Physical Education

Students who choose to major in physical education at Loras College will be actively involved in a curriculum that combines courses in teaching methodology and the human movement sciences.  The Physical Education Teacher Education Program is committed to preparing students for successful teaching careers at all grade levels.  Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for Physical Education (K-12) licensure in the State of Iowa.  Through course work and experiential learning opportunities, graduates gain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to develop and implement age-appropriate quality physical education programs.

The Physical Education Program emphasizes the development of reflective thinkers, problem solvers, and creative teachers.  The program will assist prospective teachers in learning how to meet students’ individual needs, as well as encouraging students to gain the skill and knowledge to stay active throughout their lives.

Students in the Physical Education major at Loras have many opportunities to work with students to complement and enhance their classroom learning, including pre-student teaching interactions in the Dubuque school district and opportunities to work with preschool children or local businesses during January term courses.

We are additionally very excited about our new Team Fitness program.  Make sure to read about this great opportunity. 

Core Curriculum

Major requirements and course descriptions


Contact:
Deb Sazama
Asst Professor of Physical Education
563-588-7074
deb.Sazama@loras.edu


Physical Education Teacher Education Program - Mission Statement

The mission of the Physical Education Teacher Education program is to provide a program that will prepare students for a career in teaching physical education at the elementary and secondary level.  The program is designed to enhance student knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport, and physical activity.  The program is intended to foster active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision-makers, and responsible contributors to the field of physical education and the community.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates from the Physical Education Teacher Education Program will:

1. Know and apply discipline-specific scientific and theoretical concepts critical to the development of physical educated individuals.
2. Be physically educated individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate competent movement performance and health-enhancing fitness as delineated in the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) K-12 Standards.
3. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and national standards to address the diverse needs of all students.
4. Use effective communication and pedagogical skills and strategies to enhance student engagement and learning.
5. Use assessments and reflection to foster student learning and inform decisions about instruction.
6. Demonstrate dispositions that are essential to becoming effective professionals.