Physical Education Jobs

This section provide Physical education jobs information including various aspects of what a Physical Education professional does,their specializations and where they get employed.

What is Physical Education?

Physical Education is the study and practice of recreational activities, physical fitness, healthy lifestyle issues, and sports and interpersonal skills.

What is a Physical Education Professional and what do they do?

A Physical Education (PE) professional may be a teacher, a trainer, a sports specialist or scientist whose primary responsibilities address health and physical fitness. PE teachers lead or coach students in sports and recreational activities, often with an emphasis on developing life-long leisure skills that will promote healthy lifestyles and physical fitness.

What qualifications do Physical Education Professionals need?

A PE professional is good at physical activities and interested in many sports and has a strong commitment to personal health and physical fitness. Personal qualities of enthusiasm, patience, tact and good communication skills along with good organizational skills are valuable. Most PE professionals enjoy working with young people.

Some positions require an undergraduate degree while others expect a higher level of professional training such as a Masters or PhD level. There are many universities with viable PE graduate programs.

What subjects do Physical Education professionals include in their coursework?

Basic undergraduate preparation in the areas of biology, physical fitness, sports and physical education teaching and coaching strategies are part of the foundation for a PE professional. Advanced skills and leadership in athletics and physical fitness are essential. Areas of training include education, advising, coaching, recreation, leisure, and nature activities.

What types of tasks do Physical Education professionals do in their job?

The most familiar PE professional is the PE teacher who serves at the secondary school. PE teachers are usually qualified to teach at least one other subject or coach a specific sports team or perform guidance counselor services as part of their working contract. While specialists have different work requirements, common tasks are noted here.

The primary task of the PE teacher is teaching. This is accomplished by preparing a sequential year-long program of learning experiences designed to link physical activities with health and fitness and to promote and develop healthy life-long leisure skills and interests. Instruction includes the basic techniques and skills of team and individual sports, track and field, gymnastics, aquatics and a variety of recreational activities. Maintaining a safe learning atmosphere and environment facilitates teaching students about safety in such areas as swimming pools, athletic fields, gymnasiums.

Students often learn about community and personal health issues including nutrition, sexuality, drug use and HIV/AIDS from their health and PE teachers as a part of their planned curriculum.

PE professionals are often responsible for leading and coordinating special events, sports programs and special seminars or study days on pertinent health issues such as stress management or sexually transmitted diseases.

Areas of specialization in physical education

Areas of specialization for Physical Education specialists include Health and Physical Education Teacher, Personal Development Teacher, Education Aide, Athlete, Fitness Instructor, Outdoor Adventure Leader, Teacher - Primary or Secondary, School Principal, Fitness Instructor, Physiotherapist, Recreation Officer, Sports Coach, Sports Scientist, Recreation Therapist.

What types of companies employ Physical Education professionals?

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions are significant employers of PE teachers. Sports and outdoor recreation and leisure industries such as white-water rafting or skiing or golf are also likely to employ PE professionals. Many government agencies have specialists in the area of maintaining fitness for their staff. Defense and military agencies also value the skills and fitness of PE professionals. Sports physiologists and sports scientists are emerging in therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation and medical facilities.