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Why Choose Physical Education?
Mission Statement
Program Description
Forms and Bulletins
PE Faculty
PE Links

See also...
Our Programs, including U-Move Fitness, KidSport, and more
PE Alumni and Their Careers
What Can I Do with My Major: PE

Why Choose Physical Education?

For those who enjoy working with children and want to influence others to live a healthy, active lifestyle, the Physical Education program may be an excellent "fit"! PE students combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences, developing skills through observations, teaching experiences in local schools, and KidSport -- a summer camp for children ages 4-15.

Students receive exposure to children of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds through the student teaching experience, which occurs in an elementary school AND middle school or high school.

Students who complete the Physical Education program receive a B.S. degree, allowing them to teach Physical Education in grades K-12. Students also receive a Michigan Secondary Provisional Certificate which allows them to teach their minor subject in grades 7-12.

Top 5 Reasons to Study Physical Education at U-M

5. Small class sizes
4. Gain career and research experience while earning academic credit
3. Student teach in the best public schools in Michigan
2. Excellent job placement rates
1. Summers off!

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide an educational foundation enabling our students to develop into successful, professional educators and contributing community members. Cognitive course work, teaching methods, educational foundations, skill acquisition and practical teaching experiences are just part of the educational process. These experiences afford the individual the opportunity to become a certified K-12 physical educator. An additional goal of Physical Education is to make available a healthy lifestyle for U-M students, faculty, staff and the community through lifetime activities and serve as a teaching lab for undergraduate and graduate students. Advocacy for excellence in physical education as described by NASPE standards (National Association for Sport and Physical Education) and the EPEC Program (Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum) is an integral part of our core mission as our faculty and students work with diverse groups of students in the pre-K to 12 setting. An additional goal is for faculty to create new scientific knowledge for implementation into the curriculum and for presentation at conferences and in print.

Message from the Chair

Physical Education at the University of Michigan enjoys a strong reputation among school districts both locally and state-wide. Our majors are in high demand as student teachers in communities surrounding the Ann Arbor area. Our faculty frequently receive phone calls from school administrators asking for potential new teachers to interview.

If you're a student considering this challenging and worthwhile career, we invite you to learn more about our program -- by reading the material on this web site, visiting campus, or contacting me at patvanv@umich.edu.

Pat Van Volkinburg M.S.
Chair, Physical Education
Associate Dean for Academic Programs

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Program Description

The Physical Education major offers students extensive preparation in theory and methodology courses leading to K-l2 certification, as well as providing students with preparation in the liberal arts. Students in Physical Education learn how to communicate to students of varying ages, abilities, and backgrounds on the intellectual, physiological, and biomechanical concepts of physical activity. The Physical Education curriculum includes grades K-6 and grades 7-12. Methods courses required of all students, emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of family, community, and school in a student’s educational experience, and of psychological and sociological factors that can influence learning. Peer teaching, practicum experience, and exposure to state and national standards related to teaching Physical Education comprise the strong theoretical core of the curriculum. The directed teaching requirement provides students with the opportunity to gain practical teaching experience under the supervision of both K-12 and University faculty.

Students who complete the Physical Education program will receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Kinesiology and a Michigan Secondary Provisional Certificate (K-12). For further information about Physical Education Program requirements, admission procedures, and application deadlines, students should consult the Physical Education Chair within Kinesiology.

The School of Education Office of Student Services also assists students in applying to the program and reviewing Physical Education requirements. This office, along with the Kinesiology Office of Student Services and the Physical Education Chair are the three main sources of information and support for Physical Education students.

PHYSED Course Offerings

  • Technology in Physical Education
  • Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Water Safety Instructor
  • Fundamental Movement Skills in Children
  • Biomechanics of Sport

Full list of PHYSED Courses

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Forms and Bulletins

School Bulletin
Bulletin Undergraduate 2012-13
Bulletin PE Section 2012-13

PE-Specific:

Sample 4-Year Curriculum
Teaching Certificate:
PE Teaching Sample Curriculum 2010-11

PE Minor:
PE Minor Sample Curriculum 2010-11
PE Minor Sample Curriculum 2009-10
PE Minor Sample Curriculum 2008-09
PE Minor Sample Curriculum 2006-07

Health Minor:
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2012-13
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2011-12
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2010-11
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2009-10
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2008-09
PE Health Sample Curriculum 2006-07

Record Sheets (Teaching Certificate only)
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2012-13
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2011-12
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2010-11
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2009-10
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2008-09
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2007-08
PE Teaching Record Sheet 2006-07

Earlier versions

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PE Faculty

Weiyun Chen Ph.D. (chenwy@umich.edu)
Dale Ulrich Ph.D. (ulrichd@umich.edu)
Pat Van Volkinburg M.S. (patvanv@umich.edu)
Kerry Winkelseth M.S. (kebwink@umich.edu)

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American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance http://www.aahperd.org

Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
http://www.mimahperd.org

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/

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Your Kinesiology Connection

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