How to Become a Physical Education (PE) Teacher in California

<p>Physical Education (PE) teachers can work in elementary, middle, or high schools, and in either public or private schools. They work to create a good environment for students to exercise during the school day and highlight the benefits of exercise and as part of a balanced lifestyle. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> A Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Certification/License to Teach</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> CBEST, CSET, RICA, U.S. Constitution Exam, TFE, TPA*</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> Every 5 Years</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2018) </td><td> Elementary - $57,980, Middle - $58,600, High - $60,320*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> Elementary - 7%, Middle - 8%, High - 8%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Alliant International University</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Physical Education teachers, like most other instructors, are expected to create lesson plans, interact with students, create an adequate learning environment, grade students on their progress, and supervise activities. In addition to those typical teaching responsibilities, PE teachers will need to motivate students as they try to reach fitness goals and explore new ways to exercise. Teachers may also be tasked with setting up gym equipment, games, or other activities to engage students in a way that will make them want to exercise. Physical Education teachers must maintain a safe environment, and teach students how to exercise properly as to avoid any injuries during class. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>A Physical Education teacher in the state of California will need to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree for a college or university, although a higher degree, such as a master's, may help potential teachers to find a wider job pool upon completion of their schooling. Potential teachers are also required to take a teacher preparation course to prepare them for their entry into work force. Upon the completion of both their college degree and teacher prep program, potential teachers will then need to take a number of tests to becoming certified to teach in the state of California. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>The first of the six required tests for potential teachers in the state of California is the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), which is used to test basic reading, math, and writing skills. The second test is the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET), and this test is required to be completed before a teacher can begin student teaching. The next exam is the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA), which is administered to make sure that potential teachers can adequately provide reading instruction to their students. The U.S. Constitution Exam is next, but teachers can be exempt from this exam if they have competed course work or an exam at the college-level at an accredited school. The last two required exams are the Teaching Foundations Examination (TFE, and the Teaching Performance Assessments (TPA). </p> <h3 id="section---RenewalRequirements">Renewal Requirements</h3> <p>A teacher in the state of California, whether in elementary, middle, or high school, will need to renew their certification to teach. This is done every five years, and the application can be completed and a paper copy sent it, or done electronically. The renewal process online will cost $102.50, which includes a $100 application fee and a $2.50 processing fee for the form of payment. To do this or find more information, teachers can visit the ctc.ca.gov website. </p> <h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3> <p>For teachers that are working at the elementary school level, 85% of teachers work in public schools, where they remaining work in private schools. At the middle school level, 85% of teachers work in public schools. Lastly, at the high school level 84% of teachers work in the public sector and 13% work for private schools. Private schools make up a much smaller number of the teaching jobs available, making it difficult to obtain a teaching position with them.</p>