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

Aug 30, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a Physical Education Teacher Assistant can be an incredibly rewarding job. It provides an opportunity to work with children and help them develop their physical skills, while also teaching them the importance of being active and healthy. being a Physical Education Teacher Assistant can have a positive impact on the school's culture and environment.

This role can help build a sense of community in the classroom, as well as inspire a sense of teamwork and collaboration among the students. Finally, this role can also lead to increased physical activity levels in the school community, which can lead to improved academic performance, better physical and mental health, and a positive overall school environment.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (GED) to become a physical education teacher assistant.
Enroll in a college program in physical education. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in physical education and related fields. Programs may include coursework in anatomy and physiology, health and wellness, coaching, psychology, and nutrition.
Complete an internship or practicum. Most physical education teacher assistant positions require applicants to have completed an internship or practicum in physical education. Internships provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with teachers and students in physical education settings.
Obtain certification or licensure. Certification or licensure requirements vary by state, but many states require physical education teacher assistants to obtain a license or certification from the state board of education.
Consider additional certifications. Depending on the job requirements, employers may require physical education teacher assistants to obtain additional certifications in areas such as CPR, first aid, and AED (automated external defibrillator).
Apply for positions. Once you have completed your education and obtained the necessary certifications, you can begin applying for physical education teacher assistant positions. Many schools post job openings online, so be sure to check job boards and websites regularly.

Being an effective and efficient Physical Education Teacher Assistant requires staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. Keeping track of new teaching methods, equipment and materials, and health guidelines is essential for success. Establishing a regular schedule for professional development and staying connected with other teachers in the field can help ensure that youre up to speed.

utilizing technology and digital resources can help take your teaching to the next level. By taking the time to research and stay informed, you can ensure that youre providing your students with the best possible physical education experience.

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Job Description

Assist physical education teacher with preparing and organizing equipment and supplies for class activities and demonstrations.
Assist in maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.
Assist with teaching, monitoring and assessing students during physical activities.
Lead and facilitate structured physical activities including warm-ups, stretching, and cool-downs.
Supervise students during physical activity to ensure safe participation and proper technique.
Report any potential safety hazards to the physical education teacher.
Prepare and maintain attendance records and other records as requested by the physical education teacher.
Encourage positive behavior and motivate students to participate in physical activities.
Assist physical education teacher with modifying activities to meet the needs of individual students.
Help students develop an understanding of how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of physical education principles, practices, and techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to follow instructions and take initiative.
Ability to motivate students to participate in physical activities.
Knowledge of health and safety standards.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement physical education programs.
Proficiency in using computers and other technology for instructional purposes.
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge of sports rules and regulations.
Ability to assess student performance and provide constructive feedback.
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.

Having a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn are essential skills for a Physical Education Teacher Assistant. A good attitude and the willingness to learn can lead to increased enthusiasm and creativity in the classroom. This, in turn, can create an environment where students feel safe and encouraged to participate and try new things.

In addition, having strong communication skills, the ability to collaborate with teachers, and the ability to stay organized are all important elements for a successful Physical Education Teacher Assistant. Having these skills can help the assistant create activities that are engaging, challenging and appropriate for the students. Furthermore, the assistant must be able to motivate and encourage their students, as well as be able to handle difficult situations with care.

All of these skills will help create a successful and enjoyable learning environment for all involved.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in physical education teaching?
How would you engage and motivate students in physical education classes?
What challenges have you faced while teaching physical education and how did you overcome them?
How do you ensure safety of the students while teaching physical education?
What strategies would you use to introduce new concepts and activities in physical education lessons?
How would you handle a student who is not interested in participating in physical education class?
What methods do you use to evaluate the progress of students in physical education classes?
How do you ensure that all students have equal opportunity to participate and succeed in physical education classes?
What would you do to encourage collaboration and team spirit among students during physical education classes?
What is your opinion about the role of technology in physical education teaching?

Common Tools in Industry

Physical Activity Log. A log to track physical activity, such as running, swimming, and weightlifting, for each student. (Eg: Record mile times for a student's running workouts. )
Fitness Testing Equipment. Equipment used to measure fitness levels, such as treadmills, jump ropes, and hand dynamometers. (Eg: Monitor a student's heart rate on a treadmill during a fitness test. )
Athletic Field Maintenance Equipment. Equipment used to maintain the playing field, such as mowers, rakes, and shovels. (Eg: Rake the football field after practice. )
Health Education Materials. Educational materials used to teach students about proper nutrition and exercise. (Eg: Show students a video about the importance of staying hydrated during physical activity. )
Safety Equipment. Protective equipment such as helmets, pads, and eyewear used to protect students during physical activities. (Eg: Fit a student with an appropriate helmet before riding a bike. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
American Association for Health Education (AAHE)
North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM)
Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
National Association of Sport and Physical Education Administrators (NASPEA)
Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America)
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

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Common Important Terms

Physical Education (PE) . the educational focus of physical activity, encompassing the development of physical skills and knowledge, as well as the promotion of physical fitness and health.
Exercise Science . the scientific study of the acute responses and chronic adaptations to exercise and physical activity.
Anatomy and Physiology . the scientific study of the structure and function of the human body.
Strength Training . a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction which builds the strength, anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.
Cardiovascular Training . a type of physical exercise involving sustained, rhythmic contractions of large muscle groups to increase heart rate, improve cardiovascular health and endurance.
Motor Skills . the coordination and control of movement to achieve a specific purpose.
Sports Medicine . a field of medicine devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports or physical activity.
Nutrition . the study of food and how it affects the body.
Coaching . the art and science of guiding an individual or team toward achieving their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to be a Physical Education Teacher Assistant?

Physical Education Teacher Assistants typically need to have a high school diploma or GED, and some may need to have completed a course in basic physical education.

How much does a Physical Education Teacher Assistant earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Physical Education Teacher Assistant is $25,000 per year.

What duties do Physical Education Teacher Assistants perform?

Physical Education Teacher Assistants typically help teachers with setting up and preparing equipment, helping with the implementation of physical activities, and monitoring student participation.

What kind of training is required to become a Physical Education Teacher Assistant?

Physical Education Teacher Assistants typically need to have a high school diploma or GED and some may need to have completed a course in basic physical education, as well as some on-the-job training.

What skills are required to be a successful Physical Education Teacher Assistant?

In order to be successful, Physical Education Teacher Assistants need to be organized and detail-oriented, have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and have the ability to motivate and engage students in physical activities.