Health and physical education

Physical Education teachers also called gym teachers or P.E. teachers - play an important educational role by instructing students of all ages in physical fitness and well-being. They also play a big role in our childhood, during our school life, all the way from Kindergarten through the last grade.

Good P.E. teachers should have a very positive effect on the physical fitness, attitude and health of children. In the USA there is a President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports which sets the standard for America's kids: " the ability to last, to bear up, to withstand stress, and to live under difficult circumstances where an unfit person would be ineffective or would quit."

The emphasis these days is lower on the win-or-lose outcome, and more on what play is supposed to be about - having fun! Kids like to be active, for a few minutes at a time. Showing them how to stay active for 15 minutes at a time teaches them lots of things, including new skills and abilities, and helps them get fit at the same time.

The most important thing is that a teacher should help the kids to work towards their personal goals according to their abilities. They should improve their skills and learn to do something that they were unable to do before. For example if a child was unable to do a handstand and she learned it that is his/her success. That is what makes them feel better and more self-confident.

In the United States a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education is the minimum for most P.E. teacher positions, and a Master's Degree is often required. Teachers must also hold a state Certification for public K-12 schools. Students who are going to be PE teachers can specialize in health promotion or exercise science.

Before graduating, future physical education teachers must finish at least one semester of student teaching and pass the Praxis I and II exams. Also, some states and colleges require physical education teachers to pass a comprehensive test before they are licensed. A good example is the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), but each state will have its own testing requirements.

Future teachers of physical education may want to join groups and organizations to help develop physical education standards, such as the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, which aims to enhance the profession by providing opportunities for growth and development. They can also gain experience teaching young people by working as a coach or volunteer. This type of experience will look good on a resume while job hunting.

There are some states and school districts that require new teachers to complete their master's degree in education within a certain period of time after employment. A master's degree in physical education or a relevant field can also lead to a higher salary.

One of the positive sides of the job is being around kids to teach them the benefits of being physically active. It is great to see children succeed. Also, it was nice to hear good things from parents about the positive influence you have on their children through your teaching.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Health and Physical Education typically find jobs as health teachers and physical education teachers in grades kindergarten through 12, or as coaches for any educational level, including college. Others manage or work in health clubs, correctional institutions, camp programs, sports management, professional sports and recreation programs. Some pursue certification in athletic training.