Physical education and gym teachers in Connecticut provide students with valuable exposure to health and wellness activities for approximately 40 minutes out of every school day. This article provides educational and certification requirements specific to Connecticut-based physical education/gym teacher candidates. You'll find minimum passing ACT/SAT/GRE scores along with a link to additional certification exam information.
Certification Requirements for Physical Education and Gym Teachers in Connecticut
| Average Salary for Teachers in Connecticut (2019)* | $78,070 (Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education) $79,510 (Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education) $78,540 (High School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education) |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Degree Field | Physical Education |
| Testing Requirements | Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and Praxis Physical Education Examination |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Step 1: Meet Educational Requirements
If you desire to become a physical education or gym teacher, you can do so by enrolling in an approved teacher prep program and earn a bachelor's degree. Visit the Connecticut Department of Education's homepage for a list of approved teacher prep programs.
All teacher prep programs require that you pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators. This examination will test your proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Contact your desired prep program to learn their passing score requirements.
It should be noted that you may not have to take the Praxis Core examination if you achieved qualifying scores on another examination:
- SAT: Combined verbal/math score of 1000 (prior to 3/31/95) or 1100 (on/after 4/1/95)
- GRE: Combined verbal/math score of 1000 (prior to 8/1/11) or 297 (on/after 8/1/11)
- ACT: Verbal score of 20 and math score of 17 (prior to 10/89); Verbal score of 22 and math score of 19 (on/after 10/89)
You can complete a Bachelor of Science program in physical education, which comes with a certification for grades Pre K-12. Applicable coursework can include instructional methods, first aid, exercise science, and sports in American society. You will need to complete a student teaching assignment during your prep program.
Step 2: Pass Certification Examination
You'll also be required to pass a Praxis subject-specific examination for physical education. This test on content and design requires a passing score of 169.
Finally, you must receive a clear criminal background check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the state of Connecticut.
Step 3: Apply for Teaching Credentials
After completing the above requirements, you will be eligible to apply for an initial teaching license. This license is good for three years and requires an application fee of $50. You will need to submit your official college transcripts and the ED125 Statement of Preparing Higher Education Institution. The statement must be affixed with your college's seal and contain an original signature.
The next level of Connecticut teacher certification is the provisional educator certificate. It's good for eight years, and you will need to meet one of these conditions to receive it:
- 10 months of work experience under your initial teaching certificate
- 30 months of work experience within 10 years in a public school outside of Connecticut
The final level of Connecticut teacher certification is the professional educator certificate. You must have 30 months of work experience under your provisional certificate and meet additional coursework requirements for this credential.
Certification Resources for Connecticut Physical Education and Gym Teachers
These study guides will help you prepare for your Praxis teacher certification examinations.
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators - Combined Test: Practice & Study Guide
- Praxis Physical Education: Practice & Study Guide
