How to Be Physical Education Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 14, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for Physical Education (PE) Instructors has caused an increase in the number of people interested in pursuing this career path. With the growing popularity of physical fitness, many people have become aware of the importance of exercise and are looking for qualified professionals to help them learn the various aspects of physical activity. As a result, the demand for PE Instructors has grown significantly, leading to an increase in available positions in the field.

This is beneficial not only to individuals seeking employment but to schools and organizations who need qualified professionals to teach physical education classes. With the right qualifications, individuals can find rewarding careers as PE Instructors, helping to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a physical education instructor, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in physical education, sports science, exercise science, or a related field. Courses may include biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, and kinesiology.
Gain Teaching Experience. To be considered for physical education instructor positions, you may need to have some teaching experience. Consider completing an internship or volunteer experience as a coach or assistant coach of a team or activity.
Get Certified. In order to teach physical education in public schools, you'll likely need to fulfill the certification requirements of your state's Department of Education. This may involve taking an exam and/or completing an approved teacher preparation program that includes student teaching.
Obtain a Master's Degree. Depending on the school district requirements, you may need to obtain a master's degree in physical education or a related field. Graduate-level courses may include motor learning, physical fitness assessment, exercise physiology, and curriculum development.
Pursue Specialization. You may consider specializing in a particular area of physical education such as health and nutrition, strength and conditioning, or adaptive physical education. Specializing in a particular area can help you stand out when seeking employment.

Physical Education Instructors have a big responsibility to ensure that their students learn the skills they need to remain active and healthy. To do this, they must be reliable and efficient. Reliability means being dependable and consistent in their teaching, while efficiency is the ability to maximize results with minimal effort.

Regularly assessing student progress and setting achievable goals are essential for reliable instruction. This can include providing differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs. Efficiency is achieved by monitoring student behavior, using effective teaching methods such as task-oriented instruction, and having an organized lesson plan.

Furthermore, physical education instructors should strive to create a positive learning environment by encouraging student participation, providing clear instructions, and promoting a collaborative learning atmosphere. By being both reliable and efficient, physical education instructors can ensure that students are getting the most out of their lessons.

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Job Description

Develop physical education curricula and lesson plans for students of all ages
Instruct students in proper physical education techniques and safety procedures
Monitor students during physical activities to ensure safety
Evaluate students physical abilities and progress
Encourage students to participate in physical activities
Educate students on the importance of physical fitness
Maintain records of student participation
Organize and lead team sports and recreational activities
Provide feedback to parents on student progress
Remain current on trends and developments in the field of physical education

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of physical education and sport science
Ability to create lesson plans
Ability to teach physical education to students of all ages
Knowledge of health and safety regulations
Knowledge of a variety of sports and games
Ability to motivate and inspire students
Ability to assess student performance
Ability to manage classroom behavior
Ability to interact with parents and guardians

Physical Education Instructors play an important role in helping students develop physical fitness, motor skills, and healthy habits. Physical fitness is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, and having a knowledgeable instructor to guide students through proper form and technique can have a lasting impact. Being physically fit can lead to better overall health, increased energy, improved mood, and mental clarity.

having a good instructor can also help to foster a love for physical activity and encourage students to stay motivated and engaged. Motor skills are also essential for success in physical activities, and with the help of an instructor, students can learn the necessary skills needed to excel. Lastly, a Physical Education Instructor can teach students healthy habits that can be carried into adulthood, such as proper nutrition, hydration, and safety practices.

All of these factors combined make having an experienced and knowledgeable Physical Education Instructor a crucial part of developing the full potential of any student.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have teaching physical education?
How do you plan and organize physical education classes?
How do you motivate students to stay active and engaged in physical activities?
What strategies do you use to help students with disabilities participate in physical activities?
How do you handle situations in which students may be disruptive or aggressive during physical education classes?
Do you have any experience adapting physical education activities to meet the needs of different age groups?
What techniques do you use to ensure that all students feel included and respected during physical education classes?
How do you encourage healthy competition and sportsmanship among students?
What resources do you rely on to stay up-to-date on physical education trends and best practices?
How would you encourage parents to become involved with their child's physical education experience?

Common Tools in Industry

Exercise Balls. Exercise balls are large, inflatable balls that can be used for a variety of physical activities. They can help improve balance, posture, and core strength. (Example: Doing core-strengthening exercises like crunches and sit-ups using an exercise ball. )
Resistance Bands. Resistance bands are elastic bands used to provide resistance when doing resistance training exercises. They can help improve muscular strength, balance, and flexibility. (Example: Doing arm exercises such as bicep curls and tricep extensions using a resistance band. )
Foam Rollers. Foam rollers are cylindrical foam tubes used to help relieve muscle tension and improve range of motion. (Example: Doing a foam rolling exercise on the back to help with posture and flexibility. )
Agility Ladders. Agility ladders are flat ladders used to help improve agility and speed. (Example: Doing agility drills by running side-to-side or forward-and-back over the ladder. )
Balance Boards. Balance boards are round boards with a raised center point used to help improve balance and coordination. (Example: Doing balance exercises such as standing on one foot on the board. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)
Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
International Association of Physical Education and Sport Science (IAPESS)
National Association of Sport and Physical Education Professionals (NASPEP)
National Physical Education and School Sports Association (NPESSSA)

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Common Important Terms

Exercise Physiology. The study of how the body responds to physical activity and how this affects overall health and performance.
Strength Training. The use of resistance exercise to increase muscular strength and endurance.
Cardiorespiratory Endurance. The ability of the heart and lungs to deliver oxygen to working muscles during physical activity.
Flexibility. The ability of a muscle or joint to move through its full range of motion.
Body Composition. The ratio of fat to lean muscle mass in the body.
Muscular Endurance. The ability of a muscle to perform repeated contractions over time without fatigue.
Agility. The ability to change direction quickly and accurately.
Balance. The ability to maintain a steady center of gravity while performing physical activities.
Coordination. The ability to combine movements and skills in a smooth and efficient manner.
Motor Control. The ability to control movement patterns in order to achieve desired outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Physical Education Instructor?

A Physical Education Instructor typically needs a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. They may also need to complete additional certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and AED.

What duties and responsibilities does a Physical Education Instructor have?

Physical Education Instructors are responsible for teaching students the fundamentals of physical activity, proper exercise techniques and safety protocols. They may also be responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating physical activities, lesson plans and educational materials.

What type of environment does a Physical Education Instructor work in?

Physical Education Instructors typically work in school and university settings, including elementary, middle, and high schools as well as colleges and universities.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Physical Education Instructor?

Being a successful Physical Education Instructor requires excellent communication and teaching skills, knowledge of safety protocols, the ability to motivate and inspire students, and the ability to create engaging and effective lesson plans.