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Physical Education Teaching

A page within Physical Education Teaching

Distance Learners

Check out our hybrid option!

Learn more about Check out our hybrid option!

Why earn a Master's degree in Physical Education Teaching at UW-La Crosse?

Youth walking with student in gym Youth walking with student in gym
Students on climbing wall Students on climbing wall
Students walking with youth on bike Students walking with youth on bike
Two kayaks on water. Two kayaks on water.
Youth and student play floor hockey Youth and student play floor hockey
Student rappelling off UWL building Student rappelling off UWL building
Youth with student playing on rolling carts Youth with student playing on rolling carts
Student and youth swimming with pool noodle Student and youth swimming with pool noodle

Expansive graduate preparation

Our graduates are prepared to enrich and lead school physical education curriculum and instructional processes through application of research related to effective teaching and instructional program development and effectiveness. Graduates are able to lead outdoor adventure trips, direct challenge courses, and teach/coach in PK-12 and at the college/university level.

Youth on climbing wall

Choose your area of emphasis

Students in Physical Education Teaching (MS) may choose one of the two in person learning emphases listed below or enroll in both. We also offer hybrid learning within the adventure & outdoor pursuits emphasis.

Adapted Physical Education emphasis

The Physical Education Teaching with Adapted Physical Education emphasis (MS) provides graduate level adapted physical education (APE) professional development. This is a practitioner oriented program for teachers seeking additional expertise, evidence-based content knowledge, technology skills, and clinical experiences in physical education for PK-12 students with disabilities. Students entering our program with an existing Wisconsin teaching license have the option of adding on the 1860 supplementary teaching license. We offer this track for in person learning only.

Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits emphasis

The Physical Education Teaching with Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits emphasis (MS) allows students to specialize in adventure education facilitation, outdoor leadership, and risk management skills. This is a practitioner oriented program for physical educators seeking specific expertise in adventure and outdoor pursuits. Students have the option to complete national ACCT challenge course certification training and develop challenge course management skills. We offer this track for both in person and hybrid learning.

*Students enrolled in the hybrid learning track will be required to be in person for three courses.

While the majority of our students choose one of the emphasis options listed above, we pride ourselves in our ability to work with students to develop the program that best suits their needs. Occasionally, students choose to complete the Physical Education Teaching (MS) program with no emphasis. If you are wondering about the best choice for you, reach out to Dr. Jenna Starck, Physical Education Teaching Graduate Program Director.

Diverse employment options

Graduates from our program are currently working in a variety of capacities including:

  • College/university instruction & coaching
  • Student teacher supervision
  • PK-12 department chair
  • PK-12 physical education teaching & coaching
  • Adventure guidance
  • Ropes course direction

 

Youth with student standing in gym

Contact our program

Jenna Starck  Profile of Jenna Starck

Specialty areas:

Physical Education Teaching Graduate Program Director

Adventure Education & Outdoor Pursuits Emphasis Director

Adventure Education Program Director

Research Interests: assessment literacy, adventure education, social and emotional learning, and occupational socialization theory

News feed

UWL's Adapted Physical Education program, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for over 40 years, will no longer receive federal support, the university has learned. Program leaders, parents and partners say this would be a tremendous loss. 'A huge step backwards' Posted 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Federal cuts threaten UWL program serving children with disabilities Read more about 'A huge step backwards' Sam Schmidt (left), assistant professor of Exercise & Sport Science, accompanied students to the NFL Draft in Green Bay, where they gained valuable experience volunteering at the NFL's signature offseason event. A golden opportunity Posted 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Sport Management students, faculty gain valuable experience at NFL Draft Read more about A golden opportunity From left, UWL students Nik Carpenter, a research student and graduate teaching assistant; and students Gwen Stovall and Amanda Bratsch are measuring sport performance in the environmental chamber where specific temperature and humidity can be tightly controlled. Exploring human limits Posted 9:37 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 Newly-renovated Human Performance Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research and teaching Read more about Exploring human limits Sam Blaskowski shares about his track and field journey, Olympic trials debut, NIL deal with Kwik Trip, and keeping family a priority. Sprinting toward greatness Posted 1:06 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 UWL’s Sam Blaskowski balances family, academics and a passion for track  Read more about Sprinting toward greatness Gait, the way we walk, is an indicator for health issues. Unlocking the secrets of gait Posted 8:33 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 UWL researcher explores the effects of music therapy technique on children’s walking patterns  Read more about Unlocking the secrets of gait
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