Exploring Career Paths with a Physical Education Major

Are you passionate about health, fitness, and inspiring others? A physical education (PE) major might be the perfect path for you. This field offers a diverse range of career opportunities focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. A PE major combines interpersonal communication, fitness, and science, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy sports and working with people.

What is Physical Education?

Physical education involves teaching individuals of all ages, from pre-K through adulthood, about movement, fitness, and wellness. Physical educators play a crucial role in helping people develop motor skills, understand the importance of physical activity, and cultivate social and personal skills related to participation in sports and exercise.

The Curriculum and Skills

Of primary importance in physical education is understanding how the body moves. Students studying physical education should expect to take coursework in subjects such as anatomy, kinesiology, motor learning, and physiology. Since physical education is a hands-on discipline, your program may require labs, student teaching, or fieldwork at a local school.

Elementary Level (Pre-K through Grade 5)

At the elementary level, the focus is on the competency of basic locomotor and non-locomotor movements in various forms and patterns. An elementary curriculum will include instruction in psychomotor skills such as running, walking, hopping, jumping, kicking, throwing, and striking.

Middle School Level (Grades 6-8)

Middle school physical education teachers build upon the foundation of motor skills, guiding students through varied organized individual and team activities. Social skills are stressed in the middle school curriculum.

Secondary Level (Grades 9-12)

Secondary physical education stresses participation in lifelong activities such as aerobics, rock climbing, hiking, biking, jogging, and functional training. The high school curriculum encourages students to become proficient in activities that can be experienced over a lifetime. Some schools offer a wellness curriculum for their students that emphasize a holistic approach to wellness. This curriculum may include classes in first aid, interpersonal relationships, sexuality, and nutrition in addition to sport and movement activities.

Adapted Physical Education

Physical educators with additional training in Adapted Physical Education are responsible for ensuring that children with disabilities (pre-K through 21 years of age) receive quality physical education services as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA, 2004).

Education Requirements and Preparation

Students who plan to work in public schools must be licensed or certified in the state in which they teach. A bachelor’s degree along with minimum performance on written state certification teacher examinations is required. Private and parochial schools vary in their requirements for teaching certification. Each state is different, so it is important to check state requirements before making any educational decisions.

To teach within wellness programs, it is wise for a student studying to be a physical education teacher to complete health courses or acquire a health license in addition to a physical education license. At some colleges and universities, a student interested in physical education may also focus in a particular specialty area or population such as adapted physical education, outdoor education, and/or geriatrics.

High school courses in the area of fitness, sport, biology, anatomy and physiology, and exercise physiology are useful to take in preparation before college study in this area. Courses in the area of child development (emotional, social, and physical) are also very useful. Membership in Future Teachers of America or similar high school organizations such as Big Brother/Big Sister programs is also suggested. Finally, consider volunteering for local programs that include Special Olympics, Disability Sport Programs, or Adapted Adventure Activities.

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Related Work Experiences

Some individuals pursue the field of physical education because of an affection with their own schooling and physical education experience. Some individuals discover their love of teaching movement through prior work-related experiences. It is suggested that young people interested in the field obtain work experience that involves working with children, sport, and movement activities. Some suggested related work experiences might include babysitting, playground directors, sport instructors, youth coaches and umpires, and camp leaders.

Career Opportunities

A degree in physical education is highly versatile and can be applied in education, healthcare, and professional sports. With an undergraduate degree, graduates may acquire a full-time position immediately, or they may find that they have to take part-time work until a full-time position opens. It is advantageous if a graduate is willing to accept a position in more than one district and/or state as well as with various grade levels. Some physical educators chose to coach or officiate as well. Soon after being hired, most states require physical educators to earn advanced credits or degrees. As hired physical educators become more experienced and educated, they may find individual advancement in the form of higher pay. Some physical educators advance in administrated roles as either a director of physical education, adapted physical education, athletic director, or school principal.

Specific Career Paths:

Physical Education Teacher: Teaching physical education in elementary, middle, or high schools. If you know academics is the career path you want to pursue, the single subject teaching credential at APU may be the path for you.
Adapted Physical Education Teacher: Working with students with disabilities to provide specialized physical education services.
Coach: Training athletes in various sports at different levels. A professor and water polo and swimming coach at Mt. San Antonio College.
Athletic Director: Managing athletic programs in schools or organizations.
Wellness Coordinator: Developing and implementing wellness programs for companies or communities.
Personal Trainer: Helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Fitness Instructor: Leading group fitness classes.
Sports Journalist: Reporting on sports-related news and events.

The Importance of Representation

In physical education, as in all fields, representation matters. As a niche field composed of disparate careers and professionals, there is often a lack of comprehensive data regarding the representation of Black Americans in high levels of the physical fitness industry, which includes everything from gym owners to professional trainers, executives within fitness corporations, and sports journalists. However, it is generally accepted that underrepresentation in the fitness industry follows similar trends as in other fields. When people see trainers, physical educators, and fitness influencers who look like them, it fosters a sense of relatability and belonging, ultimately encouraging more Black individuals to pursue work in this field, or simply to prioritize their own physical fitness and well-being. In addition, the increased visibility of Black professionals in this industry can inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in the field of physical education and sports. It will underscore the message that the fitness industry is not exclusive but open and inviting for all, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. As a student, you can further Black representation in fitness industries by submitting a major interest form and exploring physical education degree programs.

Preparing for Success

Preparing for success in college as a physical education major involves developing a solid background in the sciences, leadership, and physical fitness.

Academics

Physical education is more than just playing sports. A PE major often includes classes in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and kinesiology.

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Physical Fitness

To teach others about physical fitness, you need to practice it.

Leadership Experience

PE teachers are often called upon to lead groups and instruct others.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There’s no better way to start your career in a fitness industry than on strong financial footing. Search for current UNCF scholarship opportunities and check with colleges and universities to see if additional scholarships are available for physical education majors. SHAPE America also offers several scholarships each year. Reach out for guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in PE. You can also show your support for students pursuing careers and furthering equity in physical education by contributing to UNCF member schools. Education is the greatest tool we have in creating a just and equitable society in which economic mobility is available to all.

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a physical education program, consider the following:

Accreditation: Is the program long-standing and reputable? Is it accredited?
Faculty: Are the instructors experienced and trained in physical education? Azusa Pacific University?
Curriculum: Does the program offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of physical education? the program! year in America. needed to instruct all students. Elementary School District.
Career Goals: Does the program align with your career goals?

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