How to Become a Gym Teacher
Gym, or physical education, teachers are responsible for educating students in health and physical fitness from pre-kindergarten to high school. They teach basic locomotor and non-locomotor movements, games and lifelong fitness activities, including the personal and social skills needed to participate in sports.
The curriculum is based on skills appropriate to different age levels, including adaption for those students with special needs as mandated by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. The field of physical education also includes health and wellness, with a curriculum that covers first aid, nutrition, interpersonal relationships and sexuality.
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Instructions
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Steps to Becoming a Gym Teacher
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Graduate from high school. A high school diploma (or state-approved equivalent) is necessary before being admitted into higher education. Certain courses could help with college entrance and completion, including fitness, sport, biology, anatomy and physiology. Some students may also be interested in joining organizations such as Future Teachers of America and Big Brothers/Big Sisters for community service.
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Complete a bachelor's degree in an accredited program. Becoming a gym teacher will include a four-year curriculum of basic and advanced coursework including exercise physiology, wellness, teacher preparedness and student teaching. This will require being a full-time student, with 12 to 15 class hours per week for approximately eight 16-week semesters.
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Obtain state teacher certification. After you have completed your degree. submit an application to the state to be become a certified teacher. The certificate is approved by the certifying officials once your credentials are evaluated and confirmed and you pass an examination. Then you are ready to seek employment as a gym teacher.
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References
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