Academic Requirements
Successful completion leads to Wisconsin DPI 530 teaching license

FRESHMAN-SOPHOMORE YEARS—complete both A and B

  1. General Education Requirements (48 credits). Courses must be selected from list applicable to Teaching Certification programs. For a complete listing of General Education classes please see the Undergraduate Catalog or SNAP/Audit Report.
  2. 100 and 200 Level Physical Education Requirements
Credit Course # Course Title PREREQUISITES
4 ESS 112 Fundamentals of Movement
2 ESS 118 Introduction to Physical Education Teaching Profession
2 ESS 121 Adventure Theory for Physical Education
3 ESS 205 Human Anatomy (not open for credit to students who have had BIO 312) BIO 103/105 or MIC 100
3 ESS 206 Human Physiology (not open for credit to students who have had BIO 313) BIO 103/105 or MIC 100
3 ESS 207 Human Motor Behavior Physical Education majors must have ESS 112
3 ESS 225 Introduction to Instruction (Clinical I) ESS 118
3 ESS 231 Introduction to Adapted Physical Education (includes required clinical) ESS 207, ESS 225 (or concurrent enrollment)
2 ESS 261 Educational Gymnastics ESS 112
3 ESS 258 Teaching Activities I ESS 225

Non-Credit Certifications—must hold current certifications during student teaching.

  • Water Safety Instructor—contact the American Red Cross or YMCA for classes or complete certification through ESS 116 WSI (2 credits)
  • First Aid and CPR—contact the American Red Cross for classes or complete certification through ESS 201 First Aid, Safety, and CPR (1 credit)

Requirements for Admission to Physical Education Teacher Education:

  • Completion of 30 earned college credits, Passing scores for all sections of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) - Students are advised to complete the PPST before the end of their freshman year. Transfer students should complete the PPST as soon as possible after enrolling at UW-La Crosse. Minimum passing PPST scores:  Reading 175, Math 173, and Writing 174,
  • 2.75 combined cumulative GPA,
  • Completion of foundation courses--BIO 103/105 or MIC 100, HPR 105, ESS 112, ESS 118, and ESS 225,
  • Fitness Portfolio,
  • Teaching Leadership Reflection Paper,
  • Interview with PETE Faculty,
  • Note: meeting minimum application requirements does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Education Program.

For complete application information visit: www.uwlax.edu/sah/ess/pete/html/admission.htm

JUNIOR YEAR

3 PSY 370 Educational Psychology ESS 207 & ESS 225
3 ESS 302 Physiology of Exercise ‘C’ or better in ESS 206
2 ESS 303 Biomechanics ‘C’ or better in ESS 205
2 ESS 310 Teaching Outdoor Activities in Physical Education ESS 121 and ESS 225
4 ESS 322 Elem Methods, Assessment, & Clinical in PE ESS 207 or concurrent enrollment & *
4 ESS 325 Secondary Methods, Assessment, & Clinical in PE *
3 ESS 367 Teaching Activities II *

* Enrollment requires Admission to Physical Education Teacher Education

SENIOR YEAR

Credit Course # Course Title PREREQUISITES
2 ESS 401 Teaching Dance *
3 ESS 422 Teaching Health-Related Fitness * and ESS 302 or concurrent enrollment
2 ESS 423 Individual and Social Factors in Physical Activity Admission to an ESS major program
4 ESS 424 Curriculum Development and Admin. of Elem/Sec Physical Education Programs Senior Standing, *, & **

STUDENT TEACHING REQUIREMENT

  • Students enroll in ESS 412 and EDS 403 concurrently
  • Prior to entering student teaching Physical Education students must:
    1. Provide official, passing scores for the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment(s),
    2. Complete all academic course work, clinical experiences, and WSI and 1st Aid/CPR certifications
    3. Earn a 2.75 or better grade point averages in the cumulative and in all areas of licensure.
Credit Course # Course Title PREREQUISITES
3 ESS 412 Issues and Philosophies in Teaching Physical Education (Student Teaching Seminar) Completion of all course work required to student teach, successful completion of PRAXIS II exam
12
OR		 EDS 403 Student Teaching Passing scores on PRAXIS II, *,**, concurrent with ESS 412
15 EDS 404 Internship *,**, concurrent with ESS 412

*           Enrollment requires Admission to Physical Education Teacher Education
**          ESS 424 should be taken in the semester prior to student teaching.

Students enrolled in Exercise and Sport Science majors must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in all required ESS courses.

ADDING WISCONSIN DPI CERTIFIABLE MAJORS, MINORS, OR CONCENTRATIONS:
Physical Education Teaching majors are encouraged to consider an additional area of certification. Please contact the following people for more information about certifiable majors, minors and concentrations offered by UW-La Crosse.

Adapted Physical Education (minor) – successful completion leads to Wisconsin DPI 860 add-on teaching license
    Dr. Manny Felix, felix.emma@uwlax.edu, (608) 785-8691, 114 Wittich;

Coaching Competitive Athletics (concentration) – successful completion leads to Wisconsin DPI 540 add-on teaching license
    Ms. Sheila Perkins, perkins.shei@uwlax.edu, (608) 785-8170, 160 Mitchell Hall;

School Health Education (major/minor) – successful completion leads to Wisconsin DPI 910 teaching license
    Dr. Marcie Wycoff-Horn, Wycoff-H.Marc@uwlax.edu, (608) 785-6786, 205 Mitchell Hall;

Biology, Broad Field Science Major, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics; Broad Field Social Studies Major; Computer Science or Mathematics; Foreign Language or TESOL; or English—  
    Mr. Guy Herling, herling.guy@uwlax.edu, (608) 785-8156, 228 Graff Main Hall.