There is a need for highly effective physical education teachers in PreK-12 schools. Individuals who have a non-teaching bachelor’s degree may feel a calling to shift to a teaching career. The Physical Education Pathway to Certification Certificate (PEPC) is designed for baccalaureate-holding individuals to become highly effective physical education teachers. The certificate is designed to meet Arizona Department of Education requirements for PreK-12 or secondary licensure in physical education.
This online program will help certificate recipients learn and apply effective pedagogies, present developmentally appropriate content, and demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge that helps all students develop skill competence, autonomy, and social skills necessary for a lifetime of physical activity.
This program is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education (AZBE)
What Can I Do with a Undergraduate Certificate in Physical Education Pathway to Certification?
The Physical Education Pathway to Certificcation leads to either the PreK-12 or secondary physical education Arizona Teaching Certificate. The PreK-12 track leads to certification to teach physical education in PreK-12 grades while the secondary track allows for teaching middle and high school physical education in Arizona schools. The Arizona Certificate also has reciprocity with many other states. See https://nau.edu/compliance-and-authorization/professional-licensure-by-state/
Teaching physical education is a challenging yet rewarding profession through which you can help youth become physically active for life. The PEPC leads to licensure to teach in Arizona schools. The Arizona teaching certificate may also lead toward licensure in other states (https://nau.edu/compliance-and-authorization/professional-licensure-by-state/).
To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the "Details" tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 23 - 27 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Licensure | This program may lead to licensure. |
Purpose Statement
The purpose of PreK-12 physical education is to guide youth to become and remain physically active for life. This post-baccalaureate certificate aims to guide emergency certified or alternative pathway physical educators to learn and apply effective pedagogies, present developmentally appropriate content, and demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge that helps all students develop skill competence, autonomy, and social skills necessary for a lifetime of physical activity. The Physical Education Pathway to Certification is designed to meet Arizona requirements for the PreK-12 or the secondary certificate in physical education with PreK-12 endorsement.
Student Learning Outcomes
The PEPCPEPC learning outcomes are the SHAPE America Initial Teacher Standards and performance outcomes.
Content and Foundational Knowledge - Physical education candidates demonstrate an understanding of common and specialized content, and scientific and theoretical foundations for the delivery of an effective PreK-12 physical education program.
Skillfulness and Health-Related Fitness - Physical education candidates are physically literate individuals who can demonstrate skillful performance in physical education content areas and health-enhancing levels of fitness.
Planning and Implementation - Physical education candidates apply content and foundational knowledge to plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with local, state and/or SHAPE America National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education through the effective use of resources, accommodations and/or modifications, technology and metacognitive strategies to address the diverse needs of all students.
Instructional Delivery and Management - Physical education candidates engage students in meaningful learning experiences through effective use of pedagogical skills. They use communication, feedback, and instructional and managerial skills to enhance student learning.
Assessment of Student Learning - Physical education candidates select and implement appropriate assessments to monitor students’ progress and guide decision making related to instruction and learning.
Professional Responsibility - Physical education candidates demonstrate behaviors essential to becoming effective professionals. They exhibit professional ethics and culturally competent practices; seek opportunities for continued professional development; and demonstrate knowledge of promotion/advocacy strategies for physical education and expanded physical activity opportunities that support the development of physically literate individuals.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Take the following 23 - 27 units:
Select one Track from:
PreK-12 Education Track (27 units)
Secondary Education Track (23 units)
Prior to Certification, students must:
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.