Physical Education (PE) Teacher

Your Fit

Income

$67K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physical Education (PE) Teacher?

A Physical Education (PE) Teacher is responsible for instructing students in various grades about physical activity, health, and wellness. They focus on developing students' physical fitness, motor skills, and understanding of healthy lifestyle habits.

Sample job titles:

Adapted Physical Education Specialist (APE Specialist), Adapted Physical Education Teacher (Adapted PE Teacher), Adapted Physical Educator, DAPE Specialist (Developmental Adapted Physical Education Specialist)

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The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physical Education (PE) Teacher.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Physical Education (PE) Teacher earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$43K per year	$54K per year	$67K per year	$88K per year	$109K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Physical Education (PE) Teacher do?

Work environment

PE Teachers typically work in school environments, ranging from elementary to high school. Their work setting includes gymnasiums, outdoor fields, and sometimes classrooms for health education. The job involves physical activity and demonstrating various sports and exercises.

Quick task list

Plans and instructs physical education classes.
Assesses student progress in physical skills and knowledge.
Maintains a safe and encouraging learning environment.
Organizes sports activities and physical fitness assessments.
Educates students on health, nutrition, and lifestyle choices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Adaptive Physical Education: Tailoring programs for students with disabilities.
Health and Wellness Education: Focusing on nutrition, personal health, and lifestyle choices.
Athletic Coaching: Specializing in coaching school sports teams.
Outdoor Education: Leading activities like hiking, camping, and outdoor survival skills.
Dance and Movement: Incorporating dance and rhythmic activities into PE programs.

Description

Physical Education Teachers play a crucial role in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles among students. They are tasked with creating engaging and inclusive PE programs that cater to a range of abilities and interests. This role requires a good understanding of physical fitness, sports skills, and health education.

PE Teachers must be energetic, motivational, and able to effectively manage large groups of students. They are often responsible for fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline in physical activities. This job can be physically demanding, as it involves demonstrating sports and exercises, and sometimes participating alongside students.

Beyond teaching physical skills, PE Teachers also impart important life lessons about health, teamwork, and perseverance. They have the opportunity to positively influence students' lifelong attitudes towards fitness and wellness, making a lasting impact on their overall well-being.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Inspiring students to lead active and healthy lifestyles.
Observing improvements in students' physical abilities and confidence.
Contributing to the overall health and well-being of the student community.

You might make a good Physical Education (PE) Teacher if you are...

Passionate about sports, physical fitness, and health education.
Energetic and able to demonstrate and engage in physical activities.
Skilled in communication and able to motivate and encourage students.
Patient and adaptable to students with different physical abilities.
Organized in planning activities and managing equipment.

Pros:

Active and dynamic work environment.
Opportunity to positively impact students' health and lifestyle habits.
Variety in daily activities and sports.

Cons:

Physically demanding job with a potential for injury.
May involve working outside in various weather conditions.
Challenges in engaging students with varying interest levels in physical activity.

How to become a Physical Education (PE) Teacher

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field is typically required, amounting to about 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional teaching certification is often necessary, depending on state requirements.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physical Education to develop an understanding of fitness and sports.
Health Education for knowledge about wellness and nutrition.
Biology or Anatomy to understand physical health and the human body.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in school sports teams or athletic clubs.
Volunteering as a coach or assistant for youth sports programs.
Leading or organizing physical activity events at school or in the community.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field.
Complete student-teaching experiences or internships in schools.
Obtain state-specific teaching certification, often including a physical fitness test.

More resources

SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators - Provides resources and support for health and PE educators.
National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) - Offers guidelines and standards for quality PE programs.
American Kinesiology Association - A resource for kinesiology and physical education professionals.
PE Central - A comprehensive resource for PE teachers, including lesson plans and professional development.
Active Schools - Focused on integrating physical activity into the school day.

Similar careers

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