Assistant Professor of Physical Education (Tenure Track)

Job ID: 44126

About the College

The University of South Florida College of Education serves a community of over 2,200 students and 130 faculty members dedicated to advancing high-quality education through excellence in research, teaching, and learning. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and fully approved by the Florida Department of Education, the College offers innovative teacher training and collaborative graduate programs aimed at developing educational leaders. In partnership with school districts across the Tampa Bay region, the College is committed to extending proven educational initiatives and exploring new approaches to preparing lifelong learners.

The Physical Education program prepares aspiring educators to teach about the importance of developmentally appropriate movement concepts and skills for students in K-12 schools, as well as lead across youth, interscholastic, collegiate, and community-based physical activity settings. The PE Undergraduate Program provides a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education Teacher Education, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Coaching and Physical Activity Leadership (beginning Fall 2027). The program also offers Minors in Athletic Coaching and the Science of Physical Activity. The PE Graduate Program offers a Master of Arts in Physical Education, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Athletic Coaching. Programs work to prepare community-engaged educators who are responsive to the unique needs, strengths, and experiences of students and athletes. The program fosters transdisciplinary approaches to research, teaching, and service for impact, focusing on the local and global needs of a rapidly changing world, and partnering with communities towards access for all.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Physical Education Teacher Education, Athletic Coaching, Physical Activity Leadership, and related minors.
• Support students during clinical and practicum experiences and contribute to the continued growth and development of these programs, including leadership and coordination based on departmental needs.
• Serve as course lead for undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program enhancement.
• Maintain an active research agenda by publishing in high-impact journals, pursuing external funding, and establishing a national reputation for meaningful research.
• Engage in department, university, and professional service, including administrative activities that support the mission of the department and university.

This position carries a 2:2 teaching load, with possible summer teaching opportunities based on program needs and student demand.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physical education (or closely related field) by the time of appointment. ABD applicants must submit a letter from their major professor/dissertation chair confirming satisfactory progress and anticipated degree completion prior to the appointment start date.
• Experience teaching college-level physical education and/or athletic coaching and physical activity leadership courses.
• At least 18 graduate hours of physical education coursework, sufficient for accreditation purposes.
• Evidence of an emerging scholarly agenda with potential for sustained research productivity, scholarly dissemination, and external funding.
• A minimum of three years of professional experience in K–12 physical education teaching, athletic coaching, or a combination thereof.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest/specialization in elementary or secondary physical education, adapted physical education/physical activity, athletic coaching, etc.
• Active engagement in professional organizations.
• Experience supervising or mentoring pre-service and/or in-service teachers or coaches.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to contribute to school-based or community partnership initiatives.
• Experience teaching online and/or using technology-enhanced pedagogies in higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative academic or professional teams.
• Evidence of commitment to student success.

Benefits

The University of South Florida offers a first-class benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Retirement plan options.
• Employee and dependent tuition programs.
• Generous leave policies.
• Hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities.