does not fulfill the requirements of the Master of Science in Education degree in physical education.

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