Springfield College Offers Unique Dual Certification Program to Future Physical and Health Educators
March 30, 2012SPRINGFIELD, Mass., March 29, 2012 – In the current economic climate, when consumers are trying to get all they can for their money, Springfield College will offer a dual certification program in physical education and health/family and consumer sciences for elementary and secondary levels.
This dual licensure program, offered in the Springfield College department of physical education and health education gives Springfield College students a unique advantage by preparing them to become teachers of physical education and health/family and consumer sciences for all grade levels in just four years.
“Students of this program will benefit from a curriculum that integrates health and physical education content, teaching methods, and substantial practical hands-on experience,” said Linda Davis-Delano, director of the Springfield College educator preparation and licensure program. “Dual certification across all grades will give graduates a wider range of employment opportunities, something particularly critical in the current economic climate.”
Through this dual licensure program, students will prepare for professions that foster a healthy lifestyle by promoting the value of physical activity and good nutrition. As teachers, they will work to improve the health and wellness of society by working with the most educable population—school-age youth.
“The physical education and health education department is the largest faculty body at Springfield College. We have more than 30 physical education teacher educators, health educators, and teacher-coaches,” said Kathy Mangano, Ed.D., department chair. “Additionally, our faculty members hold leadership positions in local, regional, and national associations. You couldn’t have better role models or a more supportive environment in which to become a health and physical educator.”
The program aligns with national and state standards. Close attention will be paid to preparing candidates for successful completion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL), as well as PRAXIS tests in states nationwide. Graduates of the program will earn bachelor’s degrees while becoming prepared to meet all requirements necessary to complete state-approved teacher licensure programs for grades PreK-12. They will then be certified in elementary and secondary physical education and elementary and secondary health/family and consumer sciences.
More information is available at SpringfieldCollege.edu/PEHEDual.
