How to Become a Physical Education (PE) Teacher in Virginia
Becoming a physical education (P.E) teacher in Virginia requires specific training, education, and ongoing professional development. Find out how to get certified as a P.E instructor below.
Career Overview
Physical education (P.E) teachers are an essential part of a child's educational experience. Not only are these instructors responsible for encouraging active lifestyles, but they educate children about how to maintain proper health and nutrition. P.E teachers require special skills and training in order to provide the most value to their pupils. They are also expected to maintain their skill sets through ongoing education and training.
<table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree in physical education, kinesiology, physiology, physical therapy, or nutrition and health from a regionally accredited college or university</td></tr>
<tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> Passing scores on both Praxis I and Praxis II Basic Skills and Subject-Area Skills Tests</td></tr>
<tr><td> License Validity Period </td><td> Provisional license valid for three years (nonrenewable); <br/>Collegiate license valid for five years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Certification Renewal Process </td><td> Provisional licenses are nonrenewable and must be converted to collegiate license; <br/>Collegiate licenses renewable every five years via online or mailed application accompanied by 180 documented points through state-certified professional development options</td></tr>
<tr><td> CEU Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> CEU credits not required; however, teachers must document at least 180 points of state-certified professional development</td></tr>
<tr><td> Average Salary in Virginia (2018) </td><td> $67,610 (elementary school); $66,870 (middle school); $68,770 (high school)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Estimated Job Growth 2016 – 2026 </td><td> 7% (elementary school); 8% (middle and high school)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); data listed is for teachers overall and not physical education teachers specifically
</i></p><h3 id="section---SpecialSkillsCharacteristics">Special Skills & Characteristics</h3><p>In addition to receiving a bachelor's degree P.E teachers must possess the following skills and characteristics:
</p><ul><li>Passion for healthy lifestyle choices and physical activity
</li><li>Demonstrated ability to perform a wide variety of aerobic activities
</li><li>Take-charge attitude and ability to manage large classrooms
</li><li>Ability to teach physical fitness to diverse students with varied interest in physical education
</li></ul><p>While it's important for P.E teachers to have a take-charge attitude, they must be cognizant of their effect on students' self-esteem, employing appropriate encouragement and positive reinforcement techniques. All Virginia educators are also expected to adhere to a moral code, which is outlined in the state's legislature.
</p><h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3><p>Virginia requires all educators seeking certification to possess at least a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Because P.E teachers require specific skill sets compared to their classroom counterparts, they must possess a degree in either physical education, kinesiology, physiology, physical therapy, or nutrition and health in order to qualify. Physical education instructors are specially trained through their education to withstand long periods of standing and physical activity; and communicate knowledge of health sciences, nutrition, and weight control.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>Those seeking initial licensure in Virginia must receive passing scores on the teacher testing requirements. Currently, the state uses Praxis I and II Basic Skills and Subject-Area Skills Tests to determine if an educator is suited for certification. Passing scores entail the following:
</p><ul><li>Praxis I Core Academic Skills for Educators: 150 minimum
</li><li>Praxis II Health & Physical Education Content Knowledge: 151 minimum
</li></ul><p>All test scores must be documented with an official transcript in order to be considered through certification application.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationRequirements">Certification Requirements</h3><p>P.E instructors may receive a provisional teaching certificate after obtaining a qualifying bachelor's degree, completing no more than 24 hours of methods coursework, completing pre- and post-clinical experiences, and successfully passing the Praxis I and II teaching assessments. Provisional licenses are nonrenewable and remain valid for three years; teachers must then convert their licenses to a collegiate professional license. This certification remains valid for five years and is eligible for renewal via online or mailed application.
</p><h3 id="section---CertificationRenewal">Certification Renewal</h3><p>In order to successfully renew a collegiate professional license, teachers must present the following:
</p><ul><li>Completed renewal application
</li><li>At least 180 points earned through a series of 10 state-approved professional development options
</li></ul><p>For educators who do not possess a master's degree or higher, they must earn at least 90 points through completing a three-semester-hour course at a regionally accredited college or university. License holders are allowed to take courses in special education, English as a second language, gifted education, or technology education provided they are granted approval from a state official. These courses may only be taken once during a given five-year licensure cycle.</p>