Contents
If you’re interested in becoming a physical education teacher, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s a quick guide on how to become a physical education teacher.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
A physical education teacher is responsible for teaching children the importance of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. In order to become a physical education teacher, you will need to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physical education, which can be obtained at many colleges and universities across the country. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to obtain state certification in order to teach physical education in public schools. Private schools may have different requirements, so it is important to check with the school before applying for a teaching position.
What Does It Take to Be a Physical Education Teacher?
Anyone who loves sports and wants to share that love with others can become a physical education teacher. You don’t need to be a super athlete, but you do need to have a general understanding of a variety of sports and be able to teach the skills to others. If you have a passion for physical fitness and want to help others lead active and healthy lives, then a career in physical education might be right for you.
Education
A bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation, or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for teaching physical education. Some states may require certification or licensure in addition to a bachelor’s degree. Check with your state’s department of education for specific requirements.
Most colleges and universities offer programs leading to a bachelor’s degree in physical education. These programs prepare students to teach physical education in elementary, middle, and high schools. Coursework typically includes classes in exercise physiology, first aid, and sports medicine, as well as methods courses in which students learn how to design and teach developmentally appropriate movement activities and fitness programs. Many programs also include student-teaching experiences, which provide an opportunity for students to gain practical experience working with children or adults in a variety of settings.
Certification
Most states require physical education teachers in public schools to have at least a bachelor’s degree in education, with a focus on physical education, and to be certified by the state. Some states allow non-certified teachers to teach physical education on a provisional basis for a limited time. A few states require physical education teachers to have a master’s degree.
Prospective physical education teachers should take courses in a variety of sports and activities, as well as coursework in anatomy, physiology, child development, and psychology. They also need to complete student teaching experience working with different age groups in a variety of settings.
Skills
To be a physical education teacher, you will need to have excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. You must be able to develop relationships with your students and build a rapport with them in order to gain their trust and respect. You must also be able to plan and implement effective lesson plans that are tailored to the needs of each individual student. In addition, you must be able to maintain a positive and safe learning environment for all students.
Steps to Becoming a Physical Education Teacher
Becoming a physical education teacher may seem like a daunting task, but it is achievable with the right steps. The first step is to get a bachelor’s degree in physical education, which can be done at many colleges and universities. After you have your degree, you will need to get certified to teach physical education in your state. Once you have your certification, you can apply for jobs at schools.
Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program
To become a physical education teacher, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree program. Most states require that physical education teachers earn at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You may be able to find a physical education teaching program that includes a student-teaching component, which can give you the opportunity to gain practical experience working with students in a physical education setting.
Complete a Master’s Degree Program (Optional)
Although a master’s degree is not required to teach physical education in most schools, it may give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. In addition, if you eventually want to move into an administrative role or pursue research opportunities, a master’s degree will likely be required.
Most states offer alternative certification programs that allow you to complete your coursework and student teaching while you’re working as a full-time teacher. These programs typically take 1-2 years to complete.
Obtain Certification
In order to become a certified physical education teacher, you must first complete an accredited teaching program. Bachelor’s and graduate-level programs are available, but not all states require a graduate degree for certification. You will also need to complete a student-teaching internship as part of your program. Once you have completed an accredited program and internship, you will need to pass the appropriate state certification exams.
Find a Job
1. The first step to becoming a physical education teacher is to find a job. You can find jobs teaching physical education in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and even colleges and universities. Many of these jobs will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in physical education, but some may only require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Once you have found a job, you will need to complete the required training. Training for physical education teachers varies by state, but most states require that you complete a certain number of hours of professional development or continuing education every few years.
3. After you have completed your training, you will be ready to start teaching! Physical education teachers typically teach classes for one hour per day, five days per week. Classes may be shorter or longer depending on the age of the students and the school’s schedule.
Conclusion
If you have a passion for physical fitness and want to share your knowledge with others, becoming a physical education teacher may be the perfect career choice for you. With the right education and training, you can become a PE teacher and help your students lead active, healthy lives.
