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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Physical Education Teachers.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Physical Education Teachers.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 7%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Adapt instructional techniques to the age and skill levels of students.
Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
Becoming a Physical Education (PE) teacher is an excellent career choice for individuals passionate about sports, fitness, and education. If you're interested in guiding young people towards a healthy lifestyle and promoting the benefits of physical activity, here's a step-by-step guide on how to get there.
Before you embark on this career path, make sure you understand what the job entails. PE teachers are responsible for:
To become a PE teacher, you'll need to meet specific educational criteria:
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field from an accredited university. Your coursework will likely include classes in exercise science, health education, and teaching methods.
Complete a Teacher Education Program: If your bachelor’s degree is not in education, you may need to complete an accredited teacher preparation program. These programs cover pedagogy, curriculum design, and include student-teaching internships.
Get Certified: Every state requires public school teachers to be licensed or certified. The requirements vary by state but typically include passing an exam like the Praxis. Check with your state’s Department of Education for specific guidelines.
Practical experience is vital:
Student Teaching: This internship is often included in teacher education programs. You’ll work under the supervision of an experienced teacher to gain hands-on experience.
Coaching or Assistant Coaching: Get involved with school or community sports teams to build experience and demonstrate your commitment to physical education.
In addition to formal education, PE teachers need a range of skills:
Communication Skills: You must communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Organization Skills: Planning lessons and managing equipment requires good organizational abilities.
Leadership Skills: As a PE teacher, you'll need to motivate and lead students through various activities.
First Aid and CPR Certification: These are often required for PE teachers to ensure student safety.
Education doesn’t stop once you become a PE teacher:
Attend Workshops and Seminars: These can keep you up-to-date on new teaching methods and advancements in physical education.
Pursue Further Education: Some teachers choose to earn a master’s degree or PhD in physical education or a related field to advance their careers.
Finally, building a professional network can help you find job opportunities:
Join Professional Organizations: Organizations like SHAPE America provide resources and networking opportunities for PE teachers.
Use Online Job Boards: Websites dedicated to education careers can be valuable resources for finding job openings.
Connect with Other Educators: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in your field.
Remember that each step of this process can take time and persistence. With dedication and passion for promoting physical health and education, you can make a significant impact as a PE teacher.
To become a Physical Education (PE) teacher, you typically need to fulfill the following educational requirements:
Yes, there is a demand for PE teachers. The job market can vary by region, but overall, PE teachers are needed to:
While it is possible to transition into teaching PE with a degree in another subject, you may need to:
Professional development for PE teachers can include:
PE teachers can advance their careers by:
While both roles involve promoting physical activity, they have distinct differences:
Yes, PE teachers can find employment in various settings outside traditional schools:
Remember that each alternative setting may have different requirements regarding certification and experience.