How to Become an Elementary School P.E. Teacher

Take steps to become an elementary physical education teacher.

Elementary physical education teachers are responsible for educating and training children from kindergarten through high school in health and proper fitness activity. Some schools include preschool classes as well. Individuals interested in become P.E. teachers must have the proper schooling, certifications or licenses and experience working with children. This is true for all public schools, as private schools are not bound to follow these requirements.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• State teaching license or certification
• Resume

Instructions

1. Plan to become a physical education teacher while you are still in high school. Join some school sports teams, take classes at your local gym, serve as a camp leader at summer sports camps and take any first aid classes taught at your local hospital. Not only can these activities be used on a resume, but they will give you knowledge and experience that you will use when you become an elementary P.E. teacher.

2. Attend a college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. Your school guidance counselor will inform you of the classes that need to be completed to earn the degree, but according to the website PE Central, students are usually required to take classes such as health and wellness, kinesiology and exercise physiology.

3. Take an internship with a nearby elementary school while still in college. Help coach a little league team, assist an elementary physical education teacher or run an after-school aerobics class.

4. Submit an application to receive a teaching license or certification from your state. Each state has its own requirements, but this typically must be done immediately following your college graduation. In many cases, you will be required to pass a state licensing exam.

5. Create a resume that sets you apart from other applicants. List all of your skills, experience, education and completed licensing. Hire someone to help you write your resume if you don't think you can write a winning resume yourself. Use this resume to land your first elementary P.E. teaching job.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you are allowed to start working as an elementary physical education teacher, you will be required to submit to a background check, which usually includes fingerprinting.

References

• Education-Portal.com: Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher
• PE Central: Becoming a Physical Education Teacher

Resources

• University of Kentucky: 50 States' Certification Requirements