The National Association for Sport and Physical Education has granted national recognition to West Virginia University’s physical education teacher education undergraduate major.
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education is the leading organization dedicated to establishing excellence in teacher preparation and reviewed standards and performance levels within the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The recognition helps improve the quality of teacher education with an emphasis on teacher knowledge and the ability to teach effectively.
“Earning the nationally recognized designation is the ‘gold star’ in accreditation. We are delighted that we were able to achieve that recognition,” said Valerie Wayda, associate professor and chair of the department of coaching and teaching studies. “This is obviously a reflection of the program’s significant effort in ensuring that graduating physical education teaching education students have the necessary skills to succeed in their careers.”
The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is one of five institutions within West Virginia with a nationally recognized physical education teacher education program. WVU’s program was one of 13 programs to receive national recognition during the most recent submission cycle. Approximately one out of four programs that apply receive recognition.
“Our students graduate with the knowledge, pedagogical skills and dispositions that our professional associations have identified as critical for beginning teachers to be successful in the work place,” said CPASS Dean Dana Brooks.
Once admitted into the program, CPASS physical education teacher education students complete six semesters of professional course work across developmental levels, such as preschool, elementary, middle school, high school and adult learners in addition to working with different populations of students including those with disabilities.
Students complete an action-based research project during student teaching, where they must assess K-12 student learning using some piece of technology applied in the physical education setting.
Any time a teacher education program is reviewed, there are three possible outcomes. They can be nationally recognized with no conditions; nationally recognized with conditions requiring certain changes that must be made; or, not approved.
Following WVU physical education teacher education’s last report submission, the program received national recognition without conditions. The review process is conducted every seven years.
“This national recognition reaffirms our belief that our physical education teaching education program is a model program for the preparation of future physical educators,” Wayda said.
