Median Pay: $62,360 

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's

Number of Jobs: 1,072,300

Job Outlook: Employment of  teachers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032. Despite limited employment growth, about 67,100 openings  are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

It is the student’s responsibility to consult the College Catalog regarding requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program and student teaching. These include, but are not limited to, a 2.75 GPA overall, in pre-professional requirements, in professional requirements and in teaching emphasis for admission to student teaching.

Health & Physical Education P-12 Certification | 42 Hours

These requirements may not be satisfied by CLEP or the pass/fail option. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required, and no grade below “C” is acceptable.

WELL 178 Life Choices (3 Credit Hours)

The study of health-related factors enabling intelligent decisions as they relate to the physical, mental, and social health of self, family, and community 

WELL 361 Principles of Nutrition (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents the scientific principles of human nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on the health of the individual as related to food and its assimilation in the human body. Nutrient recommendations for growth and maintenance will be examined in both the average and athletic populations.

WELL 275 Foundations of Health Science (3 Credit Hours)

This course involves a study of the history, foundational disciplines, and principles that led to the establishment of health education. The role of health education in the present health care system is also studied.

WELL 311 Health Education - K-12 (3 Credit Hours)

The study of pedagogy and implementation of health-related concepts in the K-12 classroom.

WELL 131 First Aid and Safety Education (3 Credit Hours)

Designed to aid the student in developing an understanding of the basic principles of accident prevention as applicable to the home, the highway, and the school. First aid measures for various injuries and illnesses are discussed and practiced.

WELL 350 Administration of Public Health (3 Credit Hours)

WELL 340 Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine the organization, structure, and function of the human body with a focus on health and physical activity. Students will explore each body system and understand how they coordinate to maintain homeostasis.

PHED 420 Physical Education: Exceptional Child (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine historical and legislative developments of physical education for people with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on current concepts and trends in adapted physical education as well as the ability to plan and implement a physical education program that meets the unique needs of individuals.

PHED 261 Physical Education: Elementary School (3 Credit Hours)

The role of the classroom teacher in physical education. Emphasis is placed on the application of game, movements, exploration, and rhythms and self-testing. Included are screening procedures for the assessment of motor development. Five hours of observation at the secondary school level is required.

PHED 340 Motor Development (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of an individual’s motor development across the lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on the effect physical activity has on growth and development.

PHED 351 Tests and Measurement in Health & Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Evaluating health and physical education by the construction and administration of tests. Emphasizes reliability, objectivity, and validity of tests and grading systems. Students will be required to organize, administer a test, and evaluate and report the results. Prerequisite: students must have junior or senior standing.

PHED 410 Exercise Physiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course details the numerous effects our behavior (exercise, physical activity, inactivity) has on human physiology. Topics of emphasis will be explored at a systems level, integrating the neuromuscular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 331 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

PHED 421 Kinesiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce the structures of human anatomy and explain how these structures are involved in human movement. A practical application of these principles will involve hands-on experiences performed on yourself or a partner to enhance the learning of human anatomy. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

PHED 461 Physical Education: Secondary School (3 Credit Hours)

Topical areas such as philosophy, teacher certification, competencies, and professional activities will be covered. Curriculum construction, instructional methods, class management, and techniques for teaching specific activities will be considered as they relate to the secondary level. Five hours of observation at the secondary school level is required. Prerequisite: permission from instructor.

Requirements for Admission to Student Teaching

Students requesting admission to student teaching must meet all eligibility requirements (full listing obtained from the department), must be approved by the Director of Student Teaching, and presented to the Teacher Education Committee.

Requirements for student teaching are:

• Admittance to the Teacher Education Program.
• Completed application for student teaching by midterm of the semester immediately preceding the term in which student teaching will occur.
• Senior standing with at least 96 semester hours of credit with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at Union Commonwealth University (Union Commonwealth University coursework only), and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, including all Union Commonwealth University coursework and all accepted transfer work, if applicable. In addition, a minimum GPA of 2.75 in each subsection (pre-professional, professional, emphasis area, teaching fields) of the appropriate education curriculum plan.
• All coursework successfully completed in each subsection (pre-professional and professional) of the appropriate education curriculum plan, and no more than 6 hours of content coursework remaining. The appropriate Methods and Materials course (EDUC 388, Literacy in the Elementary School; EDUC 437, Methods & Materials in Middle School; and EDUC 447, Methods & Materials Secondary School) must also be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
• Moral, social, and ethical behavior that meets requirements of the College and the EPSB, and a signed Kentucky Teachers’ Code of Ethics statement to support such behavior.
• Submission of a current medical examination (within the preceding 12 months) and a current tuberculosis test (within the preceding 12 months).
• Submission of a current criminal record check (within the preceding 12 months) and documentation of tort liability insurance coverage or waiver (some school systems require criminal record checks for the preceding 6 months).
• Completion of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Submission of institution prerequisites for time in residence and pre-student teaching field experiences (minimum of 200 hours of field-based observation and participation).
• Students cannot schedule any activities, including employment, during the time (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM) of student teaching.
• Submission of a preliminary student teaching agreement (contract) with all necessary signatures.