Ryan chose the Physical Education Program at UMPI because it gave him a wide range of experience teaching and observing in local public schools and, at the same time, allowed him to be successful academically while participating in collegiate athletics.

“I like that the Physical Education Teacher program is a progression every semester, with the courses and professors developing you to become a true professional in the field. I have been able to grow as a teacher over the years because of that progression–from teaching to classmates, to observing in schools, to teaching lessons in schools, to applying to substitute teach, to what’s next up for me–student teaching in both elementary and secondary level physical education programs.”

As a Canadian student, Hannah said she chose to attend UMPI because it felt like home to her. And, because her high school Physical Education teacher was a graduate, she knew she was going into a program that would teach her well. During her time at UMPI, Hannah has participated in the UMPI Physical Education Majors Club, hosted many community events focused around physical activity, and has the opportunity to attend professional conferences. After graduation, she plans to earn her Master’s degree in Adapted Physical Education.

“The one thing that really separates UMPI from other institutions is the people. The number one decision-making factor for me was seeing how genuinely happy the students were at UMPI and hearing from current students how much the faculty, coaches, and administration does to make sure that each and every student is successful.”

Paul said he knew UMPI was the school for him as it’s renowned throughout Maine and other parts of New England as having one of the best Physical Education programs on the East coast. The cost and the experience he’d get were also big factors.

“I chose UMPI because it gave me the ability to do all the things I love while also saving as much money as possible. Here, I am able to get an amazing education, play two sports, and have the university experience, all within a reasonable budget. College is expensive now, and a teaching degree is a teaching degree, so why not go to a place where you can come out of college without massive amounts of debt?”