Physical Education Teaching

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Click here to let us know you're interested

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

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

Adapted Physical Education emphasis

The addition of 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.

Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits emphasis

The Physical Education Teaching with Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits emphasis (MS) allows students to specialize in a wide variety of outdoor activities. This is a practitioner oriented program for physical educators seeking specific expertise in adventure and outdoor pursuits. Students complete national ACCT challenge course certification training and develop challenge course management skills. 

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 Educator Teaching (MS) program with no emphasis. If you are wondering about the best choice for you, reach out to Dr. Rachyl Stephenson, 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

A day in the life of a grad student

Our students were challenged to describe their graduate experience with one image and six words. Below are the 2021 "Say it in 6" entries from the Physical Education Teaching graduate program. 

Contact our program

Rachyl Stephenson profile photo
Rachyl Stephenson  Profile of Rachyl Stephenson  Office hours

Assistant Professor
230 Cartwright Center
rstephenson@uwlax.edu
608.785.5415

Specialty areas:

Assessment, Dance, and Social Emotional Learning are my topics of passion, but enjoy anything related to physical education as a profession.