What Are the Duties of a Physical Education Teacher?

Physical education teachers, also referred to as gym teachers, are responsible for teaching children about health and wellness. They accomplish this both in and out of the classroom by a number of different approaches within the school community.

Health

They teach health classes, which cover topics including nutrition, physiology, diseases, self-esteem and sex education. They assign projects and papers as well as administer tests and quizzes to enhance and assess learning in the classroom.

Gym

They teach gym classes in which they instruct children in various sports and games to encourage a comfort with and a love of exercise. They may lead units that cover activities such as soccer, softball, badminton, running and weight training.

Coaching

Many physical education teachers also engage in coaching within the school community. They may coach basketball, track or football depending on their own experience and qualifications.

Parents

Physical education teachers work with parents to ensure the health of students. They may need to voice concerns over a student's exercise or eating habits or to discuss what they perceive as a low self-esteem in a child. By working with parents and school resources, they can help to bring healing to a struggling child.

School Health

They also help play a role in the overall health of the school by working with school health care professionals to regulate such things as lunch options and snack and soda machine offerings.