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K-12 health & PE
Physical Education Teacher
Far more curriculum and assessment than anyone expects.
Typical pay
$42k-$80k
How you get in
PE or kinesiology degree plus state licensure
Outlook
Steady; often paired with coaching assignments
PE teachers deliver physical education and health instruction. The stereotype of rolling out a ball is long gone — modern PE has standards, assessment and health curriculum, and most PE teachers also coach.
A day in the life
- 7:15aSet up equipment and check the gym schedule
- 8:00aClasses back to back, often two grade levels at once
- 11:00aHealth classroom instruction
- 12:00pLunch duty
- 1:00pAfternoon classes and fitness assessments
- 3:30pCoach practice — usually part of the job
How to get in
Physical education degree
Duration
4-5 years
Cost
$40,000-$150,000
Credential
State teaching license in physical education and health
- Complete a PE or kinesiology degree with an education track
- Add a health education endorsement, which makes you far more employable
- Complete student teaching and licensure exams
- Expect coaching to be part of most job offers
Kinesiology plus alternative certification
Duration
5-6 years
Cost
$44,000-$165,000
Credential
State license via alternative route
- Complete a kinesiology or exercise science degree
- Enter an alternative certification program
- Pass PE and health content exams
- Complete a mentored first year
Adapted physical education
Duration
1-2 years after licensure
Cost
$5,000-$25,000
Credential
APE endorsement or certification
- Get your PE license first
- Add adapted physical education coursework and certification
- Work with students with disabilities across a district
- A shortage specialty with far more job security
What people love
- · Active job, not behind a desk
- · School calendar and benefits
- · Coaching stipends add meaningful income
- · Real influence on lifelong health habits
What wears people down
- · Very large class sizes
- · Gyms are loud and physically taxing all day
- · Program cuts hit PE alongside the arts
- · Coaching expectations extend the day considerably