OVERVIEW OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION (PETE)

The Teacher Education Physical Education (PETE) program is housed in the Department of Health and Physical Education in the Richard W. Riley College of Education. The degree requires 126 semester hours of course work including a field-based internship.  Internship sites are in and around the Rock Hill area.  The teacher licensure option prepares teacher candidates to teach physical education in grade levels from kindergarten through secondary school.  The teacher licensure program is fully accredited by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. In the last five years, the Department has 100% placement rate for graduates in the teacher licensure option.

During the first two years of the program, teacher candidates are given numerous opportunities to develop their teaching skills through a series of early experiences with children.  At the end of their sophomore year, teacher candidates apply for admission to the College of Education.  Admission requirements include a 2.75 GPA, a passing score on PRAXIS I, C or above in Core physical education and education coursework, and meeting movement and fitness competencies.  The department offers small classes, ensuring student interaction with faculty members.  Faculty members are available, energetic, and involved with all teacher candidates in a warm and supportive environment.

INTERNSHIP

All teacher candidates in physical education are required by the state of South Carolina to complete field-based experiences.  At Winthrop, these experiences are comprised of two components.  The first places students in appropriate level classrooms one or two days per week over a 14-week period in observation and tutorial roles.  The second consist of 60 full days of student teaching under the guidance of a certified teacher.  Teacher candidates in physical education split their internship between two different levels during the 14 week experience.  All teacher candidates spend seven weeks at the k-5 level with the second seven weeks in either the middle or secondary levels.

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