How to Become a Physical Education Teacher

About Physical Education Teacher

A Physical Education Teacher is also known as PET who majorly works in schools, colleges, and universities. The major responsibilities of the PET are to train students in various sports, organize sports events/ competitions, teach students about sports, health, physical development and nutrition. PETs also teach students about the benefits of regular exercise and organize regular sessions on the same. A Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher is also responsible for developing engaging based activities for exercise-based learning. 

Eligibility to become Physical Education Teacher

In order to become a Physical Education Trainer, there are a different set of qualifications. The basic educational qualification required to become a PET can be checked below -

• Candidates who have passed Diploma in Physical Education are eligible for recruitment in various primary schools.
• Candidates who have passed B.P.Ed (Bachelor’s in Physical Education) are eligible for the recruitment as Physical Education Teachers in various schools and colleges across the country.
• Candidates who have passed M.P.Ed (Master’s in Physical Education) are eligible for higher-level posts in various government departments like Sports Authority of India. They are also eligible to hold higher positions like HOD (Head of the Department) in universities. 

When and How to Start?

If your aim is to become a Physical Education teacher, you will have to choose a Diploma in Physical Education (D.P.Ed). However, you can also pursue a Bachelor’s degree like B.A, B.Sc, B.Com etc and choose B.P.Ed course. Most of the students complete their Bachelor’s degree in any stream and then opt B.P.Ed due to alternative career options. 

Age Limit for B.P.Ed: The lower age limit to pursue B.P.Ed course is 19 years. The candidates who have attained 19 years of age are eligible for admission.

Age Limit for D.P.Ed: The lower age limit to pursue D.P.Ed course is 16 years. Candidates who have attained 16 years of age are eligible for admission. 

There are various entrance exams in India like MAH B.P.Ed CET, AP PECET, TS PECET for admission in B.P.Ed/ D.P.Ed course. The candidates can also get direct admission. After graduating from the respective course, you will have to appear for state-level teacher recruitment exams to get a job in government schools. You can also apply directly to private schools and colleges. In order to get a job in universities, you will have to participate in the selection process specified by the respective university. 

Types of Job Roles Physical Education Teacher

The different types of job roles for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher are given below: -

Physical Education Teacher: A Physical Education Teacher (PE teacher) is a professional who is responsible for developing exercise-based learning to teach students about sports and health.

Sports Coach: A Sports Coach is the person who is responsible for training, instructing and directing the operations of a particular individual or a sports team as a whole.

Physical Instructor: A Physical Instructor is a professional who teaches various physical and stretching exercises to help people indulge in exercise activities.

Cricket Coach: A Cricket Coach is a person who is responsible for training, instructing and directing the operations of a particular individual or a cricket team as a whole.

Health Coach: A Health Coach is a mentor who is responsible for providing food and lifestyle changes to the people to help them stay fit and attain a healthy lifestyle.

Employment Sectors for Physical Education Teacher

The various employment sectors/industries for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher are:

• Public Schools
• Private Schools
• Government Schools
• Charter Schools
• Fitness Center
• Online Health Coaching

Top Recruitment Companies/Agencies/Organisations for Physical Education Teachers

Some of the top recruiting agencies/ companies/ organisations for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher are given below:

• Elementary Schools
• Secondary Schools
• Post-Secondary Schools

Pay Scale/Salary of Physical Education Teacher

The pay scale for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher depends upon the type of School and experience of the professional. The average pay scale for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher on the basis of experience level is given in the table below: -

Note: The salary structure mentioned above is indicative only and is subject to change unconditionally.

Books & Study Material to Become Physical Education Teacher

Some of the best books and study material for a Physical Education Trainer/ Teacher are listed below:

• Physical Education: Picking Up the Baton By Malcolm Thorburn; Shirley Gray
• Learning to Teach Physical Education in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience By Susan Capel
• Physical Children, Active Teaching: Investigating Physical Literacy By Patricia Maude
• Learning and Teaching in Physical Education By Colin A. Hardy; Mick Mawer

Pros of becoming a Physical Education Teacher

• Higher Job Security
• A larger career scope
• An opportunity to help the students stay mentally and physically fit

Cons of becoming a Physical Education Teacher

• Lower salary
• Long working hours
• Hectic schedule