If you want to become a gym teacher, you need to obtain a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Physical education programs are accredited through both the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Teacher Education Accreditation Council. To teach gym in a public school, you must also receive a license from the state you reside in. Browse course catalogs to familiarize yourself with the classes required for graduation.
Features
The basic courses for potential gym teachers include physical education theory, human development, kinesiology, special education, theories of sport pedagogy and general education courses. Physical education classes focus on anatomy and how activity affects the human body. You'll also need to take nutrition courses to learn how to teach the importance of diet during sports competition.
Types
You will also need to take courses that focus on different sports. During these courses, you'll learn the basic rules and regulations of play. You'll also learn how to teach the sport to your students. Examples of sport classes you may take during your college career include aerobics, yoga, basketball, volleyball, tennis, softball and archery. The sports may be separated into two courses: one that teaches you the fundamentals of the sport in a classroom and another where you actively participate. Before graduation, you'll typically have to spend a minimum of one semester student teaching, usually during your junior or senior year of college. A licensed teacher will monitor your progress and give you professional guidance to succeed in the classroom.
Requirements
Along with your core classes as a gym teacher, you need to fulfill the general education requirements mandated by your college. Examples of general education classes include science, rhetoric, history, art, music, foreign language and math. You may have to take a minimum of two semesters of each subject to fulfill graduation requirements. Most gym teachers major in elementary or secondary education during college. However, some states offer alternative licensing programs if you are missing the education courses and have graduated with a bachelor's degree. During the program, you teach under a provisional license until you finish the required education courses.
Considerations
If you teach at a higher grade level, a school may mandate you receive a master's degree to teach gym to students. Advanced course work may include trends and issues in physical education, advanced principles of physical education, sports sociology and sports medicine.
Licenses and Certifications
The requirements for licenses to teach vary from state to state. However, most states require a bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher training program with practice time in the classroom. Gym teachers may also decide to receive certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This certification is awarded to physical education teachers who submit a portfolio that includes a written exam and a video submission displaying knowledge of subject matter and the ability to use learning tools to teach physical education to students.
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