Bowling Green's dual-licensure in physical and health education expands career options

Senior Benjamin Cook amassed more than 500 hours of field experience to graduate as a versatile leader in both physical and health education

By Branden Ferguson

For future educator Benjamin Cook, the classroom is wherever learning happens. It might be a school gym filled with movement or a health classroom focused on lifelong wellness.

At Bowling Green State University, that flexibility is by design. As part of the University’s distinctive Physical Education and Health Education (PEHE) program, Cook is prepared for a career that covers both subject areas, an asset for many school districts.

While many universities require students to choose between physical education and health, BGSU offers a dual-licensure track that allows students to teach both subjects. This approach expands career options and strengthens the University's role as a leading producer of educators in Ohio.

“I will graduate licensed to teach any grade in health or physical education,” Cook said. “I’m versatile. If a school needs me in the gym, I’m ready. If they need a classroom teacher, I can do that too.”

That versatility is reinforced through extensive hands-on experience. While Ohio requires 100 hours of fieldwork, BGSU students like Cook complete more than 500 hours – working with students across grade levels and backgrounds.

Cook spent time with elementary students at Toledo Public Schools, Bowling Green's Conneaut and Kenwood Elementary Schools and at Eastwood Local Schools. He worked with middle schoolers at both Bowling Green and Eastwood, and also logged field experience hours at Rossford High School.

"Field experience built my teaching confidence," Cook said. "I'll graduate with both a degree and years of real practice."

Cook always aimed to change lives through education, but his path to the PEHE program began as a camp counselor. There, he saw the impact of physical activity on kids.

“Young people have a lot on their plates,” he said. “As a PEHE teacher, I can help them manage stress and develop healthy outlets they can use for the rest of their lives. That gives me a sense of purpose.”

That purpose extends to every student he’ll teach. With training in inclusive and adapted physical education from BGSU, Cook is prepared to support learners of all abilities – modifying activities for students with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities.

“In my classes, I’ll have a wide variety of learners,” Cook said. “What makes PE special is that I teach everyone, regardless of their starting point. Thanks to BGSU, I know how to help every student learn and grow together.”