Physical Education/Adapted Physical Education

Physical education gives children the skills necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Physical education and adapted physical education teachers teach K-12 physical education classes, work with administrators to implement school policies and procedures, and teach the national standards for physical education. 

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Option in Physical Education Teacher Education 

Two concentrations: 

The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) option fulfills the subject matter preparation requirement for a physical education teaching credential in California. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Kinesiology includes two concentrations of K-12 Physical Education Teacher Education and Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher education. Each of these options is accredited by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

Master of Arts in Kinesiology

  • Physical educator working in elementary and secondary public and private schools
  • Adapted physical education specialist working in public and private schools
  • Sports coach working in public school, college, university, and sport performance settings
  • High school athletic administrator

Outlook

  • Physical Education: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for high school teachers, in general, is 8 percent through 2026, which is about as fast as average for all careers. 
  • Adapted Physical Education: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Adapted Physical Education Teachers are expected to grow at a faster than average rate in the next 10 years: 7% CA, 10% US.

Annual median wages

Teachers Salaries 2017-2020 at Local School Districts
Salary Year District Starting salary with Credential from CSULB (45 units) 2 years later with a Master's Degree Maximum salary (25-30 years including Master's)
2018-2019 ABC Unified $57,129 $62,743 $105,754
2019-2020 Santa Ana Unified $59,122 $66,342 $114,555
2018-2019 Garden Grove Unified $62,213 $72,036 $114,603
2018-2019 Long Beach Unified $59,441 $69,324 $111,709
2018-2019 Los Alamitos Unified  $64,830 $75,963 $125,961
2017-2018 Anaheim Union HS District $60,674 $72,380 $111,534
2019-2020 Huntington Beach Union HS District  $62,742 $71,699 $121,592
2018-2019 Downey USD $66,234 $79,488 $118,486

Physical education and adapted physical education teachers’ interests, skills, and values should align with the national standards for physical education:

  • The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
  • The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.
  • The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
  • The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
  • The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.