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Physical Education Teachers

Employment Prospects

Employers

PE teachers make up only a small percentage of the nearly 3.1 million elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers employed in the United States. Physical education instructors are employed at public and private schools. They work in elementary schools, middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, junior colleges, and four-year universities. They are also employed by boys/girls clubs, camps, health spas and resorts, correctional facilities, martial arts studios, dance studios, resorts, community centers, child care facilities, fitness centers, health clubs, and gyms.

Starting Out

After completing your student teaching and becoming certified, work with your college's career services office to find a full-time position. The departments of education of some states maintain listings of job openings. Many schools advertise teaching positions online. You may also directly contact the principals and superintendents of the schools in which you would like to work. While looking for full-time work, you can work as a substitute teacher. In urban areas with many schools, you may be able to substitute full time. PE Central, an organization for health and physical educators, also offers job listings for physical education teachers.

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