Sustaining PETE and HETE: Navigating and Expanding Enrollment Pathways in Kinesiology and Education Contexts

Physical education teacher education (PETE) and health education teacher education (HETE) programs are increasingly at risk of marginalization or elimination due to institutional pressures such as low enrollment thresholds, shifting priorities in R1 universities, and the declining appeal of the teaching profession. This roundtable discussion session explores strategies for sustaining and growing PETE and HETE programs by comparing the unique opportunities and constraints of programs housed in kinesiology divisions versus those located in colleges of education. Presenters will share lessons learned from two different R1 universities that are positioned within different units/colleges. Drawing on practical insights and structural analysis, presenters will share examples of cohort-based curriculum models, school-university partnerships, targeted recruitment pipelines, and outreach to transfer students and high school PE teachers. Through rich discussion, attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen their program’s visibility, enrollment, and long-term sustainability.