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In this program, you will take courses in anatomy and physiology, which emphasize health and human movement, while also practicing teaching physical activities and fitness. Our program will help you navigate the urban school environment and New York City’s diverse student populations. Our graduates make up a large percentage of New York City’s P–12 physical education teachers. After graduation, you will be ready to step confidently into a classroom.
After completing this bachelor’s degree program, you will become a skilled physical education teacher, well versed in research, theory, and practice. You will be qualified for employment in the schools of New York City and to receive New York State initial teacher certification.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
This program qualifies students to apply for New York State initial certification in physical education for all grades (P-12).
Undergraduate physical education teacher education candidates are required to take courses in the following areas: skills & practice activity teaching, game and sport activities, and fitness, coaching, teaching methods, foundations of education, anatomy & physiology; exercise physiology and motor development classes that emphasize motor skill acquisition and health and human movement. In the senior year, students complete comprehensive field experiences and in the final semester, must complete student teaching with experiences across grade levels. Community partnerships with local schools and other organizations support our students developing the knowledge and proficiencies needed to work with New York City public schools and diverse student populations.
Graduates of our program make up a large percentage of New York City’s P–12 physical education teachers.
Kinesiology 4412 taken prior to fall 2020 is accepted as fulfilling the equivalent SEED courses. Kinesiology 3001, 3290, 3295, and 4200W taken prior to fall 2022 are accepted as fulfilling the equivalent SEED courses.
Students must have a GPA of 2.70 or higher based on a minimum of 30 credits in liberal arts and sciences to take Secondary Education 2001 and 2002.
Students must have a B- in both Secondary Education 2001 and 2002 and a GPA of 2.75 or higher based on a minimum of 30 credits in liberal arts and sciences to continue to Secondary Education 3401, and/or Secondary Education 3402, and/or Secondary Education 3456.
To take Secondary Education 3105, 3110, and 3080, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, a B- or better in both Secondary Education 3401 and 3402, and/or permission of the head of the program.
To take Secondary Education 4414 and 4415, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and permission of the head of the program.
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
Develop pedagogical knowledge in order to support all students including English Language Learners, students with special learning needs, and students from all racial, cultural and gender identities aligned with the SHAPE America 2024 Standards, New York State Education Department (NYSED) Physical Education Standards.
Develop knowledge of adolescent development and social-emotional learning in order to support students to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, show empathy, maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
Apply knowledge of adolescent learners, learning theory, curriculum design, pedagogy, differentiation, and educational technologies when creating instructional plans that support all students in developing fitness, motor competence, maximal active participation, and the physical and cognitive skills necessary for inquiry, critical thinking, and literacy within emotionally and physically safe, supportive learning environments.
Informed by the NYSED Culturally-Responsive Sustaining Education Framework, candidates demonstrate they have knowledge of the impact of culture and language on learning, implement culturally responsive practices while fostering a positive learning environment, and develop the skills required for working with colleagues, parents, guardians and communities for the benefits of all students.
Analyze and evaluate student work for evidence of learning, errors, and misconceptions and use findings to engage in reflective practice supporting the improvement of learning and teaching.
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View degree maps for this major and others.
2414 James Hall E: laurablitzer@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000 ext. 3768
2608 James Hall E: lyn-donna.george62@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000 ext. 3771
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222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu
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Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Department of Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
As a student in the School of Education, you will complete internships in public and/or private schools throughout the New York City region. The internship is a 14-week, full-time, supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as a childhood education teacher.
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