Physical education teachers instruct students in sports activities and give education on health and nutrition. They help students develop a habit of physical exercise and a consciousness of their health. They guide students as they perform a wide range of physical activities, teach them how to play certain sports, and explain the way physical activities help their muscles and overall health. Physical education teachers also chalk out activities that make exercise-based education more engaging for students. Such activities might include reading about baseball’s history, distributing reading materials on the first Olympic contests, computing the dimensions of basketball courts, etc.
Some physical education teachers may continue their own love of sports by coaching the school sports teams in the afternoons or evenings after school hours and occasionally, even on the weekends. However, such coaching opportunities could differ by institution and level.
Apart from focusing on physical fitness, PE teachers encourage and guide students to stay mentally fit, help them elevate the bar for making healthy choices all through their lives, and build character – right from elementary school into adulthood.
Physical education also helps students develop better social skills and positive behaviors that will help them thrive in society. Students are taught the significance of teamwork and watching out for each other. They are also taught the importance of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. Physical education teachers carry out assessments and various tests too.
Prospective physical education teachers should be physically fit and active as they will usually lead multiple activities and classes across the school day. They’ll work both outdoors and indoors, teaching younger students how to play a variety of sports, exercise the right way, and monitor the activities of older students. These teachers are responsible for organizing activities and deciding certain aspects of the curriculum, including preparing and maintaining gym as well as sports equipment. PE teachers should not just have in-depth knowledge of sports.
They also need to possess basic health and nutrition knowledge for all developmental levels. Having a solid background in sports and good communication skills are definite advantages. Most PE teachers are certified and have a 4-year degree in physical education or closely associated subjects, such as kinesiology or health education. Some may even possess a master’s degree in physical education. Several PE teachers also involve themselves in coaching activities for school sports teams and may additionally act as faculty advisors for student clubs.
