So you’re thinking about a career that doesn’t involve being stuck behind a desk all day. Maybe you remember your own PE teacher, the one who made gym class awesome, or maybe the one who made you do way too many push-ups. Either way, the idea of becoming a PE teacher in 2025 has crossed your mind. It’s a job that people sometimes think is just about throwing a ball around but it is so much more than that, really. You’re teaching kids about health movement and how to work together. It’s a big deal. This guide is here to kind of walk you through the whole process, what it takes to get from thinking about it to actually doing it. It’s not a straight line for everyone, and things have changed a bit over the years.
The Basic Game Plan: What You Actually Need
First things first the main thing you gotta get is a bachelor’s degree. This is the starting block for pretty much any teaching job in the country.
You’ll typically want a degree in physical education. Some schools might call it kinesiology or exercise science, with a focus on teacher education.
This degree is what gets your foot in the door basically. It’s where you learn the science behind movement and the methods for teaching kids.
Stuff can be different depending on where you live. Each state has its own set of rules for teachers, so you’ll need to look that up.
The coursework itself will be a mix. You’ll have classes on anatomy biology and nutrition which is all the science stuff behind being healthy.
Then you’ll have the other side. Classes on how to teach, how to manage a classroom and how to create lesson plans that work for different age groups.
It is this combination that makes you a teacher and not just a person who knows a lot about sports. You have to know how to share that information.
Getting Your Teacher Certification – The Paperwork Hurdles
After your degree stuff you’ll need to get certified. This is the official license that says you’re allowed to teach in a public school. It’s a whole process.
This part is considered to be one of the most hands-on bits. It’s where you prove you can actually do the job not just talk about it.
It usually involves a few key steps that everyone has to go through, no matter what subject you want to teach. But for PE it has its own flavor.
Your Student Teaching Gig
Before they let you loose with your own class you have to do student teaching. This is like a long internship where you work in a real school.
You’ll be paired up with an experienced PE teacher. You get to watch them work and then you slowly start taking over the classes yourself.
This experience is where you learn everything. How to get a class of 30 kids to listen, how to set up equipment fast and what to do when it rains.
It’s where theory meets the real world and sometimes the real world is a lot messier and louder than you thought it would be.
Passing Those Big Tests
You’ll also need to pass some standardized tests. These are designed to check your knowledge on general teaching principles and your specific subject area.
The names of these tests can change by state. A common one is the Praxis series of exams. You’ll have one for general teaching skills.
Then there’s usually a specific one for Physical Education: Content and Design. It covers everything from health concepts to different sports rules.
General Teaching Knowledge Test
Subject-Specific Test (Physical Education)
Sometimes a state-specific history or government test
Getting through this paperwork and testing is a big step. It’s the official green light to start applying for jobs as a PE teacher.
Skills You Can’t Learn from a Textbook
Getting a degree and a license is one thing. But being a good PE teacher, that takes a bit more. There are skills you just have to have.
Patience is probably number one. You will be explaining the same rule over and over again. And that’s okay, it’s just part of the job.
You need to be a great communicator. Not just shouting instructions across a field but also talking to kids one-on-one and connecting with them.
The ability to manage a classroom which is actually a giant gym full of running kids that’s a whole different ball game. It takes energy.
And you’ve got to be creative. How do you make fitness fun for a kid who hates running? How do you adapt a game for a student with a physical disability?
These are the things that separate a good PE teacher from a great one. It’s about being a good people person just as much as a sports person.
What’s the Job Market Like for PE Teachers in 2025?
So what about actually getting a job? The job market for teachers can be a funny thing. It really depends on where you are.
Generally speaking the demand for teachers is pretty steady. Schools will always need teachers. But PE can sometimes be a bit more competitive.
This is because there are often fewer PE positions in a school compared to say, English or math teachers. Every school might only have one or two.
Your chances might be better in rural areas or in big, growing cities where new schools are being built. It’s all about location sometimes.
As for salary, that is also all over the map. A PE teacher in a small town in one state will make a very different amount than one in a big city in another.
You can look up salary schedules for school districts you’re interested in. They’re usually public information. It gives you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Don’t go into it expecting to get rich. People become teachers for other reasons. But you can make a solid, stable living doing something you love.
Got Questions? We Got (Some) Answers
How long does it take to become a PE teacher?
Normally, it’s a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Then you have student teaching and certification tests, which can add another semester or so. All told, about 4 to 5 years.
Can I become a PE teacher if my degree isn’t in physical education?
Sometimes, yes. Some states have alternative certification paths for people who have a degree in a related field (like biology or nutrition) and want to switch to teaching. You’ll have to take extra coursework and pass the tests.
What is the typical PE teacher salary?
This varies so much. It could be anywhere from around $40,000 for a starting teacher in a lower-paying state to over $80,000 for an experienced teacher in a higher-paying one. It really depends on the district’s pay scale.
Is being a PE teacher just about teaching sports?
Not at all anymore. Modern physical education is about teaching overall wellness. That includes fitness concepts, nutrition, mental health, and lifelong healthy habits. Sports are just one tool to teach those things.
Do I need to be a star athlete to be a PE teacher?
Definitely not. You need to be knowledgeable about different activities and be physically fit enough to demonstrate them and stay active with your students. But you don’t need to be a professional-level athlete. Enthusiasm is more important than your personal skill level.
Key Takeaways
You need a bachelor’s degree in physical education or a related field.
Every state has its own certification and testing requirements you have to meet.
Student teaching is a super important part of your training where you get real experience.
Being good with people and having a lot of patience are just as important as knowing sports.
The job market and salary for a PE teacher can change a lot based on where you are.
The job is about teaching lifelong health not just playing dodgeball.
