Is this the career for you?
Brief History
Physical education was introduced in colleges by physicians who were concerned about the health and physical development of the students. Schools added it to their curricula for health and physical development reasons combined with the understanding that play is the child's work and through physically active play children learn about the world around them. Today, regular physical activity and good nutrition are considered to be essential for good health and reducing the incidence of major disease. The U.S. Department of Health has identified physical education in the schools as a primary source for providing all children with regular physical activity and information on healthy lifestyles. Physical education is found in schools in every community across the nation and touches virtually every child in the country.
Facilities
The University of at Austin provides a variety of excellent facilities in which to study. Gregory Gymnasium, Anna Hiss Gymnasium, Bellmont Hall, the Texas Swim Center, and the Intramural Fields provide outstanding sites for physical activity classes. Classrooms and laboratories for the study of the body and human movement are found in Bellmont Hall (Darrell K. Royal –Texas Memorial Stadium). Laboratories in the department allow students to experiment with changes in forces and angles of projection to understand optimal performance for coaching and teaching applications and how the body responds to exercise. We also have an Exergaming Lab located in Anna Hiss Gym equipped with EyeToy, Wii, DDR, Game Bikes and Xbox to mention a few. The Undergraduate Library and the Perry Castenada Library provide access to the latest journals and books in the field as well as access to computerized databases on sport, education, health, and medicine. The new and beautiful Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports also offers an outstanding history library and museum.
Career Opportunities
Teacher certification provides the opportunity for employment in virtually every community in the nation as well as a host of overseas opportunities.
All-level certification provides the opportunity to teach physical education in elementary schools as well as middle and high schools, but does not provide for a second teaching field. For those who enjoy working with enthusiastic children in a subject they love, this is a great career.
Professional positions currently held by our alumni
Recent graduates are employed in school districts around Austin (Austin ISD, Eanes ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Leander ISD, Del Valle ISD, Manor ISD), across Texas (Irving ISD, Spring Branch, Plano ISD, Laredo ISD, etc.), around the nation (California, New Mexico, Colorado) and in American schools around the world. They hold a range of positions from teaching elementary physical education to teaching journalism and physical education classes in the high school and being head volleyball, basketball, and football coaches.
Others have moved from teaching to hold positions as physical education coordinators, principals, and college instructors.