What Does a PE Teacher Do?

A teacher is responsible for the education of students in a specific subject or subjects. They may be tasked with teaching students about everything from basic concepts to complex theories and ideas.

Teachers are often expected to plan out their lessons ahead of time, ensuring that they cover all of the necessary material while also keeping their students engaged and interested throughout the process. In addition to this, teachers must be able to effectively communicate their knowledge to their students—this might include speaking clearly and loudly enough so that everyone can hear them, as well as explaining concepts in ways that are easy to understand.

PE Teacher Job Duties

A PE teacher typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Planning lessons and activities that incorporate physical activity as well as academic content
• Monitoring students’ behavior during physical activity to ensure that they are following safety procedures
• Assisting students with disabilities or special needs who are participating in PE activities
• Communicating with parents regarding progress and difficulties with their child’s academic performance in PE classes
• Conducting training sessions for new teachers on how to implement the PE program in their school
• Teaching students how to safely use playground equipment and other physical facilities in a school setting
• Creating lesson plans for PE classes based on lesson plans provided by their school district
• Supervising students during recess time to ensure that they are following rules and behaving appropriately
• Providing feedback to students about their performance and helping them improve their skills

PE Teacher Salary & Outlook

The salary of a teacher can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of education, years of experience, and the type of school they work in. Teachers who work in private schools typically earn more than those who work in public schools.

• Median Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $73,500 ($35.34/hour)

The employment of special education teachers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

The need to provide services to a growing population of students with disabilities is expected to drive employment growth for special education teachers. Special education teachers will be needed to educate these students and help them learn in regular classrooms with their nondisabled peers.

Related: PE Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

PE Teacher Job Requirements

A PE teacher typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, early childhood development, early childhood education and development, early childhood education and care or early childhood education and care and development. These programs typically include coursework in child development, teaching methods, classroom management and assessment. Some programs offer a practicum or internship to give students practical experience.

Training & Experience: Most employers will require that you complete a training program before you begin working. These programs can last from a few weeks to a few months and will teach you the basics of teaching students with special needs. You will learn how to use the equipment and materials that you will need to use in the classroom and how to handle students with various disabilities.

Certifications & Licenses: A PE teacher is required to be certified in first aid and CPR. These skills can be earned through a variety of organizations, such as the Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

PE Teacher Skills

PE teachers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As a TEACHER, you need to be able to communicate effectively with your students, colleagues and parents. You can use your communication skills to explain new concepts to students, answer questions from parents and collaborate with other teachers.

Collaboration: Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal. As a TEFL instructor, you may work with other instructors to plan lessons, observe students in the classroom and provide feedback. You may also work with other teachers to develop lesson plans and activities for students.

Organization: As a preschool teacher, you may not have a large classroom, but you still need to be organized. You may need to keep track of several different lesson plans, student files and materials for different activities. Being able to stay organized can help you keep track of everything you need and make sure you have everything you need for your classroom.

Leadership: Leadership skills can be very useful for a preschool teacher, especially if they work in a classroom with multiple adults. Effective leadership can help a preschool teacher maintain a safe and productive learning environment for their students. They can also use leadership skills to help their students develop self-confidence and independence.

Creativity: As a preschool teacher, you may use creative methods to engage your students and encourage them to learn. For example, you may use games, songs or other activities to help your students remember new information.

PE Teacher Work Environment

Physical education teachers work in schools and teach students the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. They typically work during school hours, but may also be required to work before or after school to prepare for classes, meet with parents, or attend faculty meetings. Some physical education teachers may also coach sports teams, which would require additional hours outside of the regular school day. Although the work can be physically demanding, such as when demonstrating exercises or participating in sports activities with students, most physical education teachers find the job to be rewarding and enjoyable.

PE Teacher Trends

Here are three trends influencing how PE teachers work. PE teachers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Attention to STEM Education

As the economy becomes more and more reliant on technology, the need for students to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) becomes increasingly important.

This trend is leading to an increased focus on STEM education in schools, which means that teachers who are knowledgeable about these subjects will be in high demand. PE teachers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in STEM subjects and developing curriculum that focuses on these areas.

More Focus on Health and Wellness

The health and wellness trend is having a major impact on the education industry. As parents become more concerned about the well-being of their children, they are looking for schools that offer programs that promote healthy living.

PE teachers can capitalize on this trend by developing curriculums that focus on health and wellness. This could include activities such as yoga, meditation, or nutrition education. In addition, PE teachers can work with other members of the school community to create a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond the classroom walls.

A Greater Emphasis on Teamwork

Teamwork is becoming an increasingly important skill for students to learn, as it is essential for success in both professional and personal settings.

PE teachers can utilize this trend by creating opportunities for students to work together in teams. This can be done through team sports, group projects, or other collaborative activities. By doing so, PE teachers can help students develop skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving, which will be useful in the future.

How to Become a PE Teacher

A career as a special education teacher can be incredibly rewarding. It’s important to consider all the factors that will influence your decision, including the type of school you want to work in, the age group you want to teach, and the subject you want to teach.

You should also think about what kind of support you need to succeed in this profession. Do you need additional training in special education? Do you need help finding a job at a school that specializes in serving students with disabilities? There are many organizations that can provide you with the guidance and support you need to become a successful special education teacher.

Advancement Prospects

Many physical education teachers advance by becoming school administrators, such as principals or assistant principals. Some become supervisors or coordinators of physical education programs. Others move into related occupations, such as coaching, athletic training, or recreation.

With further education, physical education teachers may become eligible for positions in college or university physical education departments or in other settings, such as corporate wellness programs. Some physical education teachers also become certified strength and conditioning specialists or other types of fitness specialists.

PE Teacher Job Description Example

We are looking for a highly-qualified and experienced Physical Education (PE) teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and working with students of all ages. They will be able to develop and implement an age-appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of all students. They will also be able to create a positive and inclusive learning environment in which all students feel safe and supported. The successful candidate will be a team player who is able to work collaboratively with other teachers, staff, and administrators.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and teach engaging physical education classes that promote student learning and meet state and national standards
• Plan and prepare for each class, including creating lesson plans, preparing materials, and grading assignments
• Motivate students to be active and participate in class, while maintaining a positive and supportive classroom environment
• Use a variety of assessment methods to track student progress and identify areas of need
• Work with other teachers and staff to ensure that all students have the opportunity to be successful in school
• Serve as a role model for students, demonstrating proper technique and sportsmanship
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences to stay up-to-date on best practices
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance and progress
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about their child’s progress
• Collaborate with other members of the school community to promote a healthy lifestyle for all students
• Participate in extracurricular activities such as coaching or sponsoring a club
• Perform other duties as assigned by the school administration

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or related field
• Valid teaching license in state of employment
• 3-5 years experience teaching physical education at the elementary, middle, or high school level
• Proven ability to develop and implement engaging and effective lesson plans
• Strong classroom management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or related field
• Experience coaching a sports team
• Ability to teach additional subjects, such as health or driver’s education
• Outgoing personality with a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals