Physical education vocational teacher

About this occupation

Physical education vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, physical education, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for a physical education-related profession, such as health specialist or outdoor activities organiser. They induce students in the convenient social frameworks of their field of study and teach the appropriate attitudes and values. Physical education vocational teachers monitor the students' progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of physical education through assignments, tests and examinations.

A specialisation of vocational teacher.

• Provide adapted physical education services to students with intellectual disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic impairments, or other disabling condition.
• Provide students positive feedback to encourage them and help them develop an appreciation for physical education.
• Provide individual or small groups of students with adapted physical education instruction that meets desired physical needs or goals.
• Instruct students, using adapted physical education techniques, to improve physical fitness, gross motor skills, perceptual motor skills, or sports and game achievement.
• Write reports to summarize student performance, social growth, or physical development.
• Evaluate the motor needs of individual students to determine their need for adapted physical education services.

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Social, Conventional, Realistic

Top skills: Instructing, Active Listening, Speaking, Learning Strategies, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension

US median pay: US$76,580 a year (2025), 33,930 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.0)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.4)
• SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.0)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.