By Ashley Miller
Nature of the Work: Physical Education (PE) teachers instruct students in various sports and fitness activities in order to boost their self-esteem, build their interpersonal skills, create healthy living patterns and encourage life-long physical fitness. Typically they introduce the basic skills associated with team and individual sports. In addition to possessing effective teaching skills, PE teachers must be able to motivate students to participate enthusiastically. They also teach students about the care and function of different muscle groups in addition to addressing mental health issues. Ideally, the day's activities link to an overarching lesson plan that reinforces important health issues.
Health teachers are often PE teachers as well, and vice versa, as the two fields dovetail nicely. Both classes teach students about making healthy choices with their bodies. Health teachers, however, work exclusively in the classroom setting. Both should expect to further the students' knowledge of their own health as well as pertinent health issues that effect society as a whole. This is accomplished through comprehensive lesson plans addressing issues such as nutrition, sexuality, drug use and HIV/AIDS. Many in the profession also work as coaches for school teams.
Training and Education: Public school teachers need a bachelor's degree, at minimum to instruct PE and/or health. Education, nutrition, sports science and kinesiology majors are well positioned in the job market. Teaching requirements vary by state, but all states require licensing and the completion of an approved teacher training program. Experience in teaching, physical education, even coaching provides an advantage for prospective teachers.
Job Outlook: The profession is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all jobs. Employment opportunities will vary heavily by geographical location and specialty. Need is expected to be greatest in inner-city and rural school districts.
Salary Range: $23,000 to $65,000.