Do you enjoy teaching, working with kids, and keeping active? Would you like to combine all of these elements into one rewarding career?
If so, consider working as a PE teacher.
In this article, we'll discuss all you need to know about becoming a PE teacher and give you a step-by-step process to help you reach this goal.
Becoming a PE Teacher: Step by Step
Physical education, or PE, teachers work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They instruct students in health topics, personal fitness, and sports activities.
PE teachers teach kids how to play sports and build healthy habits through fitness routines. They are responsible for grading students and may meet with parents to let them know how their child is doing in the class.
Sometimes PE teachers also act as coaches or referees for school sports teams. They may teach in classrooms as well as gym and outdoor settings.
PE teachers must be both patient and enthusiastic. They must be able to work with kids of all ages and skill levels in an effort to bring out the best in each one.
The vast majority of PE teachers hold a bachelor's degree, though some have higher degrees as well. If you want to work in education, including as a PE teacher, you will need to have at least a bachelor's degree.
PE teachers also need to be licensed to teach in their state.
Annual salaries may vary for PE teachers depending on whether they work at the elementary, middle, or high school levels, as well as whether they work in a city or rural setting.
However, the national average for all teachers, regardless of level, is between $61,000 and $62,000 per year.
Are you ready to pursue a career in this fun educational field? Keep reading to learn what steps you need to take.
Step 1: Research Career Options
Start thinking about what age group you would like to teach; once you enter college, you may be able to tailor your degree toward that group.
Learn all you can about a variety of different sports. You will need to have a good understanding of sports in order to teach kids about them in a way they will understand.
Now is also a good time to look into the requirements to become a PE teacher. Requirements vary somewhat from state to state, so make sure you know what is expected in your area.
Step 2: Obtain Your Bachelor's Degree
The first requirement for becoming a PE teacher is obtaining a bachelor's degree. You will need this degree, at minimum, to begin working as a teacher.
Most PE teachers earn a bachelor's degree in education. Some schools may offer specialized physical education degrees, while others may offer more broad, generic degrees that you can tailor to your specific areas of interest.
Other students may pursue a Bachelor of Science in a health-related field such as physical education, kinesiology, or exercise physiology.
Talk with your academic advisor about what specific degree program will best suit your needs and goals.
Step 3: Become a Student Teacher
You will need to gain experience as a student teacher in order to become licensed.
Find out if there is a student teaching component built into your degree program. If there is not, find out about student teaching opportunities available in your area.
Generally, these programs last for about one semester. They allow you to gain hands-on experience in working with students and applying your classroom learning to real world scenarios.
Step 4: Get Licensed
Once you have completed your bachelor's degree and student teaching program, you are ready to seek licensure in your state.
Every state requires teachers to become licensed before they can start working for public schools in that state. However, exact licensing requirements can vary.
In many cases, you will have to pass a competency exam to receive your license. However, you'll want to find out about the specific requirements in your state so you don't experience any delays in obtaining your teacher's license.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs
By now, you should have your bachelor's degree, student teaching practice, and a state license all under your belt. It's time to start applying for jobs.
Teaching jobs are expected to steadily increase by 2030. This means there will be plenty of available jobs, and more will likely be added over time.
Check school districts in your area to find out if they are hiring for PE teachers. Job postings are typically listed on district websites.
You might also consider the school where you got your student teaching experience. If they were happy with your teaching abilities and are hiring a PE teacher, they may be happy to offer you a job.
Finally, research teacher's organizations which may provide job listings and other resources to aspiring PE teachers. One organization to consider is the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
Become a PE Teacher Today
Becoming a PE teacher requires a decent amount of preparation: you will need to get a bachelor's degree, have student teaching experience, and get licensed to work as a teacher in your state. But for those willing to put in the work, it can be a fun and rewarding career.
If you have any questions, reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today.
