Instructor Qualifications

PE – Physical Education Instructor Qualifications – ARCHIVE

PE Instructor Qualifications Prior to November 2019

For Full time Faculty positions, a Master’s degree or higher is required. The Full-time instructors have responsibility for the curriculum, facilities, and other departmental operations in addition to teaching PE classes.

Master’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Master’s degree in any field, plus a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Demonstrated Competency:
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, or Human Physiology. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

For candidates who do not meet the above qualifications, consideration will be given to those individuals who show expertise in their specialty area by holding a current nationally recognized certification.  Teaching experience is preferred.

Additional requirement

Successful candidates will secure certifications in American Red Cross First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, and Automated External Defibrillator (FA, CPR, and AED) or equal certifications from another professional organization (i.e., American Heart Association, National Safety Council, National Safety Health Institute) prior to the first day or class.

Approved December 2018

PE Instructor Qualifications Prior to December 2018

For Full time Faculty positions, a Master’s degree or higher is required  The Full-time instructors have responsibility for the curriculum, facilities, and other departmental operations in addition to teaching PE classes.

Master’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Master’s degree in any field, plus a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership,or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Demonstrated Competency:
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, Outdoor Recreation Leadership, or Human Physiology. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

For candidates who do not meet the above qualifications, consideration will be given to those individuals who show expertise in their specialty area by holding a current nationally recognized certification.  Teaching experience is preferred.

Additional requirement

Successful candidates will secure certifications in both American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer prior to the first class.

Revision approved May 2016

PE Instructor Qualifications Prior to May 2016

For Full time Faculty positions, a Master’s degree or higher is required The Full-time instructors have responsibility for the curriculum, facilities, and other departmental operations in addition to teaching PE classes.

Master’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Master’s degree in any field, plus a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Demonstrated Competency:
Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.
For candidates who do not meet the above qualifications, consideration will be given to those individuals who show expertise in their specialty area by holding a current nationally recognized certification. Teaching experience is preferred.

Additional requirement

Successful candidates will secure certifications in both American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer prior to the first class.

Revision approved August 2014

PE instructors in physical education for all lower division college transfer courses:

1. Masters degree or higher is required

The Full-time instructor will teach many of the different courses listed below, as well as have significant, if not primary, responsibility for the curriculum, facilities, and other departmental operations.

Masters degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

OR

Masters degree in any field, plus a Bachelors degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

2. Demonstrated Competency is required

Bachelors degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels is preferred.

Qualifications for teaching the following list of courses will be considered only when unable to secure candidate with a Masters or Bachelors degree in a related subject area listed above. Positive professional references and personal recommendations, plus validation of years of teaching experience must be evident before consideration.

  • Group Fitness: Nationally accredited group fitness/exercise certification, plus three (3) years teaching experience. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Body in Balance (Pilates): Nationally accredited Pilates certification, plus three years (3) teaching experience. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Dance: See Dance Instructor Qualifications.
  • Lifeguard Training (LG)/Water Safety Instructor (WSI): American Red Cross certification as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), or as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT). Three (3) years teaching experience. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels. Note: this qualification is only for Lifeguard Training and WSI. All other swimming and certification courses must be addressed under 1 or 2 for instructor qualifications above.
  • Nia (Neuromuscular Integrative Action): Nia Certification in one of the following belts White, Blue, Brown, or Black. Three (3) years teaching experience in Neuromuscular Integrative Action. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Yoga: Yoga Alliance certification plus three (3) years teaching experience. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Team/Individual Sports: Coaching Certification from the national governing body (NGB) of the particular sport, plus three (3) years coaching/teaching the specific sport at the High School, College, National or International level. Preferred Qualifications: recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Martial Arts: Specific instructor qualifications for each are of Martial Arts is listed below: Aikido, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Tai Chi.
    • Aikido:
      • Preferred Qualifications: Aikido Master Teacher with 6th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2 years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
      • Aikido Instructor with 4th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 8 years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
      • Aikido Assistant Instructor (teach alone) with 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 12 years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration. Individual will not be certified to award recognized ranks to participants, but will require Aikido Instructor at time of certification.
    • Judo:
      • Preferred Qualifications: Kodokan Judo 2nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 3+ years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current United States Judo Incorporated (USJI), United States Judo Federation (USJF), or United States Judo Association (USJA) registration.
      • Kodokan Judo 1st Degree Black Belt with 5+ years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration.
      • USJF or USJA 1st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 5 years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration and Judo experience.
    • Karate:
      • Preferred Qualifications: 2nd Degree Black Belt and three (3) years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • 1st Degree Black Belt with 4+ years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Tae Kwon Do:
      • Preferred Qualifications: Instructor with international Black Belt certification with Kukkiwon, WTF, or USA Taekwondo, and proof of Black Belt Certification and Referee Certification; plus three (3) years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels or rank levels, and experience in a USA Taekwondo sanctioned local or national tournament.
      • Instructor with a 4th Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 4 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do, USA Taekwondo Referee credentials and three (3) years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels or rank levels, and experience in a USA Taekwondo sanctioned local or national tournament.
      • Instructor with a 2nd Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 5 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do and 3+ years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels or rank levels.
      • Instructor with a 1st Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 6 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do and 3+ years of recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels or rank levels
    • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:
      • Preferred Qualifications: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor with a black belt or higher, current registration with International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), plus three (3) years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supervisor with a brown belt or higher, current registration as a supervisor with International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), plus three (3) years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supervisor with a purple belt or higher, current registration with International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), plus three (3) years recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Tai Chi:
      • Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Tai Chi instructors. Strong preference will be given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
Additional requirement

Successful candidates will secure certifications in both American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer prior to the first class.

Approved: November 2011

Full-time and Part-time instructors in physical education for all lower division college transfer courses

1. Masters degree

Masters degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.

Note: for Fulltime Faculty positions, a Master’s degree or higher is required. The FT instructor will teach many of the different courses listed below, as well as having significant, if not primary, responsibility for the curriculum, facilities, and other departmental operations.

OR

2. Bachelors degree

Bachelors degree in Physical Education, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sports Psychology, Sports Fitness, Human Performance, Kinesiology, or Human Physiology plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.

Numbers 1 and 2 address the qualifications for teaching all activity courses not specifically listed under Number 3, without exception.

3. Demonstrated Competency in the field

(Qualifications for teaching the following list of courses will be considered only when unable to secure candidate by using 1-2.) Positive professional references, validated years of teaching experience and personal recommendations must be evident before consideration.

  • Group Fitness: Three (3) years teaching experience plus a nationally accredited group fitness/exercise certification. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Body in Balance (Pilates): Three years (3) teaching experience plus a nationally accredited Pilates certification. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Dance: Three (3) years of professional dance experience (may include performing, choreography, teaching) to include (2) year teaching experience. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Lifeguard Training (LGT)/Water Safety Instructor (WSI): Three (3) years teaching experience plus American Red Cross certification as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGT), or as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSI). Strong Preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels. Note: this qualification is only for Lifeguard Training and WSI. All other swimming and certification courses must be addressed under 1-2 for instructor qualifications above.
  • Martial Arts: Specific instructor qualifications are listed below for each Martial Arts offered, i.e., Aikido, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Tai Chi.
    • Aikido (Criteria in order of preference):
      • Aikido Master Teacher with 6th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
      • Aikido Instructor with 4th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 8-12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
      • Aikido Assistant Instructor (teach alone) with 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2-8 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration. Individual will not be certified to award recognized ranks to participants, but will require Aikido Instructor at time of certification.
    • Judo (Criteria in order of preference):
      • Kodokan Judo 2nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Judo Incorporated (USJI), United States Judo Federation (USJF), or United States Judo Association (USJA) registration.
      • Kodokan Judo 1st Degree Black Belt with 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration.
      • USJF or USJA 1st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2 years teaching experience teaching adults of different levels, current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration and minimum 5 years Judo experience.
    • Karate:
      • Strong preference is given to candidates with a 2nd Degree Black Belt and 3 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels. Consideration may be given to 1st Degree Black Belt and 4 or 5 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels.
    • Tae Kwon Do (Criteria in order of preference):
      • Instructor with a 4th Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 6 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do, USA Taekwondo Referee credentials, 4 or more years of teaching experience with students of college age or adults of different rank levels, and experience in a USA Taekwondo sanctioned local or national tournament. Prefer international Black Belt certification with Kukkiwon, WTF, or USA Taekwondo, and proof of Black Belt Certification and Referee Certification.
      • Instructor with a 2nd Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 5 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do and 3 or more years of teaching experience with students of college age or adults of different rank levels. Prefer international Black Belt certification through Kukkiwon, WTF, or USA Taekwondo and proof of Black Belt Certification.
      • Instructor with a 1st Degree Black Belt or higher with a minimum of 4 years of training in World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) style of Tae Kwon Do and 2 or more years of teaching experience with students of college age or adults of different rank levels. Prefer international Black Belt certification through Kukkiwon, WTF, or USA Taekwondo and proof of Black Belt Certification.
    • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Criteria in order of preference):
      • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor with a black belt or higher. Candidate needs a minimum of 3 years teaching experience with 2 or more years of recent teaching experience with college students or adults of varying abilities. Prefer current registration with International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Proof of Black Belt certification needs to be provided.
      • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supervisor with a brown belt or higher. Candidate needs a minimum of at least 3 years of recent teaching experience of college students or adults of varying abilities. Candidate must be registered as a supervisor with IBJJF. Proof of Brown Belt certification needs to be provided.
      • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu supervisor with a purple belt or higher. Candidate needs a minimum of at least 3 years of recent teaching experience of college students or adults of varying abilities. Candidate must be registered as a supervisor with IBJJF. Proof of Purple Belt certification needs to be provided.
    • Tai Chi:
      • Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Tai Chi instructors. Strong preference will be given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action): Three (3) years teaching experience in Neuromuscular Integrative Action, Nia Certification in one of the following belts White, Blue, Brown, or Black. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
  • Yoga: Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from a recognized school for Yoga instructors. Strong preference is given to candidates with recent experience teaching at the college level or teaching adults of varying skill levels and Yoga Alliance certification.
  • Team/Individual Sports: Bachelor’s degree in any subject area, plus three (3) years teaching/coaching at the High School/College level. National certification in particular sport is preferred, but not required.
Additional requirement

Successful candidates will secure certifications in both First Aid and Professional CPR/AED prior to the first class.

Approved June 2011

PE Full-time and Part-time instructors in physical education for all lower division college transfer courses

(Note: all Full-time PE/Dance Instructors have Masters Degrees)

  • Masters degree in Physical Education.
  • Masters degree in closely related subject area, i.e., exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus 30-quarter hours graduate credit in subject area. (For Corrective/Adaptive Physical Education – Subject area in Physical Therapy or Adaptive Physical Education.)
  • Bachelors degree in Physical Education or closely related subject area, i.e. exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Strong preference to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or adults of varying skill levels. (Numbers 1-3 address the qualifications for teaching all activity courses not specifically listed under Number 4, without exception.)
  • Demonstrated competency in the field: (Qualifications for teaching the following list of courses will be considered only when unable to secure candidate by using 1-3.) Positive professional references, validated years of teaching experience and personal recommendations must be evident before consideration.
    • Aerobics: Three (3) years teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health/Fitness Instructor, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Aerobics Instructor, Aerobic Excel (EXEL) Group Fitness Instructor or equivalent. Group Exercise Leader Certification, or equivalent. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Body in Balance (Pilates): Three years (3) teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: Initiation 101 or Initiation 201 from the Physical Mind Institute, Stott Conditioning Training and Certification from Pilates Studio, Core Dynamics Certification or Pilates Method of Body Conditioning Certification. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Dance: Three (3) years of professional dance experience (may include performing, choreography, teaching) to include (2) year teaching experience. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Lifeguard Training (LGT)/Water Safety Instructor (WSI): Three (3) years teaching experience plus American Red Cross certification as a Lifeguard Instructor (LGT), or as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSI). Strong Preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels. (Note: this qualification is only for Lifeguard Training and WSI. All other swimming and certification courses must be addressed under 1-3 for instructor qualifications above).
    • Martial Arts: Specific instructor qualifications are listed below (in italics) for each Martial Arts offered, i.e., Aikido, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi. (In Japan, martial arts teachers have to be 4 th Degree Black Belt or higher to teach in the Universities.)
      • Aikido I & II: (Criteria in order of preference)
        • Aikido Master Teacher with 6 th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
        • Aikido Instructor with 4 th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 8-12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration.
        • Aikido Assistant Instructor (teach alone) with 1 st – 3rd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2-8 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current Aikido World Headquarters (or other recognized Aikido organization) registration. Individual will not be certified to award recognized ranks to participants, but will require Aikido Instructor at time of certification. See above example.
      • Judo I & II: (Criteria in order of preference)
        • Kodokan Judo 2 nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Judo Incorporated (USJI), United States Judo Federation (USJF), or United States Judo Association (USJA) registration.
        • Kodokan Judo 1 st Degree Black Belt with 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration.
        • USJF or USJA 1 st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2 years teaching experience teaching adults of different levels, current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration and minimum 5 years Judo experience.
        • (Kodokan Judo requirements are uniform and exceed USJF and USJA standards. Like Karate and other martial arts, some USJA programs allow a Black Belt rank after 1 year of Judo. Kodokan and USJF have requirements that are nearly impossible to meet in less than 5 years of diligent practice.)
      • Karate:
        • Strong preference for 2nd Degree Black Belt and 3 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels. May consider 1 st Degree Black Belt and 4 or 5 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels.
      • Tae Kwon Do I & II: (Criteria in order of preference)
        • Tae Kwon Do Teacher with 2 nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 6 years of single-style martial arts training and 2 or more years of recent teaching experience with college students or adults of different levels. Prefer current registration with World Tae Kwon Do Association and North American Chung Do Kwon Association. Proof of Black Belt Certification.
        • Tae Kwon Do Instructor with 1 st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 4 years of single-style martial arts training and 1 or more years of recent teaching experience with college students or adults of different levels. Prefer current registration with World Tae Kwon Do Association and North American Chung Do Kwon Association, or other recognized Tae Kwon Do association. Proof of Black Belt Certification.
      • Tai Chi:
        • Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Tai Chi instructors. Strong preference will be given for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action): Three (3) years teaching experience in Neuromuscular Integrative Action, NIA Certification in one of the following belts White, Blue, Brown, or Black. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • Yoga: Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Yoga instructors. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
      • Team/Individual Sports: Bachelor’s degree in any subject area, plus three (3) years teaching/coaching at the High School/College level. National certification in particular sport is preferred, but not required.
 Additional recommendation
  • Recommend, but not require that successful candidate secures certifications in First Aid and CPR.

Approved: April 2005

  • Masters degree in Physical Education.
  • Masters degree in closely related subject area, i.e., exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus 30 quarter hours graduate credit in subject area. (For Corrective/Adaptive Physical Education – Subject Area in Physical Therapy or Adaptive Physical Education.)
  • Bachelors degree in Physical Education or closely related subject area, i.e. exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Strong preference to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or adults of varying skill levels. (Numbers 1-3 address the qualifications for teaching all activity courses not specifically listed under Number 4, without exception.)
  • Demonstrated competency in the field: (Qualifications for teaching the following list of courses will be considered only when unable to secure candidate by using 1-3.) Positive professional references, validated years of teaching experience and personal recommendations must be evident before consideration
    • Aerobics: Three (3) years teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor Certification, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health/Fitness Instructor, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Aerobics Instructor, Aerobic Excel (EXEL) Group Fitness Instructor or equivalent. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Body in Balance (Pilates): Three years (3) teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: Initiation 101 or Initiation 201 from the Physical mind Institute, Stott Conditioning Training and Certification from Pilates Studio, Core Dynamics Certification or Pilates Method of Body Conditioning Certification. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Dance: Three (3) years of professional dance experience (may include performing, choreography, teaching) to include (2) year teaching experience. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Lifeguard Training: Three (3) years teaching experience plus American Red Cross certification as a Lifeguard Instructor. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels. (Note: this qualification is only for Lifeguard Training. All other swimming and certification courses must be addressed under 1-3 for instructor qualifications above)
    • Martial Arts: See specific instructor qualifications (attached) for the separate Martial Arts offered, i.e., Aikido, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi.
    • NIA: Three (3) years teaching experience in Neuromuscular Integrative Action, NIA Certification in one of the following belts White, Blue, Brown, or Black. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Yoga: Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Yoga instructors. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
Additional Recommendations
  • Recommend, but not require that successful candidate secures certifications in First Aid and CPR.
  • Recommend that to improve hiring of qualified candidates that each responsible department/division administrator strive to secure, maintain and update viable pool of potential instructors.
Instructor Qualifications – Tae Kwon Do I & II

(Criteria in order of preference)

  • Tae Kwon Do Teacher with 2 nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 6 years of single-style martial arts training and 2 or more years of recent teaching experience with college students or adults of different levels. Prefer current registration with World Tae Kwon Do Association and North American Chung Do Kwon Association. Proof of Black Belt Certification.
  • Tae Kwon Do Instructor with 1 st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 4 years of single-style martial arts training and 1 or more years of recent teaching experience with college students or adults of different levels. Prefer current registration with World Tae Kwon Do Association and North American Chung Do Kwon Association, or other recognized Tae Kwon Do association. Proof of Black Belt Certification.
Instructor Qualifications – Judo I & II

(Criteria in order of preference)

  • Kodokan Judo 2 nd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Judo Incorporated (USJI), United States Judo Federation (USJF), or United States Judo Association (USJA) registration.
  • Kodokan Judo 1 st Degree Black Belt with 5 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration.
  • USJF or USJA 1 st Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 2 years teaching experience teaching adults of different levels, current USJI, USJF, or USJA registration and minimum 5 years Judo experience.
  • (Kodokan Judo requirements are uniform and exceed USJF and USJA standards. Like Karate and other martial arts, some USJA programs allow a Black Belt rank after 1 year of Judo. Kodokan and USJF have requirements that are nearly impossible to meet in less than 5 years of diligent practice).
Instructor Qualifications – Karate
  • Strong preference for 2nd Degree Black Belt and 3 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels. May consider 1 st Degree Black Belt and 4 or 5 years of teaching experience with adults of varying skill levels.
Instructor Qualifications – Tai Chi
  • Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Tai Chi instructors. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
Instructor Qualifications – Aikido I & II

(Criteria in order of preference)

  • Aikido Master Teacher with 6 th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Aikido Federation (USAF) or Aikido of America (AOA) registration.
  • Aikido Instructor with 4 th Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 8-12 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Aikido Federation (USAF) or Aikido of America (AOA) registration.
  • Aikido Assistant Instructor (teach alone) with 1 st – 3rd Degree Black Belt or higher with minimum 5-10 years recent experience teaching adults of different levels and current United States Aikido Federation (USAF) or Aikido of America (AOA) registration. Individual will not be certified to award recognized ranks to participants, but will require Aikido Instructor at time of certification. See second example.

(In Japan, martial arts teachers have to be 4 th Degree Black Belt or higher to teach in the Universities.)

Revised Date: 2/18/2002

PE Instructor Requirements

  • Masters degree in Physical Education.
  • Masters degree in closely related subject area, i.e., exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus 30 quarter hours graduate credit in subject area. (For Corrective/Adaptive Physical Education – Subject area in Physical Therapy or Adaptive Physical Education.)
  • Bachelors degree in Physical Education or closely related subject area, i.e. exercise physiology, sports fitness, plus three (3) years teaching experience at the college/high school levels. Strong preference to candidates with recent experience teaching in college or adults of varying skill levels. (Numbers 1-3 address the qualifications for teaching all activity courses not specifically listed under Number 4, without exception.)
  • Demonstrated competency in the field: (Qualifications for teaching the following list of courses will be considered only when unable to secure candidate by using 1-3.) Positive professional references, validated years of teaching experience and personal recommendations must be evident before consideration.)
    • Aerobics: Three (3) years teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor Certification, American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Health/Fitness Instructor, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Aerobics Instructor, Aerobic Excel (EXEL) Group Fitness Instructor or equivalent. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Body in Balance (Pilates): Three years (3) teaching experience plus one of the following certifications: Initiation 101 or Initiation 201 from the Physical mind Institute, Stott Conditioning Training and Certification from Pilates Studio, Core Dynamics Certification or Pilates Method of Body Conditioning Certification. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Dance: Three (3) years of professional dance experience or two (2) years teaching plus a combination of the following areas: performing or choreography. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • NIA: Three (3) years teaching experience plus NIA Certification in one of the following belts White, Blue, Brown, or Black. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Martial Arts: See specific instructor qualifications for the separate Martial Arts offered, i.e., Aikido, Judo, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Tai Chi.
    • Water Safety Instructor (WSI): Three (3) years teaching experience plus American Red Cross certification as WSI Trainer. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
    • Yoga: Three (3) years teaching experience plus certification from recognized school for Yoga instructors. Strong preference for candidates with recent experience teaching in college or teaching adults of varying skill levels.
Additional Recommendations:
  • Recommend, but not require that successful candidate secures certifications in First Aid and CPR.
  • Recommend that to improve hiring of qualified candidates that each responsible department/division administrator strive to secure, maintain and update viable pool of potential instructors.

Approved Date: 01/2001