Are you considering majoring in Physical and/or Health Education (HE/PE)? Well let me tell you what to expect before making your decision. HE/PE is pretty unique compared to most other education content areas as we are off on our own most of the time. We get the opportunity to learn our content while we learn to teach throughout our 4-year bachelors program while most of the other content areas learn their content then learn to teach. While learning appropriate practices and teaching techniques our professor expose us to a wide variety of sports and activities that we can use in our future classrooms and gymnasiums.
Some advice if you decide to major in HE/PE:
- This ones obvious but ASK for help. Whether its from peers, professors, teaching assistants, or older students. Everyone wants you to succeed and are more than willing to help you so you can reach your goals.
- Don’t wait till the last minute. A lot of the work you will do in this program is larger assignment and projects. At first they will seem a little over whelming but it will be broken down and you will get a manageable time table to complete it but if you wait till the last minute it may start to get over whelming again.
- Don’t be afraid to be yourself. This last piece isn’t as easy as the others but is something that is very important. The HE/PE program is very small so you will be with your same cohort for 4-years unless people transfer or switch majors. Take advantage of this there is a high chance that some of these individuals will become some of your best friends.
Physical and Health Education offers a unique opportunity for those that decide to take on the journey. You learn so much about teaching, different activities, and yourself. You learn what groups of individuals you want to work with. What content you are good at teaching and which need more improvement. This major is for people who want to work with others and help others reach their goals for a lifetime of physical activity.
Get involved with extracurricular activities such as coaching conferences, volunteering at schools, joining HSE Ambassadors, or the Physical Education Club if you decide to join.
