How to Become a Physical Education Teacher

If you want to become a physical education teacher, go beyond the minimum requirements. A degree in physical education may make you qualified, but it won't necessarily get you a job. If you can teach physical education and some other subject, you will be a much more attractive job candidate for schools looking for a physical education teacher.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• College degree

1. Check your state's educational requirements. Different states have different rules about what training and certification you need to teach PE. Use the link below to look up your state.

2. Get a degree in physical education from a college or university. Your school may have education programs in Health and Physical Education, Athletic Training and Physical Education, or a similar program. Go for the BA in one of these areas. Although this is not strictly necessary, it will make you more marketable.

3. Get an educational degree in a secondary subject, such as social studies or English. If you can teach physical education and something else, you will be much more marketable to most schools.

4. Get experience working as a volunteer in physical education. Coaching a little league team or volunteering at a youth center will show prospective employers that you have experience teaching PE.

Tips & Warnings

• Think about what age group you want to work with. You may need to get certified for that group.

Resources

• State Educational Requirements
• How to Become a Secondary School Teacher