Physical Education Teacher Education (BSEd)

PETE students

Our fully-accredited Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program is led by a vibrant and productive faculty that is nationally and internationally recognized for its scholarship. We are also highly engaged in our local community, specifically with the local school districts, the YMCA, City of Memphis Parks and the Memphis Grizzlies. We provide research and service learning opportunities for you in our large partnership network, offer financial support and prepare you for numerous career opportunities.

This licensure program prepares you to become physically-literate teachers and coaches who are trained in the best practices of physical education and wellness. There are multiple field experience opportunities with some of the finest teachers in local schools.

The Ready2Teach Residency program, which is a full-year student teaching experience, emulates an authentic school year starting at the very first day of school. This superior student teaching opportunity grooms you to be effective teachers in a comprehensive manner.

The teaching profession, with its concern for the education of children and youth, is one of the most important professions society has to offer. A primary goal of the College of Health Sciences is to prepare you to teach physical education and health, K-12. You'll complete courses in general education, professional education and physical education. Physical education courses encompass specialized courses in the foundations of physical education, skill development and methods of teaching. Throughout the undergraduate years, you'll engage in clinical experiences, culminating with a full-year residency student-teaching experience during your senior year. Fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), graduates are licensed to teach physical education and health K-12 in the State of Tennessee.

Major: Physical Education Teacher Education
Concentration: Licensure
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
PETE Degree Sheet (subject to change)

Download the PETE Brochure

Post-Grad + Careers

Upon graduating with a BSEd, you'll are well prepared to attend graduate school within the following areas:

Physical Education Teacher Education (K-12)
Health Education (K-12)
Community-Based Youth Serving Agencies

Note: You should seek the guidance of the academic services coordinator, the pre-health professional advisor, faculty mentors and/or the college/school of interest with regards to needed pre-requisite courses for Graduate School admission.

Students who successfully complete the concentration in physical education acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for teaching and coaching in traditional schools as well as community settings. Graduates elect to teach at elementary, middle school, junior high or high school levels, or seek employment with community agencies such as YMCAs, fitness centers, camps and other sport related businesses. You are also well prepared to begin employment within the following areas:

Corporate wellness
Health club facility management
Personal training
Group fitness instruction
Fitness and wellness coaching
Strength and conditioning coaching

Student Testimonials

"The College of Health Sciences exceeded my expectations from the moment I walked into the office of my advisor. I had just returned from Romania, where I taught P.E. for a year, with no knowledge of what I was doing, but I knew that I wanted this to be my career. Knowing nothing about the physical education teacher education program at UofM, I entered the program after being out of school for sometime. Kathy Walker secured my classes and set me up for success. One of my first semesters I had Dr. Niki Bray and Dr. Todd Layne, along with other great teachers, many being graduate students. The amount of knowledge, passion and desire for their students to not only pass, but to walk out of the program ready to impact children's lives everyday as a coach and P.E. teacher was evident in each of my instructors. My professors set high expectations and pushed each one of us to be our very best every day. As a PETE major, I developed the professional goal to make sure a child can feel better about themselves and feel confident in the physical active world. I am thankful for this experience and can not wait to put it into practice." -Rebekah Gosney, BSEd

"I had the privilege of earning my BSEd and am in the process of earning my MS from the University of Memphis. As cliché as it may sound, I really have learned a lot about physical education and how to go about teaching kids the right way to live a healthy lifestyle. One of the most awesome parts about being a member of the PETE program is that the faculty really want you to succeed and be great in every aspect of teaching. We hear encouragement all the time and really are being molded into great teachers and leaders in our profession. It feels like a family here and to be a Tiger for almost 6 years has been special." -Dustin Duren, BSEd

"I cannot praise the physical education department at the University of Memphis enough. I feel like I received the training and education necessary to be prepared for my own classroom as a physical education instructor. Physical education is a field that I knew I had a passion in, however the PETE program opened my eyes to what physical education can truly be, and how it can be used to change the health of our world. As a transfer student, I was brought in with open arms. All of the PETE faculty are extremely knowledgeable and approachable with an 'open door' policy. The faculty have real experience and have completed extensive research to help students with their learning. Without question, much of the success I have earned as well as my potential for future success can be credited to the education acquired from the PETE Program and their exceptional faculty. I know that with my education and training at the University of Memphis, I am ready for the challenge of taking physical education in the classroom to the next level." -Sam Thompson, BSEd

PETE Majors Club

The purpose of the PETE Club:

Assist you in taking the necessary steps to complete your degree
Praxis II study groups
Volunteer opportunities
Network with other PETE students during your studies, student teaching and career
Opportunities to attend state and national conferences - TAHPERD and SHAPE
Leadership opportunities to become an officer
Looks GREAT on your resume

Contact faculty advisor Becky Bocz to join.