How to Become a Physical Education (PE) Teacher in Alabama
In Alabama, individuals can become physical education teachers by completing an approved educator preparation program and passing the relevant assessments set by the Alabama State Department of Education.
Alabama Physical Education Teacher Certification Requirements
The traditional route to becoming a physical education teacher in Alabama includes obtaining a bachelor's degree in an approved educator preparation program at an accredited college or university and passing the necessary Praxis and edTPA assessments. This leads to a Professional Educator Certificate from the Alabama State Department of Education. The general requirements for this certificate are summarized in the table below.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Education/Experience Required</td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Exam Requirements </td><td> Praxis Core <br/> Praxis Physical Education: Content Knowledge <br/> edTPA</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification Renewal Period </td><td>Five years</td></tr>
<tr><td>Requirements for Renewal </td><td> 3 years teaching and 50 hours professional development <b>or</b><br/> 3 years teaching and 3 academic credits <b>or</b><br/> 3 academic credits and 50 hours professional development <b>or</b><br/> 6 academic credits <b>or</b> <br/> 100 hours professional development <b>or</b> <br/> NBPTS certification (once)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Average Salary in AL (2018)* </td><td> $49,850 (elementary school teachers) <br/>$50,210 (middle school teachers) <br/>$51,180 (high school teachers)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Estimated National Job Growth (2016-2026)* </td><td> 8% (all teachers)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---AcademicRequirements">Academic Requirements</h3><p>In order to become a certified physical education teacher, an applicant must have at minimum a bachelor's degree in the area of physical education that includes an approved educator preparation program. This degree must have been completed at an accredited college or university to be accepted. The Alabama State Department of Education maintains a database of institutions that offer these programs on its website. Possible coursework may include kinesiology, anatomy, team sports, and evaluation of physical activity. A student teaching practicum is also part of the curriculum.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>Those who are interested in being educators in Alabama must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators assessments as well as the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) pedagogical assessment. The Praxis Core tests the candidate's proficiency in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. The edTPA assesses the candidate's ability to demonstrate their teaching skills in a live classroom setting. In this case, prospects complete their edTPA in physical education.
</p><p>In addition to those assessments, physical education teachers are required to pass the Praxis Physical Education: Content Knowledge exam. This test includes topics related to fitness, sports, and safety. While candidates can register for the assessments online, they must take them at approved testing centers.
</p><h3 id="section---BackgroundClearance">Background Clearance</h3><p>All prospective educators in the state of Alabama are required to undergo a criminal history check in order to qualify for initial educator certification. Background checks are carried out by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Applicants may register for fingerprinting on the Gemalto Cogent website where they will be guided on the completion of the process and the relevant fees to be paid.
</p><h3 id="section---ApplicationProcess">Application Process</h3><p>The application forms and other documents required for the professional educator certificate can be downloaded from the Alabama State Department of Education website. The completed forms and official transcripts may be submitted by mail.
</p><p>Alternatively, the transcripts can be submitted electronically through options available on the Alabama State Department of Education website. The non-refundable application fee of $30 can be paid via a check or money order, or the applicant can pay through the online payment system provided by the Alabama State Department of Education.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificateInformation">Certificate Information</h3><p>The professional educator certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue and is renewable. Educators may renew their certificate through various combinations of professional development, academic credit, and teaching experience. One route to renewal is by completing at least three years of work experience and 50 clock hours of professional development. Professional development activities must be approved by the Alabama State Department of Education in order to be accepted.</p>