Physical Education PreK-8, 5-12, Initial, Post-baccalureate Licensure

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program

Teacher Licensure Programs

Since its founding in 1838, Westfield State University has been a leader in teacher preparation. We are happy to welcome you as a prospective teacher.

The Division of Graduate and Continuing Education sponsors and supports a variety of licensure programs. The information in this section is designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and now wish to be certified as a teacher or want to earn an additional licensure in Massachusetts.

Our vision is the outgrowth of community discussions among education faculty, liberal arts and science faculty, students, and prek-12 teachers. Central to all conversations has been the tenet of building learning communities, including the desire to strengthen the ability of teachers to advocate for their students and their profession. At a time of increased accountability, the larger Westfield State University learning community continues its commitment to prepare graduates to educate the children of the Commonwealth. Consequently, all our Teacher Education Programs embrace a vision of Teachers as Leaders Building Learning Communities.

At the Initial Licensure level, learning communities are perceived to be environments where learners share skills and experiences that enhance individual and common goals. Recognizing that leadership takes many forms, we prepare our students to serve the learning communities in a variety of ways: in the classroom, on committees, with parents, and through mentoring and professional development. This preparation is grounded in an awareness of the professional self together with an integration of fundamental theory and practice. And, this knowledge, in turn, supports the development of subsequent relationships: with colleagues, with students, and with the communities our teachers seek to build or change. These professional relationships will define the nature of the learning communities our graduates help to create and the context for their community leadership.

Initial Licensure programs are performance-based and designed so that our candidates will be able to meet both subject matter and pedagogical outcomes:

The candidate can describe/explain the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.
The candidate can describe and discuss how children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.
The candidate can describe/explain how students differ in their approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
The candidate uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
The candidate creates a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
The candidate uses a variety of instructional media to foster student learning, and collaboration.
The candidate plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
The candidate uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.
The candidate is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

The candidate fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Admission

Requirements for Admission:

Bachelor’s Degree
Pass on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
GPA of 2.6 for admission into program
2.7 average in English Comp I and II
GPA of 2.8 to enroll in practicum

Post Bac Requirements

All students must demonstrate a 2.7 average in English.

Practicum approval requires a GPA of 2.8 or higher. All prior coursework is considered in determining the GPA.

Approval is required for placement in practicum.

Deadline to apply for practicum: Fall Semester April 1

Spring Semester November 1

Additional Requirements

PROGRAM OF STUDY FOR TEACHER OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION, PreK-8, 5-12

Professional coursework meeting pedagogical outcomes:

EDUC 0380/0580 Multicultural Education

EDUC 0363/0631 Sheltered English Immersion

MOVP 0103 Introduction to Teaching Physical Education

MOVP 0260 Analysis of Teaching Selected P.E. Skills I: Elem.

MOVP 0261 Analysis of Teaching Selected P.E. Skills I: Sec.

MOVP 0262 Analysis of Teaching P.E. Skills II

MOVP 0302 Measurement & Evaluation in P.E.

MOVP 0311 Adaptive Physical Education

MOVP 0313/0314 Physical EducationTeaching Methodology: Elem.

MOVP 0314 Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Sec.

MOVP 0316 Curriculum Planning and Implementation

MOVP 0348 Practicum I: Elem.

MOVP 0350 Practicum I: Secondary

MOVP 0349 Practicum II: Elementary

MOVP 0352 Practicum II: Secondary

MOVP 0355 Practicum Seminar: Physical Education

Note: Field Experiences in pre-practicum courses must be in a variety of educational settings. Either a 30-hour pre-practicum experience or the practicum/practicum equivalent must be in an educational setting with a diverse student population.

General curriculum coursework meeting subject matter outcomes:

MOVP 0100 Introduction to Exercise Science

MOVP 0105 Foundations of Movement Science I

MOVP 0106 Foundations of Movement Science II

MOVP 0202 Introduction to Motor Learning

MOVP 0203 Motor Development and Behavior

MOVP 0204 Kinesiology

MOVP 0205 Physiology of Exercise

BIOL 0237 Anatomy and Physiology I

BIOL 0239 Anatomy and Physiology II

Remaining required coursework to meet subject matter outcomes:

Candidates for teaching practicum must achieve advanced standing which includes the following: 1.) complete an application (available from advisor); 2.) submit three favorable recommendations from department faculty and two favorable recommendations from supervising practitioners; 3.) hold a current First Aid Certificate; 4.) demonstrate student membership in a professional society for two years. Additionally, the student must submit a self-evaluation which includes: a.) reasons for choosing the concentration; b.) contributions made or projected to the field; c.) strengths and/or weaknesses; d.) a resume listing activities of a professional nature.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 in the concentration and a minimum grade of 2.7 or higher in MOVP 0313 Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Elementary/MOVP 0314 Physical Education Teaching Methodology: Secondary are required for a practicum placement.