How to Become a P.E. Coach

Teaching the fundamentals of sports, such as basketball, is part of a PE coaches job.

Coaching physical education becomes an ideal job for the person who loves sports and kids. Being involved in the physical fitness development of kids entails a wide-spread knowledge of athletic training, physiology, coaching psychology, human development and growth. Teaching kids the benefits of staying physically active through sports and exercise is one of the primary responsibilities of the position. Physical education coaches insure that kids meet established physical fitness benchmarks and excel in individual or team performances. Learning successful methods and tools to accomplish these goals is what sets individuals apart.

Instructions

1. Decide what level you want to coach. Elementary and secondary school-aged children require a different set of teaching tools and game plans. High school students can perform more complicated exercises and sports plays, whereas elementary school children need to focus on developing fundamental skills.

   Once focused on an age group, you can create a plan.

2. Earn your college degree. Schools require that all personnel dealing with children in a classroom setting be well educated in the subject matter they teach.

   Although you do not have to major in Physical Education, Kinesiology or Biology, it's important to take courses in these fields so as to become knowledgeable in these areas.

3. Get your certification. Schools mandate that only certified instructors, whether it's emergency, single-subject or multiple-subject, can teach on campus during school hours.

   If the school hires you as a private contractor a credentialed teacher must accompany you on the field or in the gym while in the presence of students at all times.

4. Gain experience. While earning your degree or credential, volunteer as a coach or assistant coach for an after-school program or youth organization. Learning how to be a coach is an on-hands activity.

   The more you learn about pressure situations and unpredictability of working with kids, the better you get at dealing with different scenarios. This experience enhances your resume and strengthens your background.

5. Familiarize yourself with the coaching standards and benchmarks established by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. These guidelines help maintain the quality of programs and initiate accountability for physical education coaches nationwide.

6. Learn as many sports as possible. As a coach, you'll be teaching kids the fundamentals of different kinds of physical activities, ranging from football, basketball and hockey to weight lifting.

7. Submit resumes to schools and local districts in your area. Also try applying to charter and private schools.

   Once established, coaches can remain at the same site or search for bigger schools.

References

• College Board: Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
• National Association for Sport and Physical Education: Coaching Standards and Benchmarks
• California Department of Education. Curriculum Areas: Physical Education