Physical education teachers are in high demand, and for good reason. Not only do they provide an important teaching service, but they also have the ability to help children stay healthy and active throughout their lives.
With the increasing popularity of physical education (PE), schools are looking for qualified teachers to teach this important subject.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of teaching physical education.
Is a Physical Education Teacher a Good Career?
There are many reasons why a physical education teacher could be a good career choice. For one, the job outlook for this profession is positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting employment of physical education teachers to grow by 8 percent from 2018 to 2028.
And, as more schools put an emphasis on health and wellness programs, the need for qualified physical education teachers will only continue to rise. In addition to being in high demand, physical education teachers also enjoy relatively good job security.
Many states require that students take at least one semester of physical education in order to graduate from high school, so there will always be a need for these professionals.
Why PE Teachers Demand Increasing
There are many reasons for this high demand.
First, childhood obesity rates have been rising steadily for decades. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 children aged 6-11 are obese. This has led to an increased focus on childhood health and wellness, which includes physical activity.
Second, schools are increasingly recognizing the importance of physical education and are making it a priority in their curriculums. A recent study found that students who participate in regular physical activity perform better academically than those who do not.
As schools continue to place a greater emphasis on academic achievement, they will need more physical education teachers to help meet this goal.
Finally, many baby boomers are reaching retirement age and leaving the workforce. This creates a large number of open positions that need to be filled by qualified candidates.
If you’re considering a career as a physical education teacher, now is a great time to get started!
Physical Education Teacher Salary
As of May, the median annual salary for physical education teachers was $58,520, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,430. Most physical education teachers work in public elementary and secondary schools.
For example, the BLS reports that the average annual salary for secondary school teachers in New York was $79,140 in 2018 – nearly $20,000 more than the national average. So if you’re looking to maximize your earnings as a PE teacher, you may want to consider teaching in a high-paying state like New York.
According to data from PayScale, the average salary for a PE teacher at a private school is $48,964 – nearly $12,000 less than the average salary for a PE teacher at a public school ($60,824). So if you’re looking to earn top dollar as a PE teacher, your best bet may be to find a job at a public school.
Some teach in private schools or offer their services privately to individuals or groups. A small number work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities teaching therapeutic exercises to patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.
In order to become a physical education teacher, one must complete a bachelor’s degree program with a major or concentration in physical education from an accredited college or university.
Many states also require that physical education teachers earn a license or certification prior to working in public schools.
Interesting Facts About Being a PE Teacher
Do you have a passion for physical education and working with kids? If so, a career as a PE teacher may be the perfect fit for you! Here are some interesting facts about being a PE teacher:
- You can make a difference in the lives of your students. As a PE teacher, you have the opportunity to help your students develop lifelong habits of healthy living. You can teach them how to stay active and make good nutrition choices, which can impact their overall health and well-being.
- You don’t have to be a jock to be a great PE teacher. While many PE teachers are former athletes, it’s not a requirement for the job. If you have knowledge of sports and fitness and enjoy working with kids, you’ll likely be successful as a PE teacher.
- There’s more to teaching than just sports and games. In addition to teaching students about physical activity, you also get to help them develop important life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, and communication. These skills will benefit them both inside and outside of the classroom.
- You get to be active yourself! As a PE teacher, you’ll often find yourself participating in activities alongside your students. This is a great way to stay active yourself and model healthy behavior for your students.
- It can be challenging at times – but it’s also rewarding. Like any other job, being a PE teacher has its challenges – but it also comes with its share of rewards.
Pros And Cons of Being a PE Teacher
There are many pros and cons of being a physical education teacher.
Some of the pros include having the ability to help students improve their fitness levels, teaching them how to lead healthier lifestyles, and potentially inspiring them to pursue careers in the fitness or sports industry.
However, some of the cons can include long hours spent lesson planning and preparing for classes, working with challenging behaviors from some students and managing paperwork and other administrative tasks.
Ultimately, whether or not being a physical education teacher is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and strengths.
What are the Disadvantages of Being a PE Teacher?
There are many disadvantages of being a physical education teacher.
One of the biggest is the amount of time required to plan and teach lessons. This can often be very demanding, especially if you are teaching in a school with a large student population.
With all of the other duties that teachers have, it can be difficult to find the time to properly prepare for each class.
Another disadvantage is the lack of opportunity to earn extra income. Many physical education teachers supplement their income by coaching sports teams or working as personal trainers. However, these opportunities are often not available at every school.
Another significant downside to being a physical education teacher is the potential for injury. Because you will be working with students on a daily basis, there is always the possibility that someone could get hurt during class or while participating in an extracurricular activity.
This risk is even greater if you coach a sport because you could end up getting injured yourself.
PE teachers often have to work long hours. They may have to be at school early in the morning to set up for their classes, and they may have to stay late after school to attend sporting events or meet with parents. This can make it difficult for PE teachers to balance their work and personal lives.
They can be exposed to injuries. Because they are constantly working with students, they are at a higher risk of sustaining injuries themselves.
Finally, PE teachers can sometimes face disciplinary action from school administrators if their students do not behave appropriately during class or if there are any incidents of bullying or harassment.
7 REASONS TO BECOME A PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Conclusion
Physical education teachers are in high demand due to the rising obesity rates among children. Many schools are looking for qualified physical education teachers to help combat the obesity epidemic. There are many reasons why physical education teachers are in such high demand. One reason is that they can help children learn how to be physically active and healthy. Another reason is that they can teach children the importance of physical activity and how it can impact their overall health.
