The best way to become a PE teacher is to complete the requirements for your state’s teaching certification. Each state has different requirements, so it’s important to check with your state’s Department of Education before you start your studies. The following are some of the most common requirements:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in physical education or a related field, like kinesiology or health education.2. Apply for an undergraduate program that meets your state’s teaching requirements and earn a B average or better during your first two years of study. Some states require teachers to get their master’s degree before they can apply for their teaching certificate; others do not.3. Complete a student-teaching internship during which you will work with a certified teacher and mentor while gaining hands-on experience in the classroom with students who are similar in age and ability level as those you’ll teach when you’re hired full time as an educator yourself.4. Pass both written and oral exams given by the board or department overseeing teacher qualifications in your state or territory (this may include multiple tests).
How To Become Pe Teacher
Teachers work with students of all ages and diverse backgrounds and can specialize in different educational fields. Physical education is one field of education where teachers instruct students in healthy habits, nutrition and physical activity. If you’re interested in a career working with children in an active setting, becoming a physical education teacher can be an excellent option to consider in education. In this article, we’ll explore what physical education teachers do and how to become a physical education teacher with several frequently asked questions about the career to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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What is a physical education teacher?
Physical education (PE) teachers are educators who specialize in the instruction and guidance within the subjects of physical health, development, proper nutrition and sports participation. PE teachers work with students of all ages and educates them in health science topics. PE teachers are compassionate educators who integrate movement and physical activities into every instructional activity and assessment they develop.
What do physical education teachers do?
Physical education teachers instruct, evaluate and assess students in areas of physical health and development, health science, exercise and sports and proper nutrition. A PE teacher uses instructional strategies to plan, develop and deliver lessons in the classroom and in outdoor areas of their school. Depending on the grade and age levels of the students they work with, PE teachers have a variety of tasks they handle on a daily basis, including:
- Planning instructional activities and lessons that incorporate movement- and exercise-based learning strategies according to state and national curriculum standards
- Developing assessments that evaluate students’ understanding of physical education topics like health and development, nutrition and sports
- Tracking student progress and development in physical education areas like motor skills, exercise, structured movement and other kinesthetic applications
- Communicating with staff and community about educational goals related to positive health outcomes and the physical development of students
- Engaging students in movement-based activities that support learning and achievement in sports, exercise programs and other physical education areas
- Keeping parents updated on educational activities and school events, student progress and student achievement
- Helping students set and achieve physical education and health goals and guiding students in developing kinesthetic and motor skills
- Evaluating and supporting students with difficulties or challenges in movement, motor skills and spatial awareness
Related: Popular Careers in Education You Can Pursue
How to become a physical education teacher
PE teachers must complete the same education and training as teachers in general education, however, they also complete specialized training in lifespan development, health science and kinesthetic applications. The following steps outline what you need to do to become a PE teacher:
1. Earn your bachelor’s degree
All prospective educators must complete an undergraduate degree to enter their careers. Many PE teachers earn their Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) and specialize in fields like health sciences, physical education or kinesiology. Your educational program can cover topics like theories in sports pedagogy, physical education theories, team and individual sports and foundational methods of instruction.
2. Complete an internship
Many bachelor’s programs for physical education require you to complete an internship (educational practicum) as part of your coursework. Practicums may last for a single semester, or you may participate in an internship for all of your educational program. The length of your practicum depends on the university you attend.
3. Take and pass your certification exams
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, PE teachers must take and pass various certification exams in order to obtain their teachers’ certificate. Physical education teachers may complete exams in their subject areas, general education theories and practices and other exams that the states they work in require. Additionally, your state may require you to hold specific certifications in the grade levels you teach.
4. Apply for your state educator’s license
To teach physical education, you need to apply for and obtain your teaching license through your state. Most states just need your exam scores and an application. It’s best to check the exact criteria for your state, though, especially if you plan on teaching in another state from the one you received your degree in.
5. Obtain your physical education endorsement
The certification exams you take to become a PE teacher demonstrate your eligibility to receive both your state teaching certificate and your physical education endorsement. Since you’re specializing in physical education, you must obtain this endorsement in addition to your teaching license. Additionally, you must renew your teaching license and PE endorsement every few years. Teachers typically renew their certificates every three to five years and complete continuing education to recertify, but the exact requirements for recertification can vary by state.
Related: How To Become a Teacher
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Frequently asked questions about becoming a PE teacher
The frequently asked questions below can give you additional insight into becoming a physical education teacher:
What’s the job outlook for physical education teachers?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, expected employment growth for all teachers is a projected 4% between the 2019 and 2029 decade. While this growth in job opportunities is a projection for all educators, different teaching specialties may have varying growth rates in the future. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that special education teachers may expect less growth in employment, with an overall rate of 3% for the same decade.
What’s the work environment like for physical education teachers?
PE teachers work between both classroom and outdoor settings. In the classroom, PE teachers commonly focus on health sciences, nutrition and the academic aspects of physical activity and movement. In outside settings, teachers may instruct students in team sports, evaluate health and fitness, introduce exercises and help students make connections between nutrition and exercise. PE teachers also must attend faculty and school board meetings periodically, where they collaborate with other educators to develop innovative approaches to instruction.
Related: 24 Reasons You Should Become a Teacher
What is the average salary for a physical education teacher?
According to Indeed’s salary data, the average income for a physical education teacher in the United States is $46,969 per year. This income average can vary, though, depending on a variety of factors. One factor that can affect your earning potential is the number of years you’ve been working in education. First-year teachers and educators just entering their careers often earn less than veteran teachers.
Additionally, your degree level can also affect your income level. Educators with graduate degrees often earn more than teachers with only an undergraduate degree. Two more factors that affect PE teachers’ income level include the state you teach in and the grade level you teach. Some states pay more than others, and many PE teachers in secondary education may earn higher incomes.
What additional certifications are available to physical education teachers?
PE teachers can pursue additional training and qualifications in physical education. Some PE teachers complete graduate degrees in physical education, kinesiology, health science or nutrition. Similarly, you can pursue certification for physical education for students with special needs, which is a separate endorsement from your physical education certificate.
