Physical education teacher secondary school
Also known as: high school physical education teacher, secondary school physical education tutor, secondary school teacher of physical education, teacher of physical education in secondary schools, physical education tutor secondary school, PE teacher in secondary school
About this occupation
Physical education teachers at secondary schools provide education to students, commonly children and young adults, in a secondary school setting. They are usually subject teachers, specialised and instructing in their own field of study, physical education . They prepare lesson plans and materials, monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate the students’ knowledge and performance on the subject of physical education through practical, usually physical, tests and examinations.
A specialisation of secondary school teacher.
Essential skills and knowledge
- develop course outline
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- curriculum objectives
- observe student's progress
- assist students in their learning
- give constructive feedback
- assign homework
- sports competition information
- learning difficulties
- sporting equipment usage
- liaise with educational support staff
- guarantee students' safety
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education (O*NET 25-2022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies.
- Prepare, administer, and grade tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among students.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate these objectives to students.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Artistic, Conventional
Top skills: Learning Strategies, Instructing, Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Writing
US median pay: US$64,370 a year (2025), 620,090 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).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyImportant (3.2)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
- GeographyO*NET: GeographyImportant (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
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- 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.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Tutors
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten
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.