Health and Physical Education

  • Teacher Certification
A soccer player receives coaching on the field.

Turn your passion for movement into a teaching career. If you hold a bachelor’s degree (along with the required content area credits) and want to become a certified Physical Education teacher, Montclair State University’s Health & Physical Education Instructional Certification (P–12) is your pathway to the classroom. This program prepares you with the knowledge, skills and field experience needed to teach physical education effectively in today’s schools.

Upon completion, you’ll be recommended to the State of New Jersey for initial teacher certification (Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing, CEAS). This credential allows you to teach in New Jersey public schools and provides reciprocity in many other states.

Montclair’s Teacher Education Program, accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, is nationally recognized as a model for excellence in teacher preparation.

See the curriculum.

 

Program Highlights

  • Earn New Jersey P–12 certification in Physical Education
  • Gain experience through professional course sequences and fieldwork
  • Learn from expert faculty in a nationally recognized teacher education program
  • Career-changers welcome—ideal for those seeking to enter the teaching profession

Start your journey toward becoming a certified physical education teacher and help students lead healthy, active lives.

Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • *F1/J1 visa seeking students are not eligible for this program.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: July 1st for Fall admission and December 1st for Spring admission for Initial Certification applications
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Resume: Required
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: A major goal of Montclair State University's teacher education program is to educate teachers who understand how to prepare their students for democratic citizenship. Democratic citizenship includes the ability to think critically and to play an active role in improving our society. Please review the  Portrait of a Teacher. You will note that several of the standards in the Portrait focus on this important goal. For the Statement of Objectives, please write an essay of three to four double-spaced, typed pages and incorporate items 5 and 6 from the Portrait of a Teacher to address the following questions:
    • In your life as a citizen, student, and future teacher of this society, what experiences are reflective of this standard? Additionally, what experiences in your life have conflicted with this standard?
    • Envision yourself as a teacher. How would you foster a classroom climate that would promote this standard in your discipline?
    • You might begin by reflecting on some of your own classroom experiences as a student. Which things would you do differently and which would you emulate in creating such a classroom climate?
  • Standardized Test Scores: See information on the Center for Student Success and Educator Excellence.

Featured Faculty

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Questions? We're Here to Help.

For questions about this program or information about how to enroll, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Admissions Office

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Melissa Alexander

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.