Physical Education
MacMurray College's physical education program prepares students for career opportunities in teaching movement skills, fitness concepts, and game and sport performance skills to elementary, middle school, and secondary students. Physical educators have the exciting challenge of instilling vital knowledge and skills that impact youth throughout their developing years and into their adult lives, with emphasis on lifetime physical activities.
The Physical Education program provides a B.S. degree and upon completion of the Illinois Certification Tests, certification by the State of Illinois to teach Physical Education to the grades of K-12. Students are also certified throughout the program in CPR/AED and First Aid by The American Red Cross.
Programs of Study
Students take 45 hours of coursework rooted in Physical Education concepts ranging from motor learning to methodology in dance. The program also includes general education requirements rooted in a liberal arts education with coursework in college writing and cultural diversity. The total completion of the program involves 120 hours, with additional opportunities to minor in areas such as coaching.
Field Study and Clinical Experiences
Experience in the school districts is a vital part of the MacMurray College Physical Education Program. During a student’s sophomore year they will complete 40 hours of observation and instruction in a K-12 Physical Education setting at a local school district. Upon completion of the Physical Education degree requirements their senior year, students will be placed the last semester in a student teaching experience. The clinical experience is structured to be 8 weeks at the secondary level (6-12) and 7 weeks at the elementary level (K-5.) This is the culminating event of the Physical Education program, as students take on the full experience of being a teacher. The clinical experience involves evaluation by the college supervisor, as well as the students cooperating teaching placement.
Accreditation
The MacMurray College Department of Physical Education is accredited through the Illinois State Board of Education. Candidates completing the degree requirements for graduation from MacMurray College and the Physical Education Program, as well as passage of the Basic Skills, Physical Education Content Test, and Assessment of Professional Teaching Test are eligible for certification in Physical Education with the State of Illinois.
Faculty
Danielle Doerfler, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Physical Education
Director of Physical Education
B.S., Illinois College
M.S, Canisius College
Phone: 217-479-7156
Email: danielle.doerfler@mac.edu
Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program
