students in the class

Physical Education Endorsement

Once you fulfill the requirements for your Professional Educator License (PEL) to work as a teacher, school support staff, or administrator in Illinois public or recognized non-public schools, you can earn additional credentials known as endorsements.

According to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), endorsements can be added at any grade level even if the underlying teaching endorsement on the PEL is a different grade range.

Per the State of Illinois, a Physical Education Endorsement can be earned by successfully completing an additional 18 semester hours in Physical Education-related courses with a final grade of a "C" or above as well as the successful completion of the Physical Education 144/213 test provided by and taken with the State of Illinois.

Endorsement Courses

Many students obtain their endorsement in PE teaching, health teaching and drivers education at COD. Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer terms and in a variety of formats:

  • In-person and online
  • 8-week, 12-week and 16-week sessions

ISBE or the DuPage County Regional Office of Education can evaluate your transcripts and determine what courses/area of study are needing to be completed.  

ISBE accepts the following COD courses:

  • PHYS 2200   Introduction to Physical Education
  • PHYS 2254   First Aid & CPR
  • PHYS 2201   Intro to Coaching
  • PHYS 2240   Sports Psychology
  • PHYS 2210   Sport in Society
  • PHYS 2270   Introduction to Sports Marketing
  • PHYS 2202   Introduction to Sports Management   
  • PHYS 2258   Science of Nutrition
  • PHYS 2261   Applied Kinesiology 
  •  ANAT 1551/1552   Anatomy and Physiology

Please verify with ISBE first before signing up for the course to make sure they will accept it for your endorsement.  

Contact Information

State of Illinois endorsement requirements and approved coursework can change. Contact Assistant Professor Jane Vatchev at vatchev@cod.edu for more information.