Teacher - Physical Education

Physical education (PE) teachers instruct students in sports, recreational activities and healthy lifestyle issues, in order to encourage and develop physical fitness and skills, self-esteem and interpersonal skills.

PE teachers in secondary schools may perform the following tasks:

undertake general teaching tasks (see the separate entry for Teacher - Secondary)
prepare a year-long program of learning experiences that link physical activities with issues related to health and wellbeing
teach a range of elective and senior courses depending on the needs and interests of their students
teach the basic techniques and skills associated with team and individual sports, dance, gymnastics, athletics, aquatics and recreational activities such as canoeing and bushwalking
plan and deliver activities that will assist in the skill progression of their students
teach students about community and personal health issues including nutrition, sexuality, drug use and HIV/AIDS
instruct students in the safety practices associated with different environments, including swimming pools, gymnasiums and playing fields
coordinate special events such as inter-school sports programs, swimming and athletic carnivals, and lifesaving programs
present special days and seminars for senior students on various topics such as stress management, study skills and sexually transmitted diseases
conduct compulsory health education programs that prepare the student for life outside of school.

Most PE teachers work in secondary schools and are usually qualified to teach at least one other subject.

Personal Requirements:

enjoy and have skills in physical activity
enthusiastic, patient and tactful
enjoy working with young people
good communication skills
commitment to personal health and physical fitness
high-level organisational skills
prepared to work outside of school hours.

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