For some educators, the classroom has walls; for others, it has sidelines, gym floors and open fields. If you’re passionate about the healing power of movement and exercise, consider pursuing a career as a physical education (PE) teacher. PE teachers guide students in K-12 schools to develop their motor skills and physical conditioning.

Is being a PE teacher worth it for you? To determine if this career choice could be right for you, explore what PE teachers do, learn how to become a PE teacher and discover the skills that are important in this line of work.

The primary mission of PE teachers is to teach and inspire their students to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle. Also called gym teachers, PE teachers may explain the many health benefits of physical activity, encouraging their students to take care of their bodies and minds. They also instruct their students in performing various exercises and participating in different sports.

Some of the specific responsibilities of a physical education teacher can include the following:

• Developing the curriculum and individual lesson plans for each semester
• Preparing for and organizing various activities, such as arranging needed gym equipment
• Maintaining the gym equipment and instructing students in its proper use
• Instructing students and demonstrating how to perform stretches, exercises and different sports activities
• Teaching students about proper nutrition and other health and physical development topics
• Adapting lessons and activities for students with special needs and different ability levels
• Monitoring student participation and determining grades

Through physical education, PE teachers promote physical well-being as well as foster socio-emotional learning. Gym class gives students opportunities to cultivate positive attitudes, develop self-confidence and embrace teamwork and good sportsmanship.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Along with their usual duties in the school gym, some PE teachers may be active in extracurriculars. They may organize and help lead after-school sports activities, such as coaching the baseball or gymnastics team. They might also organize occasional schoolwide events, such as field days.

Additionally, gym teachers handle paperwork and attend faculty meetings. They may sometimes need to meet with parents or legal guardians, such as to discuss a student’s need for accommodations for developmental differences.

An aspiring physical education teacher typically needs a bachelor’s degree in physical education.^{(See disclaimer 2)} When learning how to become a PE teacher, it’s important to keep in mind that state requirements can vary, and you should research the requirements for the state in which you plan to teach. The requirements are different for aspiring public school teachers vs. private school teachers, although private schools may establish their own requirements.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

All states require aspiring teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in an area like education with a focus on a content area, such as physical education. All public schools require teachers to be certified or licensed. Some states require public school teachers to obtain a master’s degree after obtaining licensure and landing a teaching job.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education

While there may be some flexibility depending on your state’s requirements and whether you plan to work in public or private schools, it’s generally a good idea to major in physical education if you’re already positive that this career is right for you.

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program covers a wide spectrum of topics pertaining to pedagogy and physical health. You’ll examine the fundamentals of human anatomy and physiology, for example, along with professional ethics and legal regulations applicable to education.

Other topics and competencies covered in this degree program include the following:

• Methods of teaching physical fitness and overall wellness, with a look at nutrition, weight training and aerobic activities
• The physiological effects of exercise on the body, including respiratory, cardiovascular and muscular changes
• Instructional methods for teaching both individual activities and team sports, including activities like pickleball, soccer, flag football, volleyball and other sports
• Methods of student assessment

GCU’s BS in Physical Education degree program leads to initial teacher licensure.^{(See disclaimer 4)} As a requirement of an education licensure program, this bachelor’s degree includes both didactic coursework and student teaching experience. You will complete a full-time, eight-week student teaching experience for grades K-6. You will also complete a second student-teaching experience for grades 7-12. These student teaching experiences provide immersive learning opportunities.

Certification and State Requirements

If you plan to work in public schools, you will need to meet the requirements to obtain a license or certification in your state.^{(See disclaimer 3)} In Arizona, for example, the Arizona Department of Education requires aspiring PE teachers to complete a Board-approved educator preparation program, a degree offering “substantially similar training,” or meet the teaching experience and coursework training requirements.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Teacher candidates in Arizona must also pass the Arizona teaching exam and fulfill the subject knowledge exam requirement. Note that there are some alternative options and allowable deficiencies when seeking certification in Arizona.^{(See disclaimer 5 )}Research your pathway before getting started on your education.

When considering how to become a PE teacher, it’s a good idea to take a look at the important skills and personal traits needed in this role.

They include:^{(See disclaimer 6)}

• Athletic ability: Although it isn’t necessary for PE teachers to have the physical prowess of professional athletes, they do tend to be physically fit, as it’s important to set a good example of health and wellness for the students. PE teachers should also be reasonably skilled at playing the sports they’re teaching to the students.
• Communication skills: PE teachers need strong verbal and written communication skills. They must be able to clearly explain concepts and activities to students, and to communicate well with parents, other teachers and school administrators.
• Patience: It isn’t always easy to instruct children, who are working on both learning new concepts and regulating their emotions. PE teachers must be patient and remain adaptable.
• Creativity: Students respond well to teachers who exhibit creativity in lesson planning and implementation. It encourages students to have fun and actively engage in the class. Great physical education teachers aren’t afraid to break the mold every now and then. They’re willing to try new things, solicit feedback from their students and develop meaningful lesson plans.

If you’re passionate about sports and health, then you may decide to become a PE teacher to follow your passion. Other potential benefits of stepping into this role include:^{(See disclaimer 7)}

• Empowering children: PE teachers have the potential to empower children who are struggling with self-confidence. As children master the skills needed for different sports activities, they may feel better about themselves. PE teachers also play an important role in helping children establish healthy habits.
• Coaching teams: Some individuals might pursue a career as a PE teacher because they are passionate about team sports. As a PE teacher, you may have opportunities to coach the school baseball, basketball, field hockey or other sports teams.
• Work-life balance: Teachers can generally expect to get a summer vacation, making this an ideal career path for those who crave work-life balance.

Grand Canyon University offers an education aligned with Christian values that encourages our students to become servant leaders in their communities. If you aspire to pursue a role in education, consider applying today for the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree program offered by the College of Natural Sciences. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about your future in our learning community.