How Can I Become a PE Teacher?

Becoming a PE teacher.

Physical education teachers provide a valuable resource for students. PE teachers work to encourage the mental and physical aspects in a student's life. In order to become a PE teacher, educational requirements are necessary. A bachelor's degree from an accredited university, state certification and experience in the field are basic requirements that must be obtained before getting a job as a physical education instructor. Each state has its own specific requirements, but these basic steps will provide a guideline for becoming a PE teacher.

Instructions

1. Complete educational requirements. Achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training, physical education or general education from an accredited four-year college or university. Choose an academic concentration in a related field like health promotion or exercise science. Take academic classes in health, wellness, exercise physiology and kinesiology. According to Pecentral.org, complete college activity courses like golf, aerobics, basketball, tennis, racquetball, and other team and/or individual sports. Take a number of teaching PE methods courses. Gain credits toward a bachelor's degree by taking physical education theory classes, human development classes, sports pedagogy courses, and physical education classes for students with physical handicaps.

2. Obtain a teaching certificate for the desired grade level. Apply for certification, often referred to as state licensing, in the state where you intend to teach. Contact a state education department for the forms and documents necessary for the certification. Most states require a passing score on a state teacher's exam. Expect a couple of weeks for the state certification to be issued. Grade level certification for most states is broken down into elementary, secondary (grades 7-12) and post-secondary categories.

3. Gain experience in physical education. Study and perform physical activities like aerobics, gymnastics, rock climbing, tennis, swimming, football, golf, track, badminton, basketball and dance. Participate in these activities while studying at a university. Volunteer to coach a team at a local YMCA or for a neighborhood sports organization. Volunteer experience working with youth in a teaching or coaching capacity provides useful hands on experience when applying for PE teacher positions.

4. Participate in student teaching while studying at a university. Choose student teaching opportunities that provide supervised teaching experience. Many schools require a minimum of six months of supervised PE teaching experience to be an eligible candidate for employment. Most universities require student teaching experience in order to receive a bachelor's degree.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose to pursue a career teaching PE only if you enjoy working with youths.

References

• Physical Education Teacher: How to Become a P.E. Teacher
• Becoming a Physical Education Teacher
• How to Become a PE Teacher

Resources

• PE Teacher: Become a Physical Education Teacher in 5 Steps