Why Study Physical Education?
Physical Education is the study of fitness and activity that each of us received in some form or another during our time in school. For many, it is the founding of the healthy diet and fitness habits we began and carried throughout our lives as adults. Physical education teachers are the shapers and molders of these habits for children worldwide, quietly providing guidance and instruction every bit as important as a teacher of any subject. PE teachers teach encouragement, commitment, self-confidence and the skills and knowledge needed to embark on a lifelong path of health and physical fitness.
A degree in physical education prepares the PE teachers of tomorrow to take on and continue this responsibility for the generations to come. Instruction in areas of sports coaching and instruction, exercise techniques, fitness strategies and other necessary skills will arm tomorrow’s PE teachers with the skills they need to create healthy children who will grow up to become healthy adults.
Physical Education Careers
A graduate of a degree in physical education is well prepared for a number of environments, most often in the following areas:
- Athletic Coaching
- Sports Instruction
- Physical Education Instruction
- Exercise physiology
- Sport Management
- Health Care
- Different Types Of Teachers, School Counselors & Even Principals
Of the primary careers within the physical education industry, the most common three areas of employment consist of athletic coaching, sports instruction and physical education.
Coaching
Coaches are teachers, instructors, mentors and organizers of athletics at all levels. Coaching duties range from individual sports to team training to league and event administration. Coaching priorities are to train athletes to perform at their best in every situation, from bringing the best out of themselves when it counts the most to a group of individuals learning to operate and function as a team. Coaches are experts in their specific instruction, from strategy to health and safety, with a flair for competitive excellence. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), although the spectrum of coaching salaries is quite wide, the demand for athletic and sporting coaches is expected to rise significantly over the coming decade.
Sports Instruction
Sports instruction focuses on one-on-one athletic training. Although many times sports instructors focus on individual sports such as tennis, golf, swimming or running, many assist team members on an individual level as well. For instance, many soccer players have personal coaches, while baseball players have hitting or pitching coaches. Sports instructors work on a variety of levels, including training equipment, human physiology, injury prevention, endurance and flexibility and even motivational psychology. Because of its personal nature, hours for sports instructors often very and can be irregular. Professionals generally work where their clients and athletes play, so travel is many times necessary. The BLS also expects tremendous growth in this industry as athletic performance levels continue to rise each year.
Physical Education Teachers
A physical education teacher can be one of the most influential figures in children’s lives. Whether it is teaching and improving physical fitness or increasing athletic performance, teaching the skills and techniques of better exercise, training and sports strategy can be a very rewarding experience. Moreover, many times this instruction can be very beneficial to the physical and emotional growth of the students. While elementary physical education teachers introduce the basics of fitness, sports and group activity, middle and high school teachers are able to build on these skills, teaching various sporting rules and strategy, fitness and athletic performance and sportsmanship. The BLS expects job growth for elementary, middle and high school physical education teachers to increase through 2014 with a median salary of around $46,000 per year across the US. Specific cities, states and regions will very.
Physical Education Salary
A list of average salaries provided by the BLS in 2010 is listed below.
| Physical Education Careers |
Annual Salary -2010 |
| 50th Percentile |
$42,000 |
| 75th Percentile |
$48,000 |
| 90th Percentile |
$60,000+ |
|