Career Profile: P.E. Teacher	Home	Español
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What I Do: As a high school P.E. teacher, my job extends well beyond basketball drills and track meets. My goal is to promote a lifetime of physical fitness in my students. I not only instruct them in sports, but I also tell them why physical activity benefits their mind and body. I teach five hour-long classes every day. Depending on the time of year, activities range from basketball and volleyball to gymnastics and track. I also teach healthy eating habits and stress- reduction techniques. Like most teachers, I attend faculty meetings, develop lesson plans, meet with parents, and even do cafeteria and bus duty!

Best and Hardest Parts of My Job: As American kids have become less active, thanks to television and electronic games, it’s become harder to motivate them in P.E. classes. That’s why I try to make my classes fun as well as informative. If I’m enthusiastic and encouraging, my students will learn more and be more active. It’s great when students tell me how much better they feel because of my class. Then I know that all my dedication and hard work have paid off.

How I Got Started: I became a P.E. teacher to combine two activities I really enjoy: playing sports and working with young people. I majored in health and physical education in college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. I took classes in kinesiology (the study of movement), exercise physiology, nutrition, and teaching methods. I had to become certified to teach in the public school system, so I took the required education courses. I love my work and wouldn’t do anything else!