Teacher education typically Consists of four main components: general education, subject-matter preparation, general professional education, and specialized professional education in a given subject matter.
The general education for a physical education major differs depending on the kind of college or university in which he or she is preparing.
Liberal-arts colleges often require 2 full years of general education, whereas some universities require only 1 year of general courses. Students have to meet requirements in literature, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and, sometimes, a foreign language.
The subject-matter training of a physical-education teacher is often done in the same department and with the same professors as is the specialized education preparation.
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If someone wanted to be a mathematics teacher, he would take his subject-matter courses in the mathematics department and his specialized education courses from mathematics educators, often in a different department.
Subject-matter training in physical education most often includes skills courses; sports-science courses such as kinesiology, motor learning, and exercise physiology; and sport humanities courses, such as history and philosophy of physical education.
The general professional courses for teacher education are most often taught in an education department. They include courses in the history, philosophy, and sociology of education. General courses in teaching are sometimes required, as are courses that focus on child and adolescent development.
The special professional courses include teaching methods in elementary and secondary physical education, adapted physical education, field experiences, and student teaching.
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The mix of these four areas differs markedly from state to state and often among colleges and universities within the same state. Nonetheless, almost all teaching candidates must have experience in these four areas to be certified as teachers when they graduate.
The programs described exhibit that physical education can be done well and can contribute significantly to the education of children and youth. But physical education in schools is beset by problems and controversial, unresolved issues.