Physical Education

Why choose physical education (P.E.) at North Central College?

Our physical education major is among the strongest in the area. But don’t take our word for it. Consider this: Our graduates are renowned for their high pass rate on state teacher certification tests. If you want to help young people develop the skills, habits and attitudes that will promote their health and wellness, then our broad-based curriculum and prime location make North Central your ideal training ground. In addition to a K-12 certification program, North Central offers plenty of field experiences and chances to secure positions in some of the nation’s top public schools.

You can also:

Gain valuable teaching experience in some of the Midwest’s premier (and highest-paying) school districts.
Earn a certification to teach health in addition to physical education—and still graduate in four years.
Join the Student Leaders Association of Teacher Educators (SLATE), which develops and implements special service projects and programs.

Mike Giaquinto earns 2012 Outstanding Major in Physical Education Award

Mike Giaquinto of Hackettstown, N.J. was awarded the 2012 Outstanding Major in Physical Education Award during Honors Day May 15.

Alicia Zimmerman earns College's 2012 Outstanding Student in Secondary Education Award

Alicia Zimmerman of Wheaton was awarded the 2012 Outstanding Student in Secondary Education Award during Honors Day May 15 at North Central College.

North Central College alumnus earns Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching

North Central College alumnus Robert Taylor is one of 10 Chicago-area educators being honored with 2012 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

more news

Internships

Girls' swim coach intern, Naperville North High School
Track & field coach intern, West Chicago High School
Intern, Ultimate Strength and Fitness, Bloomingdale, IL
Sports and programming intern, YMCA, Schaumburg, IL
Intern, Dixon Park District, Dixon, IL

Careers

Physical education graduates often find teaching positions in districts within a 30-mile radius of North Central, like:

Aurora and East Aurora School District 131
Chicago Public Schools
Naperville School District 203
Naperville Indian Prairie School District 204
Plainfield School District 202

Graduate Schools

Recent Physical education graduates have been accepted at:

McGill University
University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign

Feature

Chris Ranallo

Physical education major

Chris had discovered a passion for working with children and a love for teaching before his arrival at North Central. He found the physical education department was the ideal environment to nurture his passion and develop his skills in preparation for a teaching career. “At a small school like North Central, you have the opportunity to really get to know the faculty and staff. They create a warm and welcoming environment and want to create those personal relationships with students.”

In addition to his academic work and internships with the boys’ and girls’ swimming programs at nearby Naperville North High School, Chris was also the College’s student body president as a senior. “There are so many activities that any student in any major can become involved with. I would recommend to anyone to get involved and stay involved throughout all four years.”

Feature

Kathleen "Katie" Stratton

Physical Education

Before transferring from large universities, Katie focused on swimming alone and had no idea what she wanted to do. “But North Central balances academics and athletics so perfectly and helps you focus on what you will do for life,” she says.

Katie has discovered she wants to teach physical education. “I’ve always been active and had a passion for keeping kids healthy and fit.” She added minors in secondary education and wellness with a health endorsement.

A member of North Central’s swim team, she partnered with her coach to start a noncompetitive program that teaches swim techniques and conditioning. She also volunteers her time to coach swim teams at a Naperville high school and is head coach at a neighborhood swim club during summers.

“I struggled at my first two schools but I’m doing great here. It makes a difference being at a school where you’re supported and happy.”

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