Teaching in any state requires a college education, though some states are more specific about course work and your major area of study. No matter where you live, becoming a gym or physical education teacher, while not difficult, does require a commitment to completing the requirements of your state and each specific school district to which you send an application.
Bachelor's Degree
In many states, you must major in, or have significant coursework in, the area in which you will be teaching. Gym or physical education teachers majoring in physical education, health or even general education are ideal candidates to school districts, because it ensures that they have extensive coursework in the area they will be teaching. If your bachelor's degree is in another area of study, you can still teach gym or physical education as long as you show a solid background in that area, such as a minor or several courses in the field or sports-playing experience at the college level.
Master's Degree
Some states and specific school districts may require teachers to have a master's degree as a condition of employment. These degrees can take anywhere from a year to two years to earn after you have your bachelor's degree. Many districts will allow you to teach at the school as long as you are enrolled in a master's degree program. Typically, the master's degree is in education regardless of your teaching field.
Teaching Certificate
In most states, you are required to obtain a teaching certificate that is separate from the degrees you earn in college. Many master's programs will set up your tests to earn your certificates, but some may not. Gym teachers can be certified in their subject area at the secondary level, the elementary level, or both. If you enjoy working with young children, the all-level test is ideal for you because it gives you the freedom to work with those young children, as well as older students if necessary. Many gym teachers who are also coaches choose to get the secondary certificate only, because the test does not include questions for dealing with young children.
Alternative Certification
Many people are getting into education later in life. Instead of requiring these people to go back to school and get another bachelor's degree, many states have added alternative certification programs to get people who have some type of college degree certified to teach. These programs last 18 months to two years and require you to secure a job at a school district while going through the program. The school district hires you with the understanding that you will be certified within a two-year period. Often the school places more observation on your classes in the gym since you do not have a full certification.
References
- "Road to Teaching: A Guide to Teacher Training, Student Teaching, and Finding a Job"; Eric Hougan; 2008.
- "Becoming a Teacher in Texas: A Course of Study for the Professional Development ExCET" Cynthia Gift Henry and Janice Nath; 2000.
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