16 Physical Education Teacher Skills for Your Career and Resume

Physical education teachers work with students to teach them about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. They use a variety of skills to engage students in learning, including instructional skills, communication skills and people skills. If you’re interested in becoming a physical education teacher, understanding these essential skills can help you succeed in your career.

Classroom Management

Classroom management is the ability to maintain order in a classroom. Physical education teachers often need to manage their class during physical activity, when students are waiting for equipment or changing into workout clothes and when they’re learning about health topics. Having good classroom management skills can help you keep your students focused on the lesson at hand and ensure that everyone is safe.

Coaching

Coaching is the ability to provide guidance and support for others. Physical education teachers often use this skill when working with students in physical activity, as they may need help learning how to perform certain exercises or activities. For example, a PE teacher might teach their class how to play soccer and then act as a coach during practice so that each student can receive individual attention.

Safety Procedures

Safety is an important aspect of any physical education teacher’s skill set. You should be able to instruct students on how to safely use equipment and facilities, as well as how to prevent injuries during physical activity. Safety procedures are also necessary for ensuring the health and safety of all participants in a physical education class.

Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and physiology are the scientific study of how the body works. Physical education teachers who have a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology can help students understand their bodies better, which may lead to more active lifestyles. For example, knowing where muscles are located on your body can help you perform exercises correctly and safely.

First Aid & CPR

First aid and CPR skills are important for physical education teachers to have, as they may be responsible for supervising students during outdoor activities or when the school nurse is unavailable. Knowing how to treat common injuries can help you keep your students safe and healthy. You should also consider taking a CPR course so that you can administer CPR if an emergency situation arises.

Nutrition

Nutrition is the practice of consuming food and drink to maintain health. Physical education teachers often use nutrition skills when planning meals for their students, creating snacks or selecting activities that require fuel. Nutrition can also be a valuable skill in the classroom because it can help you teach your students how to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink.

Patience

Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations. Physical education teachers often need patience when working with students who have special needs or learning challenges. For example, a student may struggle to complete an exercise correctly, but rather than becoming frustrated, a patient teacher will continue to provide encouragement and guidance until the student masters the skill.

Exercise Science

Exercise science is the knowledge and understanding of how the body functions during exercise. Physical education teachers often use this skill to plan their lessons, as they need to know what types of exercises are most effective for each age group. They also use it when instructing students on proper technique and form so that they can avoid injury.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information clearly. Physical education teachers often communicate with students, parents and administrators about class schedules, assignments, test results and other topics. Strong communication skills can help you build relationships with others and ensure that everyone understands what you say. You may also use your communication skills when speaking in front of a large audience or leading team meetings.

Motivational Techniques

Motivation is the process by which an individual’s interest in a task increases. Physical education teachers use motivational techniques to encourage students to participate in physical activity and exercise regularly. For example, if you notice that some of your students are not participating in class activities, you can try to motivate them by offering incentives or changing the way you present information.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is the positive attitude that a physical education teacher displays when interacting with students. This skill can help you motivate your students to learn and practice new skills, which can improve their confidence in these areas. You may also use enthusiasm to encourage your students to try new activities or exercise routines. For example, if you notice one of your students isn’t participating in class, you might ask them to give it a try and show them how much fun they can have.

Creativity

Creativity is the ability to think of new and innovative ways to solve problems. Physical education teachers often use creativity when planning activities for their students, as they may need to come up with unique solutions to challenges that arise during class. For example, if a physical activity requires equipment that isn’t available at the school, a creative teacher might be able to find an alternative location or create their own version of the activity using different materials.

Instructional Strategies

Instructional strategies are the tools physical education teachers use to instruct their students. These skills include knowing how to plan lessons, design activities and evaluate student progress. Effective instructional strategies help you create a positive learning environment for your students and encourage them to learn new skills.

Leadership

Leadership skills are important for physical education teachers because they often supervise and lead activities with large groups of students. These classes can include a wide range of ages, abilities and interests, so it’s important that the teacher is able to maintain order and keep everyone engaged in the activity. Leadership skills also help these instructors plan and execute their own lessons effectively.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of your responsibilities and resources. As a physical education teacher, you may have multiple classes with different schedules, equipment needs and other duties. Having strong organizational skills can help you manage all these tasks effectively. It’s also important for keeping records of student progress and grades so that you can provide meaningful feedback and evaluations.

Assessment

Assessment is the process of evaluating student progress and determining what students need to learn next. Physical education teachers use assessment skills when creating lesson plans, as they may base their lessons on a student’s current skill level. For example, if one group of students has already mastered basic body awareness exercises, an instructor can create new challenges for another group.

How Can I Learn These Physical Education Teacher Skills?

There are a few ways that you can learn the necessary skills to become a physical education teacher. Firstly, you can enroll in a degree program at a college or university that offers a specialization in physical education. Alternatively, you can take some courses related to physical education, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition at a community college. Finally, you can also get some experience by working as a coach or assistant physical education teacher.