The Power in Positive Ed

Well-being matters, and today’s students and teachers need the tools to manage today’s world. 

That’s why Russell Sage College became the first college in the nation to partner with The Center for Positive Education. Each student in the Esteves School of Education graduates with training in Positive Education, and Russell Sage will extend the training to the greater education community with professional development opportunities.

Learn more
  • The Center for Positive Education

Majoring in Physical Education

With a degree in Physical Education, you’ll go on to teach and coach students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

Classes for Physical Education Majors

This Physical Education degree program, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, will prepare you for initial certification in New York State pre-K through 12th grade PE.

You will learn how to effectively instruct and assess in PE and best practices in coaching for youth and scholastic sports.

In the third and fourth years, our program utilizes a Professional Development School model, where faculty work with public school partners to prepare future teachers.

Students gain clinical experience during methods courses to train as teachers and to build a professional network.

Program Distinctions

You’ll gain hands-on experience early on within this program through field experiences and culminating with student-teaching placements — and in doing so, network with area school district administrators, coaches and physical educators.

Small class sizes ensure that you’re not just a number.

This program also puts an emphasis on adapted PE, with eight credits earned from this area. This emphasizes the growing need of inclusive practices within schools.

Pathway Programs

Sage maintains an articulation agreement with Hudson Valley Community College to simplify enrollment for transfer students with an associate degree in Physical Education.

Another partnership between Sage and East Greenbush Central School District allows students in grades 9-12 to earn up to 30 college credits. Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education or a bachelor’s degree Physical Education from Russell Sage College in just three years, saving time and money.

SEE CATALOG FOR B.S. IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

“We offer Physical Education majors the opportunity to learn from a board-certified behavior analyst, which gives you that extra edge …”

Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education

Careers with a Physical Education Degree

Physical Education majors go on to teach PE and coach sports in schools and private clubs in New York and surrounding states. They have also become athletics directors, district superintendents and personal trainers.

Graduate Studies with a Physical Education Degree

Russell Sage College’s M.S. in Sport Science: Coaching & Mental Performance and M.S. in School Health Education is the next step for many Physical Education majors and a pathway to professional licensure.

Learning Experience

An emphasis is placed on inclusive, standards-based instruction. Courses in the major are small, allowing for more interaction. Classes are set up as a blend of face-to-face, hybrid and online courses to capitalize on the experiences that are built into the program with partners.

Student Teaching

To gain experience in the field, you’ll be paired with a coaching teacher in a school district and work alongside that teacher instructing, managing and experiencing the daily life of that teacher. A college supervisor oversees the student teaching experience.

Next steps?

It’s time to take the next step. Choose yours below.

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Kelly Brock
Kelly Brock, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Assistant Professor of Education, Program Director of Graduate Special Education, and Program Director of Undergraduate Physical Education
Peter Stapleton
Peter J. Stapleton, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives