UWs Physical Education Teacher Education Program Receives National Recognition

The University of Wyoming’s Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program, in the Division of Kinesiology and Health, has received “Nationally Recognized” status from a leading authority on physical education.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) sets standards and guidelines for PETE programs. The association awards “Nationally Recognized” status to only a handful of programs nationwide.

NASPE and the Society for Health and Physical Educators, national leaders in physical education, sport and physical activity, provided the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) with an evaluation and recommendation regarding the quality and accreditation status of UW’s PETE program.

Based on UW’s assessment, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Wyoming PTSB voted to continue program accreditation for UW’s PETE program through 2024.

“The Division of Kinesiology and Health takes pride in providing an outstanding education to all of our students,” says Karen Gaudreault, an assistant professor in the Division of Kinesiology and Health. “This achievement demonstrates the excellence of UW’s PETE program as well as the division’s continued efforts to deliver programs and educational experiences of the highest quality that will prepare students for successful careers in kinesiology and health-related fields.”

NASPE and Wyoming PTSB cited three specific strengths of UW’s PETE program. First, the program requires three early field experiences (totaling approximately 80 independently taught lessons) at all grade levels before entering student teaching in the senior year. Second, student teaching experience is required at both elementary (pre-K to grade 5) and secondary levels (grades 6-12). Finally, the program has a 100 percent pass rate on the Praxis II exam, a certification required before earning a teaching license in most states. 

For more information about UW’s PETE program, call (307) 766-5284 or email kinesiology@uwyo.edu.