Becoming a Physical Education Teacher in Iowa: A Comprehensive Guide

Physical education teachers play a vital role in student development, imparting knowledge about physical activity, health, nutrition, and weight management. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to become a certified physical education (P.E.) teacher in Iowa, covering education requirements, licensure procedures, and essential skills.

The Importance of Physical Education

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) recognizes physical education and health education as integral components of a well-rounded education for all students. These subjects are linked to academic growth and achievement, improved attention and concentration, and the development of lifelong healthy habits. While physical education and health education are distinct academic subjects with their own regulations and standards, they complement each other in promoting student well-being.

Iowa's physical education standards, recommended and adopted by the Iowa State Board of Education on March 28, 2019, emphasize the importance of quality instructional programs. These programs aim to build skills, advance knowledge, and foster positive attitudes toward physical activity throughout life. Iowa has adopted the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America standards and grade-level outcomes for its physical education standards.

Educational Requirements

Formal education is critical in preparing teachers to develop effective physical education programs and promote lifelong wellness among students in Iowa. A strong academic foundation enables instructors to address diverse student needs with evidence-based methods, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education or Related Field:

Candidates must earn a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, majoring in physical education, kinesiology, or a closely related field. This degree provides essential knowledge of human movement, exercise physiology, and teaching strategies tailored to K-12 students. Iowa mandates that all teachers receive at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. P.E. teachers must receive a degree in physical education, kinesiology, physiology, or health and nutrition due to the unique nature of their careers.

2. Completion of a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program:

Enrollment in a teacher preparation program approved by the Iowa Department of Education is mandatory. These programs blend coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, specialized P.E. content, and often require a minimum of 24 semester hours focused on physical education topics. Beyond a four-year degree, you must successfully complete an approved PE teacher preparation program, whether at the bachelor or post-bachelor level.

Some P.E. teacher preparation programs are offered as blended programs that include not only a bachelor’s degree but also all educational requirements needed for licensure in Iowa, including coursework in the professional education core, a student teaching experience, and the following coursework in the content area:

At least 24 semester hours in physical education, including:
- Adaptive physical education
- Curriculum, assessment, and administration of physical education
- Emergency care
- First aid
- Human anatomy
- Human growth and development
- Human physiology
- Kinesiology
- Personal wellness

3. Field Experience and Student Teaching:

Practical training includes supervised fieldwork and student teaching placements lasting approximately 12 to 16 weeks in various K-12 settings. This hands-on experience allows future teachers to apply their academic learning, receive mentorship, and refine their instructional skills. As with all UNI teaching majors, you’ll find yourself in a school gym or field early in your education. Iowa requires supervised practical experience to be licensed in K-12 physical education.

4. Prerequisite Coursework and Evaluation:

Admission to educator programs often necessitates completing foundational P.E. courses and demonstrating teaching aptitude. Candidates undergo assessments by faculty to confirm readiness and dedication to their teaching career.

Non-Traditional Licensure: Teacher Intern License

If you possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited institution, you may qualify for the Teacher Intern Program (for secondary teachers only) if you meet the subject matter course requirements for a secondary teaching endorsement in physical education and if you have at least five years of experience in an area related to physical education.

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You must complete the Teacher Intern Program through an Iowa State Board of Education-approved university or college. The intern program consists of all introductory pedagogy coursework, as well as 60 contact hours of field experience with students and 6 credits of seminar during your internship year.

Upon completing the introductory intern program, you will serve in a one-year internship, during which time you will engage in extensive supervision and participation in a state-approved mentoring and induction program.

Upon completing the internship, you need only complete the required examinations in order to be eligible for P.E. teacher jobs in Iowa.

Required Examinations

Praxis testing in Iowa is required to receive an initial P.E. teacher license. You must take and pass:

Physical Education: Content and Design K-12
Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Pedagogy test

The physical education content examination is broken down into the following topics:

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Core concepts (terminology, principles, and applications of basic sciences as they relate to motor skills and movement activities; principles of biomechanics and kinesiology; movement concepts; exercise physiology; anatomy and physiology; current trends and developments in physical education; liability and legal considerations, etc.)
Student growth and development (developmentally appropriate learning opportunities; individual performance; developmental readiness; perception in motor development, etc.)
Management and motivation (classroom management practices; physiological and social factors that affect learning; organization and allocation of resources; motivation of students to participate in physical activity, etc.)
Planning and instruction (teaching skillful movement and physical activity; sequencing of motor skill activities; activities designed to improve health-related and skill-related fitness; etc.)
Communication (verbal and nonverbal communication skills; instructional feedback; communication of classroom management and instructional information, etc.)
Student assessment (assessment of student skill performance; understanding fitness assessments; types of assessments and assessment methods, etc.)
Reflection
Technology (design, development, and implementation of student learning activities, use of technologies to communicate, etc.)
Instructional design (fitness instruction, skill instruction)

Applying for an Initial Iowa P.E. Teacher License

Your initial educator license in Iowa is valid for a period of 2 years. You must complete the Application for Licensure, or the Out-of-State Application for Licensure if you completed your teacher preparation program in another state.

The fee for in-state applicants is $85, along with $65 for the background check.

The fee for out-of-state applicants is $210, along with $65 for the background check.

All checks or money orders should be made payable to the Board of Educational Examiners. All applications and required documentation must be sent to:

Board of Educational ExaminersLicensure400 East 14th StreetDes Moines, Iowa 50319

Renewing Your P.E. Teacher Educator License

Your initial educator license is valid for two years, during which time you must successfully complete six college credits or achieve at least two years of teaching experience.

A standard license, which is valid for five years, requires at least three years of successful teaching experience. The master educator license, which is valid for five years, requires the completion of at least five years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in a program related to physical education (the focus must be on school curriculum or instruction).

License renewals in Iowa may be submitted either as a paper application or may be completed online.

Essential Skills for Physical Education Teachers in Iowa

Success as a physical education teacher in Iowa depends on a combination of skills that engage students, promote healthy lifestyles, and effectively handle varied classroom settings. Developing these skills helps teachers adapt to Iowa’s diverse student populations and meet state education standards.

1. Effective Communication:

Clear communication is vital to giving instructions, offering feedback, and setting expectations for students of all ages and abilities. Mastering both verbal and nonverbal communication ensures safety, maximizes participation, and builds positive relationships that encourage ongoing student engagement.

2. Leadership and Classroom Management:

Handling groups of 20 to 40 students in active, often outdoor environments requires strong leadership. Effective classroom management skills for Iowa P.E. teachers include motivating students, maintaining discipline, and fostering teamwork, all while adapting to different energy levels and group dynamics.

3. Adaptability and Inclusivity:

Physical education lessons must be flexible to accommodate diverse backgrounds, fitness levels, and abilities. Being inclusive means modifying activities to ensure every student can safely participate, supported by coursework in adapted physical education and multicultural awareness common in Iowa’s preparation programs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Iowa Administrative Rules of Special Education require schools to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). “Special education” specifically lists, “instruction in physical education,” requiring all students to have access to appropriate physical education instruction. States and schools are required to provide equal opportunity to participate in physical education and extracurricular athletics by children and youth with and without disabilities.

4. Knowledge of Fitness, Health, and Movement Science:

Teachers should have a deep understanding of kinesiology, exercise physiology, and motor learning. This expertise informs instruction that promotes wellness and meets state curriculum requirements, helping students develop lifelong healthy habits.

Licensing Requirements

In Iowa’s public schools, physical education teachers must hold a state teaching license. Obtaining this license involves completing a bachelor’s degree, finishing a state-approved teacher preparation program with P.E.-specific coursework, and passing assessments such as the Praxis exams. Candidates also complete student teaching and background checks before receiving certification from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Licenses progress through stages: Initial License, Standard License, and Master Educator License, each with specific experience and education requirements.

Private and charter schools in Iowa often have more flexible requirements. While many prefer or require licensed teachers, licensure is not always mandatory. These schools may hire based on expertise or alternative qualifications, allowing some candidates to enter teaching without full state certification. Charter schools typically align more closely with public school standards if they receive public funding but may still offer flexibility in staffing.

Certification Process

Certification plays a critical role in ensuring that physical education teachers in Iowa are equipped to promote student fitness, lifelong wellness, and safe participation in activities. The state’s process sets rigorous standards, combining education, practical experience, and testing to prepare strong educators.

Steps to Certification:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on physical education, kinesiology, or a closely related subject. Your coursework should include at least 24 semester hours in relevant P.E. areas such as human anatomy and adaptive physical education.
Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program: Integrate pedagogical training with hands-on student teaching.
Pass Required State Examinations: Successfully complete the Praxis Physical Education: Content and Design exam, scoring at least 159, along with the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for your targeted grade range.
Apply for Initial Teacher Licensure: Submit your application for the Initial Teaching License through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners once you meet all prerequisites.
Participate in Induction and Mentoring: Engage in a state-approved mentoring program during your first years to support your professional development and classroom success.

Out-of-State Teachers

Iowa participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement but does not offer full license reciprocity for physical education teachers transferring from out of state. Applicants must undergo a transcript review by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to identify any coursework deficiencies. If such gaps exist, the teacher may receive a two-year Regional Exchange License, allowing them to teach while completing required courses. Additionally, out-of-state teachers with less than three years of experience, especially those who completed their preparation after 2013, must pass the Praxis II Pedagogy and Content Assessments or the edTPA before obtaining full licensure. Experienced teachers with three or more years of teaching may qualify for a Standard License, while those with five years plus a recognized master’s degree can apply for a Master Educator License. Iowa does not permit waiving coursework requirements, so provisional licenses depend on fulfilling these conditions within set timeframes.

Time to Become a P.E. Teacher

The time to become a P.E. teacher in Iowa can vary depending on your chosen degree program, certification path, and teaching experience.

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is the essential first step.
Teacher Preparation Program (1-2 years): Iowa requires all P.E. teachers to finish an approved teacher preparation program.
Field Experience and Student Teaching (12-16 weeks): Hands-on experience through student teaching is critical and usually takes one semester.

Costs Associated with Becoming a P.E. Teacher in Iowa

The costs associated with becoming a physical education teacher in Iowa include tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program, examination fees, and application fees.

Tuition fees vary depending on the institution.
The fee for in-state applicants is $85, along with $65 for the background check.
The fee for out-of-state applicants is $210, along with $65 for the background check.

Financial Aid

An array of undergraduate scholarships exists at UNI, including some specific to physical education majors. The Betty Swanson Endowed Outstanding PE-Teaching Award is one example. It's a scholarship opportunity for one or two graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence and are pursuing a major in physical education K-12 teaching.

Salary Expectations for Phys Ed Teachers in Iowa

Occupational wage data published on the Iowa Workforce Information Network shows that there is an average phys ed teacher salary in Iowa of $58,830. The median is 7.2% lower at $54,560. The lowest bracket of salaries is between $34,430 and $41,370, which likely represents starting salaries among new phys ed teachers. Experienced phys ed teachers are likely to be earning in the top 75th and 90th percentile brackets at $75,370 and $91,430 respectively.

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