This monograph relates the evolution, current status, issues, trends, and future perspective of undergraduate physical education teacher education (P.E.T.E.). The first section offers an historical overview of the profession. Preparation programs and curricula are described as they have progressed from the middle of the nineteenth century to the present, with a discussion of the increasing complexity of P.E.T.E. programs in response to changing educational philosophies. Societal influences on the development of curriculum for P.E.T.E. programs are considered in the second section, including government legislation, professional organizations, teacher preparation institutions, and employers and consumers. The third section deals with professional preparation curriculum in P.E.T.E. programs as it has been expanded and altered to meet not only more stringent certification requirements, but also the increasing trend toward specialization. The impact of the competency based teacher education movement on P.E.T.E. is also discussed. Contemporary views on the role and the responsibilities of the physical education teacher are considered in the fourth section. In the fifth section, a discussion is presented on the needs for further research in developing sound physical education curricula and the values of new teaching techniques in the field. The sixth section offers an overview of certification and accreditation of P.E.T.E. programs. In the final section, a discussion is presented on strategies for changing P.E.T.E., and recommendations are made for improving certification requirements, curriculum content, and process and methodology. Further recommendations are made for clarifying the role of professional physical education organizations and improving the administration of P.E.T.E. programs. (JD)