Program Overview

Introduction to the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching Program

The B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is designed to prepare students to become well-rounded physical activity professionals. This program focuses on teaching movement and wellness concepts in various environments, including the gym, field, classroom, and sporting environments. The primary goal of this major is to prepare students for careers as physical education and/or adapted physical education (APE) teachers in PK-12 schools.

Program Overview

The B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching major is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved subject matter preparation program (SMPP) in physical education. Upon graduation, students in this major attain Subject Matter Competency (SMC) in physical education, which allows them to apply to any teaching credential program in California without having to take the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Minimum grade point average (GPA) criteria and grades above a C- may be required for verification of subject matter competency.

Program Requirements

The SJSU catalog has the most up-to-date information about program requirements for the B.S. Kinesiology, Preparation degree.

Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education Program (SAGE)

The Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program prepares students to become physical education and/or adapted physical education teachers in K-12 schools. This program allows qualified students to simultaneously complete the requirements for the Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching, BS, Single Subject Credential - Physical Education and Teaching, and MAT (with optional Spanish bilingual and Adapted Physical Education Authorizations).

Career Opportunities

• Physical Education Teacher (Teaching Credential Required) at public or private schools
  • Requires a teaching credential
• Adapted Physical Education Teacher (Teaching Credential Required) at public or private schools
  • Requires a teaching credential
• Interscholastic and/or recreational sport coach/athletic director
• Physical activity directors at sport and recreation centers
• School-based physical activity specialist (e.g., Playworks, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs)
• Outdoor education schools/programs
• Physical activity specialist within community, corporate, and commercial settings
• Graduate School (Masters and Doctorate)

Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization

The Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA) allows an educator to provide students with disabilities a specially designed physical education program as determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Students in the Kinesiology, Preparation for Teaching major take 5 of the 6 required APEAA courses, which will help them efficiently obtain the APEAA upon completion of their single subject PE credential.

Program Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience by teaching students from the children's center and working with people with disabilities at the Timpany Center
• Participate in and learn to teach a wide range of individual, dual, combative, aquatic, dance, non-traditional, and team physical activities (e.g., yoga, swimming, archery, badminton, disc sports, soccer, gymnastics, and dance)
• There is a shortage of teachers in California, and many teaching jobs go unfilled each year, thus, graduates from this program will likely attain a job immediately after graduating from the credential program
• Teacher salaries have been increasing to be more competitive, with starting salaries for teachers with a Bachelor's, Credential, and Master's degree in the Bay Area ranging from $70,000 to more than $95,000 per year
• Teachers tend to have good medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits, and work approximately 182 days per year with summers off and other breaks.