July 3, 2009

Search for Degrees, Careers & Schools

Get the Flash Player to see the Mathematics Professions Video: Career Options in Math and Statistics Field

Articles related to Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher

Art Teacher Video: Educational Requirements and Career Options for Art Teachers

Proud BBB Members

Proud Library Members

Member of College and Research Libraries

Member of College and Research Libraries

Proud Members

BBB Accredited Business Member of College and Research Libraries

Member of College and Research Libraries

Newsletter & RSS

Subscribe to our Living & Learning newsletter!

Glossary of Career Education Programs RSS feed subscription

Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher

Teachers of Physical Education are in charge of the health component of most public and private school curricula. A gym teacher not only supervises track and field, but might also conduct classes in nutrition. To become a Phys. Ed. teacher, you need a four-year degree.

Physical Education Teacher Defined

A physical education teacher oversees classes designed to provide an athletic component to the school day. Most schools have a minimum standard for what students need to learn in areas of health and fitness, so most gym teachers incorporate a classroom component into their program. Phys. Ed. teachers are found at every level of education. Larger schools may have a whole department devoted to phys. ed. or athletics, in which a person may assume a managerial role in addition to teaching responsibilities.

Educational Requirements for Physical Education Teachers

To become a physical education teacher you must complete a 4 year degree program and achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and physical education, or a similar degree. Within a physical education degree program, there may be various concentrations from which to choose, such as exercise science, or health promotion.

You will also need a teaching certificate for the level you want to teach, and the state where the school is located, because most gym teachers are called upon to perform other teaching duties, such as administrative tasks or teaching subjects to students, either as a substitute or as part of their overall job. It's recommended that you gain volunteer experience working with youth in a teaching capacity, not only to boost your resume when searching for work, but also to help you earn a spot in a degree program.

Coursework

Coursework in a physical education degree program may include:

  • Physical Education Theory
  • Theories of Sport Pedagogy
  • Team Sports
  • Individual Sports
  • General Teaching Methods
  • Human Development
  • Physical Education Classes for the Physically Impaired

Salary Information

The average salary for a gym coach at the middle school level for the last four years was $24,700, according to the Indiana University Website.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, job opportunities for teachers over the next 10 years will range from good to excellent. Job prospects will be best in inner cities and rural areas.

Related articles to 'Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher'

Recommended Schools for Users Who Read Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher:

Selected Search Criteria:

  • Subject Category: Human Sciences
  • Subject Subcategory: Nutritional Sciences Degrees
  • Specific Program: Dietary and Human Nutrition Programs

Penn Foster Career School

DeVry University

University of Phoenix

AIU Online

Walden University

Capella University

Strayer University Online

Argosy University

The Art Institutes

Kaplan University

Related Articles

Below is a selection of articles you may find helpful while you search for schools or degree programs.

Preschool Teacher: How to Become a Preschool Teacher

Some states now require children under the age of 4 to attend preschool. This has increased the need for certification to teach at the preschool level. This article provides a look at the process of becoming a preschool teacher, along with a career and salary outlook.

Preschool Teacher Educational Requirements

Requirements for becoming a preschool teacher range from general psychology to introductory techniques for math, science, and literature. Credentials required by public and private schools may vary from state to state. Here is an overview of what you can expect from a preschool teaching career track.

Teacher Education Programs: Top College with Courses in Teaching and Early Childhood Education - Washington, DC

Students interested in becoming an early childhood professional can attend Teacher Education programs and a top college with courses in teaching in Washington, DC. The University of the District of Columbia College of Arts & Sciences in Washington, D.C., offers a Bachelor of Arts degrees in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts degrees in Early Childhood Education.

Online Teacher: Educational Requirements for Teaching Online Courses

Online teaching is becoming an option for instructors as it gains in popularity among students. Read this article for information about becoming an online teacher.

Top Schools for Physical Education

This article contains education and career information for those pursuing a career in physical education. The article includes a list of colleges offering physical education teaching and coaching programs.

Elementary Education Teacher: Educational Requirements

Teaching can be a rewarding profession for those who are passionate about education. Read this article for an educational overview for teachers.

10 Websites Offering Free Online Teacher Education

There are many colleges, universities and other institutions that are dedicated to providing free professional development resources to teachers. Here is a list of the best websites that offer free courses to teachers around the world.