B.S. in Kinesiology, Option in Physical Education - Teacher Education
The Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) option provides the subject matter preparation required to earn a credential for teaching physical education in California public schools.
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).
For details on B.S. degree programs see in this catalog.
The K-12 PETE concentration meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Physical Education. In addition, prospective physical education teachers are required to complete 45 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students are prepared to effectively plan, teach, and evaluate lessons in a variety of learning experiences that incorporate the California State Standards for Physical Education. Students who pursue this option typically find employment opportunities in public and private elementary, middle school, and high school settings.
Students seeking a teaching credential are advised to apply to the credential program one semester prior to graduation. For details on the Single Subject Credential program, contact Dr. Emyr Williams. For additional information on the program, review the Single Subject Credential in Physical Education Program's website.
The program also has a PETE @ the Beach majors’ club. The club officers sponsor several events, such as a winter social, end of year social, March Madness Hoop Fest fundraiser, and t-shirt fundraiser. Club officers received grant funds to support attendance to state (California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; CAHPERD) and national (National Adapted Physical Education) conferences.
Contacts: Dr. Christine Galvan, Dr. Grant Hill or Dr. Emyr Williams (Credential Information)
California State University, Long Beach (аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ) offers candidates a cohesive, sequenced, and comprehensive program of study toward completion of the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization (APEAA). Students can complete the аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ APEAA program as an undergraduate credential, postbac credential, or through the master’s graduate program. The APEAA Program follows the professional standards of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Committee on Accreditation (CTC), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Professional Standards. The Program includes academic sequenced coursework and a variety of supervised fieldwork experiences (i.e., on-campus, agencies, and various public school sites). The program is strongly committed to the development of APE teachers to teach the diverse student populations and disabilities attending the California Public schools, especially students who are precluded from participating in a general education physical education program.
The Kinesiology Department at аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ under the direction of Dr. Melissa Bittner, Assistant Professor, offers a year-round (fall, spring, and summer sessions) program of physical activity for children with disabilities and neurodiversity. The program provides children the opportunity to receive quality physical activity experiences under the direction of qualified instructors in a safe, fun, and positive setting.
Contacts: Camp Nugget or Dr. Melissa Bittner or Dr. Amanda Young
The following resources can be used to learn more about APE at аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ:
- Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
- Camp Nugget
- After School Adapted Physical Activity Program (ASAPP)
- Social Media (, , )
- Project CAPE: We are accepting applications for the spring semester for Project CAPE (Certification in Adapted Physical Education). We are accepting full-time masters students. You would get ~$2k stipend per year (2 year program), 100% tuition, iPad, selected textbooks, and conference travel.
After School Adapted Physical-activity Program (ASAPP)
The ASAPP program is offered to children ages 5 through 12 with disabilities and neurodiversity. Instruction is provided (2 or 1-1 child/staff ratio) by university students enrolled in the KIN Department studying to receive an Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization and Physical Education Single Subject Teaching Credential. Activities emphasized through individualized and group instruction include fundamental motor skills, health-related physical fitness, cooperative lead-up games, sports, relaxation activities, and social responsibility. Two, 10-week sessions are offered during the аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ academic year (Fall and Spring) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for 1 hour. The cost is $200.00 for each 10-week program of 20 sessions, including a motor assessment and IEP. Some full and partial scholarships are available based on need. The website provides a program brochure.
Camp Nugget Summer Program
Camp Nugget is a 4-week program that is offered to children ages 5 through 12 with disabilities and neurodiversity. Instruction is provided (in at least 4:1 child/staff ratio) by university students enrolled in the KIN Department studying to receive an Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization and Physical Education Single Subject Teaching Credential. Camp activities include aquatics with swim instruction, fundamental motor skills, health-related physical fitness, dance, lead-up cooperative games, and adapted sports. The 4-week program begins mid-June and continues mid- July. Camp Nugget is offered Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and the cost is $400.00. Registration usually begins in March and is on a first-come basis. Camp Nugget usually fills to capacity by early April. Some full and partial scholarships are available based on need. The website provides a program brochure and all paperwork forms.