What does a Physical Education Teacher do?
Published 3 min read
A physical education teacher is responsible for teaching students the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition. They typically design and implement lesson plans that focus on developing students' motor skills and knowledge of health and fitness. In addition, physical education teachers may also coach sports teams or lead extracurricular activities.
Physical Education Teacher job duties include:
- Plan and implement physical education lessons that align with state and national standards
- Incorporate a variety of activities into lessons to keep students engaged
- Motivate students to be active and participate in physical activity
- Monitor students during activities to ensure their safety
- Evaluate students’ performance and give feedback
- Keep up-to-date on new developments in the field of physical education
- Attend professional development workshops to improve teaching methods
- Maintain accurate records of student progress
- Communicate with parents about their child’s progress
Physical Education Teacher Job Requirements
A Physical Education Teacher must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. Certification is required in most states and can be obtained through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Many school districts require teachers to have a Master's Degree. Most states also require teachers to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits every few years to maintain their certification. Physical Education Teachers typically have several years of teaching experience.
Physical Education Teacher Skills
- Patience
- Creativity
- Energy
- Enthusiasm
- Good communication skills
- Good organizational skills
- Good discipline skills
- Good people skills
- Good teaching skills
- Good leadership skills
- Good sportsmanship
Related: Top Physical Education Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Physical Education Teacher
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a physical education (PE) teacher. Maybe you were inspired by a great PE teacher when you were in school. Maybe you have always been passionate about fitness and want to help others lead healthier lives. Or maybe you simply enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in their lives. Whatever your reasons, if you are interested in becoming a PE teacher, there are some things you should know.
To become a PE teacher, you will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in physical education or a related field. Many states also require PE teachers to be certified, which typically involves completing an accredited teacher preparation program and passing a state-specific exam. Once you have earned your degree and/or certification, you will be able to apply for jobs at schools or other organizations that offer PE programs.
If you love physical activity and enjoy working with children, becoming a PE teacher may be the perfect career for you!
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