PETE showed me the light...

Ok, so on this edition of going down memory lane of my Appalachian experience I am going to sing the praises of my major, affectionately known as the PETE program.

The PETE program, also known as the Physical Education Teacher Education program, here at App has provided me with a more thorough higher education than I ever imagined. The faculty's outstanding personality's and teaching provided me with the ideal example for which to enter the professional world with. Dr. Mohr, Dr. Townsend, Dr. Sibley, Dr. McKethan, Dr. Kernodle, Professor Morris, and Mr. Osborne have been outstanding to me and I seriously couldn't have asked for any more out of a higher education program.

Through the Physical Education Teacher Education program I have had numerous professional experiences along with all my content class work. Notably, I have co-taught a college level, basic instruction Physical Education course (Jogging & Conditioning, PE1013-132, Spring 2008), I have had experience working with students with a variety of developmental disabilities, and I have instructed a basic Physical Education unit for home-schooled children in the region of Boone. And this is all before student-teaching!!! I have had numerous other tutoring and coaching experiences in addition to the above that have helped me develop as a person and a professional. This development includes (but is not limited to) the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities as a beginning teacher, student, and whatever role I choose to undertake, the learning of technology competencies to be technically literate in the world we live in, the enhancement of my interpersonal communication and relationship skills, and finally the development of my desire to become lifelong learner.

Now a word of warning...the PETE program is going to make you work, and work hard from the start when you enter Pro-Block One. Don't think your going to cruise through this degree and play games for all four years. You are going to become a competent, literate, and enthusiastic Physical Educator who is accountable for student learning, which should be the goal of any education program. However, in my opinion, (someone who is near the end) it's worth every single moment and sacrifice.

Do you dare to take the challenge?

Next time, I am going to talk to you about how Appalachian developed me into a person who wanted to give back and get involved in extracurricular activities.

~Cam

P.s. Today I am extremely pleased because I have now received two acceptances to Graduate Schools for Exercise Science. The University of Memphis today confirmed my acceptance, along with my previous conditional acceptance at Loughborough University, United Kingdom. (However, I am still waiting to hear about my Graduate Assistantship applications, which is what I need to attend either of these institutions.) Therefore, some difficult decisions still await.

P.s.s. I think these acceptances to Graduate School's are prime examples of how thoroughly the PETE program has prepared me.