Physical Education Internships: Requirements and Opportunities

Physical education internships are crucial for aspiring teachers and coaches, providing practical, hands-on experience to complement their academic studies. These internships, often referred to as field-based experiences, are designed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential for success in the field of health and physical education. This article provides an overview of the requirements and opportunities associated with physical education internships, including various teaching experiences, certification pathways, and professional development.

The Value of Hands-On Experience

The saying "we learn what we do" holds true in health and physical education. The Health and Physical Education (HPE) programs emphasize active learning experiences, offering HPE majors a variety of early, frequent, and progressively complex authentic teaching opportunities. These internships provide majors with real-world, hands-on experience to facilitate the development of knowledge, skills and dispositions required for success in the field of health and physical education teaching and coaching.

Types of Teaching Experiences in HPE Programs

HPE programs offer a range of teaching experiences, each designed to build upon the previous one, progressively preparing students for their future roles.

Peer Teaching

Peer teaching is a valuable method in teacher training, it can be described as - you teach me, I teach you. Student majors are often assigned content that they teach to their peers in the program. While the length, content, teaching style, and number of lessons taught varies by class and level, peer teaching provides majors with exceptional opportunities to learn-by-doing. Peer teaching generally takes place in multiple courses in each professional block.

Laboratory Experiences

A laboratory experience refers to an environment conducive to observation, experimentation, investigation, etc. HPE majors engage in an assembly of relevant laboratory experiences, ranging from analyzing skill in biomechanics labs, to investigating health-related fitness in human performance labs, to evaluating instructional effectiveness in pedagogy labs, to observing and teaching students with special needs in teaching-learning labs.

Practicum

A practicum is a course of study designed especially for the preparation of teachers that involves supervised practical application of previously studied theory and methods. In the HPE program, senior-level student majors are assigned to co-teach a multi-week, college-level course in the ASU Physical Education Activity (PEA) program. The majors teach under the direct supervision of a trained PEA program instructor and are simultaneously enrolled in a seminar-based HPE course that supports the practical experience.

Field-Based Experiences

Field-based experiences take place in professional venues like the ones for which majors are being prepared to enter, such as in local and regional K-12 schools. Across the program, HPE majors are provided a variety of opportunities for field work including observations, tutoring, multi-week internships, as well as student teaching.

Student Teaching

Student teaching, the cap-stone educational experience in the HPE program, is a 15-week field-based teaching experience typical completed in North Carolina. However, there are opportunities for majors to student teach internationally in places such as Costa Rica, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.

Requirements for Becoming a Physical Education Teacher

To become a physical education teacher, you’ll need to meet certain educational and certification requirements.

Educational Attainment

The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. This degree will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a career in PE teaching.

Read also: Understanding PE Content

Teacher Preparation Program

In addition to your degree, you’ll need to complete a teacher preparation program. During your teacher preparation program, you’ll complete a student teaching experience.

State Certification

After completing your education and teacher preparation program, you’ll need to obtain state certification to teach physical education.

Advanced Degrees

While not required, pursuing an advanced degree can enhance your knowledge and career prospects.

Job Search and Professional Development

With your education and certification in hand, you’re ready to start your search for physical education jobs. As a physical education teacher, it’s important to stay updated on the latest trends and research in the field. Attend workshops, conferences, and courses to continue your education and improve your teaching skills. Becoming a physical education teacher is a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about fitness and education. Remember to stay committed to your professional development and continue seeking opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Alternative Certification: The District Intern Program

The District Intern program provides an alternative route to earning a teaching credential.

Read also: The Importance of Seeding

General Requirements for District Intern Credentials

Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university.
The governing board of the employing agency must verify (on form CL-707A, entitled Governing Board Statement for District Intern Credentials) that the district intern will be assisted and guided throughout the training period by a certificated employee who has been designated per California Education Code Section 44830.3(a).
Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the Commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS).

Requirements for Grade 6-12 Specified Subject Authorization

For the grade 6-12 specified subject authorization, individuals must also satisfy the following requirements:

Verify knowledge of the subject to be taught (see Terms and Definitions for a list of available subjects) by one of the following methods:
- Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter preparation program.
- Pass the appropriate subject examination(s) as explained in Commission leaflet CL-674S, entitled Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Single Subject Teaching Credentials.
- For specialized science subjects only, individuals may either take and pass the appropriate subject matter examination(s) or obtain verification of completion of subject matter course work from the Commission as explained in Coded Correspondence 03-0010 [1].
- Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution and addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Single Subject Credential.
- Complete a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in one of the statutory subjects available for the Single Subject Teaching Credential as listed below. Degree major must be in the subject area being sought.
- Successful completion through a combination of items 1-4 as described above verifying that the applicant has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Single Subject Credential.

Requirements for Grade K-8 Self-Contained Classroom and Core Setting Authorization

For the grade K-8 self-contained classroom and core setting authorization individuals must satisfy the following requirements:

Verify knowledge of the subject to be taught by one of the following methods:
- Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject matter examination(s). See Commission leaflet CL-674M, entitled Verifying Subject Matter Competence by Examination for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials, for additional information.
- Complete a Commission-approved elementary subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program.
- Successful completion of applicable coursework verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework must be completed at a regionally-accredited institution and addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
- Complete a degree major in liberal studies or interdisciplinary studies from a regionally-accredited college or university.
- Successful completion through a combination of items 1-3 as described above verifying that the applicant has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the Multiple Subject Credential.

Requirements for Bilingual Authorization

For the Bilingual Authorization, individuals must verify passage of the listening, speaking, reading and writing on the appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET): World Languages (Languages Other Than English) examination in the target language or a local level assessment that verifies a language proficiency level that is equivalent to the passing standard of the CSET: World Languages prior to entering the Intern Program.

Scope of Authorization for District Intern Credentials

District Intern Credential with grades K-8: Authorizes the holder to teach in a self-contained classroom such as the classrooms found in most elementary schools. In addition, the holder may serve in a core or team teaching setting. This credential also authorizes the holder to teach English language development and specially designed academic instruction in English to English learners limited to the grade levels of the credential. When issued with a bilingual authorization, it allows the holder to teach English language development, specially designed academic instruction in English, primary language development and subject matter instruction delivered in the primary language to English learners limited to the grade levels of the credential.
District Intern Credential with grades 6-12: Authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the document in departmentalized classes such as those found in most middle and high schools. This credential also authorizes the holder to teach English language development and specially designed academic instruction in English to English learners limited to the grade levels of the credential. When issued with a bilingual authorization, it allows the holder to teach English language development, specially designed academic instruction in English, primary language development, and subject matter instruction delivered in the primary language to English learners limited to the grade level of the credential.
District Intern Credential with the Education Specialist Authorization: Authorizes the holder to teach individuals in any of the specialty areas authorized under current regulations in grades K-12 and in classes organized primarily for adults. This credential also authorizes the holder to teach English language development and specially designed academic instruction in English to English learners with special needs across the full continuum of placement options indicated in the students’ IEPs and in alignment with the disability categories authorized by the teacher’s credential and authorizations. The District Intern Credential with the Education Specialist Authorization is available in any education specialist specialty area. Presently, there are programs available in only the areas of Mild to Moderate Support Needs(MMSN), Extensive Support Needs (ESN), and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).

Period of Validity

The Multiple Subject and Single Subject District Intern Credentials are valid for two calendar years. The Education Specialist District Intern Credential is valid for three years.

The Professional Development Plan

The district that employs a district intern must have developed and implemented a Professional Development Plan in consultation with a Commission-approved program of teacher preparation. The district intern must be assisted and guided throughout the training program by either a person designated as a mentor teacher, a teacher selected through a competitive process, or a person employed by the program to supervise student teachers. A current Professional Development Plan must be on file at the Commission office before the District Intern Credential will be issued. The Professional Development Plan must include the following:

Prior to beginning daily teaching responsibilities, individuals must complete one of the following:
- 120 clock-hours of training in child development and the methods of teaching the subjects and grade levels to which the district intern is assigned.
- Six semester units of course work in the same areas.
- Additional instruction in child development and teaching methods during the first semester of employment for interns who are employed in kindergarten or grades 1-6.
- Instruction in the culture and methods of teaching English learners during the first year of employment for interns who are employed in bilingual classrooms.
- Courses or training as determined by the governing board of the school district.
A successful annual evaluation of the district intern’s performance.

Completion of the District Intern Program

Each candidate for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with a Bilingual Authorization, or the Education Specialist Instruction Credential must pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).

When the district intern has successfully completed the Professional Development Plan, Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA), RICA (if needed), and the experience requirement, the governing board of the employer will recommend the district intern for a 5-year preliminary credential. Available credential options, based on the candidate's program, are as follows:

Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization.
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with Bilingual Authorization.
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization.
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential with Bilingual Authorization.
Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Teaching Credential with English Learner Authorization.

Upon successful completion of the district intern program and recommendation for an appropriate preliminary credential, candidates must complete a 2-year teacher induction program to be eligible for the clear credential.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Physical Education Programs

Many physical education programs offer volunteer and internship opportunities to gain practical experience. For example, the UNLV Physical Education program seeks interested individuals who would like to volunteer or complete an internship.

Teaching assistant: Develop skills or share your current experience by being an assistant within a physical activity class.
Communications/Marketing/Social Media: Gain practical experience with marketing and promotion of physical activity classes.

Physical Education Courses and Their Relevance to Internships

Several physical education courses directly contribute to the knowledge and skills required for successful internships and future teaching careers. Some examples include:

PHED 20203. Sport Skills: This course is designed to prepare the student to teach sport skills, primarily those taught in grades 5-8.
PHED 23703. Elementary Physical Education: Program planning and techniques of teaching physical education activities to children; for early childhood, elementary and physical education teachers, supervisors, and principals.
PHED 30003. Outdoor Education: This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to acquire the skills, teaching and leadership techniques associated with outdoor and adventure activities. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program is required.
PHED 30403. Teaching Fitness: Instructional strategies for teaching public school students about fitness concepts. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program is required.
PHED 31603. Applied Kinesiology: Examination of the physiological responses and biomechanical principles of movement. The exploration includes the study of the maturation of the body's functional capacities as it relates to exercise and the fundamental principles of mechanical analysis of movement.
PHED 32003. Principles and Problems of Coaching: A focus on the various aspects of coaching the athletes in contemporary society through an examination of research findings related to factors affecting performance. Attention to be given to principles, problems and understanding essential to the management of athletic contests.
PHED 32203. Motor Development: An overview of contemporary motor development and movement theory, developmental hierarchies, and physiological aspects of development throughout the lifespan.
PHED 35703. The School Health Program: Studies school health services, the health environment, and health education, as well as the teacher's potential role in each. Prerequisite: PBHL 11003.
PHED 36203. Sport Sociology: An investigation of the impact of physical education and sport on society.
PHED 39003. Adapted Physical Education: Provides fundamental concepts and skills essential to physical education programming for students with disabilities. Deals with definitions, disabling conditions, developmental and remedial activities, games, and sports. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
PHED 3910V. Special Topics in PHED: Designed to cover specialized topics not presented in physical education coursework.
PHED 399H1. Physical Education Honors Thesis Tutorial: Designed to provide the foundation for the Honors Thesis/Project. Students and faculty tutors work "one-on-one" exploring a specific topic which has been agreed upon by the student and the professor. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy and PHEDBS major.
PHED 40001. Coaching Practicum: Designed for students who want to add the Coaching Endorsement to the state teaching license. Student serves as a coaching assistant with a local school, University or recreational sports team. Students who serves as a coaching assistant with a local school must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to beginning coaching practicum. Prerequisite: PHED 32003 and proof of current First Aid/CPR/AED certification submitted to instructor of record.
PHED 40203. Class Management: This course is designed to provide opportunities for the student to acquire an understanding that emphasizes class management; and includes professional ethics, and school policies related to students, faculty, and programs. Corequisite: PHED 40706 and PHED 47303. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program, earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.7, and take the Praxis II exams required by the Arkansas Department of Education licensure area of K-12 Physical Education, Wellness and Leisure by December 1st.
PHED 40706. Physical Education Teaching Internship: This internship involves supervised teaching experience in a P-12 setting. Students will be placed under the guidance of a mentor teacher at specific school sites within NW Arkansas. Internship will be done at both the elementary and secondary levels. Successful completion of a criminal background check is required before beginning internship. Corequisite: PHED 40203 and PHED 47303. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program, earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.7, and take the Praxis II exams required by the Arkansas Department of Education licensure area of K-12 Physical Education, Wellness and Leisure by December 1st.
PHED 43202. Teaching Practicum: K-12 Kinesiology majors serve as a teaching assistant with a local school physical education teacher. This course should be taken the semester before PHED 40706 Internship. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program and a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 are required.
PHED 47003. Assessment in Physical Education: An examination of the assessment duties required of a physical education teacher. The use of authentic assessment and various grading strategies will be investigated. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program and a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 are required.
PHED 47303. Senior Seminar: This capstone class will cover special topics for the Kinesiology P-12 students in preparation for entry into the profession. Resumes, cover letters, teaching philosophy, references, and interview preparation will be included. Students will also review contemporary issues relevant to the physical education teacher. Corequisite: PHED 40203. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program, earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.7, and take the Praxis II exams required by the Arkansas Department of Education licensure area of K-12 Physical Education, Wellness and Leisure by December 1st.
PHED 47403. Secondary Physical Education: Strategies and curriculum for physical education, grades 7-12. Prerequisite: Admission into PHED BSE program and a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 are required.
PHED 4800V. Workshop: Physical education workshop. Prerequisite: Instructor consent.

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