An Alternative Model for Physical Education Teacher Education Majors: The Process of Programmatic Restructuring

This research paper introduces a novel program structure for a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) aimed at increasing enrollment by offering two career-driven, non-gated tracks. The declining interest in education professions among college students and the resulting deactivation of university PETE programs due to low enrollment necessitate innovative solutions. Current data indicate a significant reduction in the number of students pursuing careers in education, contributing to a shortage of qualified physical education teachers. To address this issue, the proposed program structure offers a tri-track system: one focused on traditional physical education teaching and the other two tracks on athletic coaching and physical activity leadership. Both non-gated tracks are designed to attract a broader range of students by eliminating restrictive entry requirements and providing clear, career-oriented pathways in a variety of fields related to health and physical activity including coaching in private settings (e.g., sports clubs and academies) and community settings (e.g., municipal recreation programs) and leadership in community-based health and physical activity programs. By diversifying career options and removing entry barriers, this innovative structure aims to rejuvenate PETE programs, making them more appealing and accessible to prospective students.