PE Teacher Certification
Certified physical education (P.E.) teachers develop lessons and activities that teach elementary or secondary students about sports, fitness and health through hands-on physical activities. P.E. teachers are responsible for the athletic component of a child's school day, adhering to state requirements and standards. Certification is required for P.E. teachers to work in both private and public school settings.
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Education
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As a prospective physical education teacher, and though this will differ from state to state, you will likely be required to hold a bachelor's degree or higher in physical education or a related field from an accredited college in order to pursue certification. Other fields that P.E. teachers commonly major in are athletic science, health science and fitness instruction. Though a bachelor's degree is generally all that is required, it is also possible to enroll in a physical education graduate program for those of you who are already teaching in a school.
Coursework
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P.E. teachers must be well-versed in various health and science topics in addition to taking P.E. courses. During an undergraduate physical education program, you will likely be required to take courses in the physiology of exercise, anatomy, adapted physical education, physical education principles and teaching methods, biomechanics, team sports and health and fitness.
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Skills
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As a physical education teacher dealing with groups of children you must possess the ability to inspire, educate and encourage your students. Teachers need a great deal of patience and classroom management skills (especially considering that your "classroom" will more likely be the playground or field). They must also develop a functional discipline policy. You must have a commanding knowledge of a variety of sports and the techniques used within them, in addition to methods of teaching the importance of general health and fitness.
Certification
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As a prospective physical education educator you will need to become certified in order to be employed. While this can vary from state to state, generally speaking, this means you must enroll in and successfully complete a teacher training program that includes both coursework and experience in an educational setting specific to physical education. Certification is granted upon passing a state certification exam and demonstrating the ability to perform the necessary skills involved with being a teacher.
Employment
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for teachers will be best in inner cities and urban school districts, rather than suburban areas. The majority of job openings between 2010 and 2018 will be a result of the need to replace teachers who retire and beginning teachers who decide to leave the career for other occupations.
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References
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