UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Welcome to Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE)! The University of Wisconsin-River Falls PETE program of studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education is designed to prepare the student to teach physical education in elementary, middle and/or junior and senior high schools (K-12). Students completing the program are eligible to apply for a teaching license in Wisconsin. The PETE faculty strive to equip students with the content and pedagogical content knowledge necessary to smoothly transition from pre-service to in-service teaching.
The faculty of Physical Education Teacher Education Program invites you to browse through our website. We hope the information helps you become more familiar with our degree programs. Our goal is to prepare highly qualified physical education teachers for the K-12 setting.
Students in the PETE program will have a unique variety of clinical field experiences in a rural, suburban, and urban setting that will enhance their proficiency in the knowledge and skills requisite to working in the contemporary school setting. Majors learn to perform a variety of sport, fitness, and dance activities personally. After becoming proficient, students take courses and have practical experiences in teaching children, adolescents, and young adults. The discipline is interesting and rewarding, and those in a teaching career help others pursue and practice healthy lifestyle habits.
Graduates seek teaching and physical education/coaching careers in elementary and secondary education settings. With an advanced degree, teaching and coaching positions at institutions of higher learning are available.
It is highly recommended that students desiring to be optimally employable in K-12 schools complete a Major in Health Education and Minor in Adapted Physical Education.
Many students find employment after graduating from our PETE program in Western Wisconsin School Districts as well as the Minnesota Twin Cities area. Other UWRF PETE graduates are currently teaching nationwide.
Please contact James Gostomski, james.gostomski@uwrf.edu, PETE Coordinator, with any questions regarding the program.