Major: Physical Education Teaching and Coaching
Freddy Adu, soccer superstar. Kimmie Meissner, figure-skating champ. Annika Sörenstam, golf pro. What do these world-class athletes have in common? They all have gifted coaches behind them, people who have helped them reach the heights of strength, grace, and speed. But coaches and physical education teachers don't just groom future sports celebrities. By working in schools and youth programs, they help all young people have fun while getting fit.
Would you enjoy coaching a basketball team, teaching a dance class, or demonstrating a juggling trick? Do you want to help kids become confident, coordinated, and team-spirited? If so, consider a career as a physical education teacher or coach.
This major prepares students to teach physical education and coach sports at various educational levels.
“I enjoy working with children and adolescents, and helping them realize how fun movement and sport can be.”
Lynda M. Nilges, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, University of South Carolina
Are You Ready To...?
- Get involved in a variety of sports and fitness activities
- Volunteer as a coach, a camp counselor, or an assistant at an after-school program
- Learn the science behind the moves
It Helps to Be...
Enthusiastic about fitness, ready to tackle challenging science classes, and good at motivating people. You'll also need flexibility in order to work with a variety of students, from hard-core athletes to kids who don't like to leave the couch.
College Checklist
- Is the program accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education?
- Is the program approved by the state's department of education?
- Which grades will you be certified to teach?
- Will you have to pass Praxis or other exams to be certified as a teacher?
- How much time will you spend observing, helping out, and student teaching in schools?
Did You Know?
- Getting certified in two subjects (such as physical education and science or physical education and coaching) will boost your chances of getting a good job.
Course Spotlight
You’ll have many opportunities to visit schools where you’ll see physical education teachers and coaches in action. Whether you watch them supervising a track team or leading a movement class for students with physical disabilities, you’ll pick up valuable real-world tips.
These visits will help you prepare for your student teaching semester. While it can be nerve-wracking to find yourself in charge of a gym full of children, it's also exhilarating to step up to the teaching plate -- knowing that an experienced teacher is standing by to coach you.
