Physical Education (PE) Teacher

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

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.

Typical Preparation

Education: Bachelor's degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 2.9% (average)

Annual job openings: 2 900

Direct AI exposure: 20% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 30% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Instructors of Persons With Disabilities. According to the wage tables, average income is $62K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$42K
per year
$53K
per year
$62K
per year
$71K
per year
$75K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $2.6K below the national average.

What does a Physical Education (PE) Teacher do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • 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.

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.

Typical Schedule

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

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

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

In Canada, Physical Education (PE) Teachers typically require a bachelor's degree in education with a specialization in physical education or kinesiology, usually taking about 4 years to complete. Certification by the provincial or territorial teacher regulatory authority is also required.

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:

  • Participate in school sports teams or athletic clubs.
  • Volunteer as a coach or assistant for youth sports programs.
  • Lead or organize 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 provincial teacher certification, including subject-area qualifications in physical and health education.

More resources

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