Physical Education Teacher
Tasks & duties
Physical education teachers may do all of some of the following:
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be responsible for delivering the physical education and health syllabus
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develop year-long physical education programmes
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plan, prepare and present lessons
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teach the rules and techniques of different sports
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teach function, structure and care of the body
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teach students about physical and mental health, and personal safety
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assess students' work and progress
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write reports on students' progress
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manage and maintain sporting and gym equipment
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arrange for community groups and agencies, such as the police, to speak to classes
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attend teacher meetings
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meet parents, whānau or caregivers
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help organise and supervise school and inter-school sports events and sports camps
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co-ordinate and coach extra-curricular activities and sports
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be responsible for a form class
Skills & knowledge
Physical education teachers need to have:
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knowledge of the physical education and health curriculum
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knowledge of how the human body grows and develops,
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knowledge of a variety of health-related subjects, such as nutrition, and drug and alcohol issues
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an understanding of sports techniques and rules, and fitness methods
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skill in planning lessons
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teaching skills and knowledge of different teaching methods and learning styles
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skill in evaluating students' progress
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good communication skills, and the ability to relate well to students and adults
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classroom-management skills, and an understanding of behaviour management
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a good all-round level of sporting ability
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organisational and problem-solving skills
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first-aid skills
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computer skills
Entry requirements
To become a physical education teacher you need to have a tertiary qualification in physical education, such as a Bachelor of Education (Physical Education) or a Bachelor of Physical Education, and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter university. Useful subjects include physical education, health and biology.
Training on the job
Physical education teachers are required to spend a certain number of hours training each year, which they usually do through departmental courses, in-house training or external courses.
Registration
First year physical education teachers must be provisionally registered with the New Zealand Teachers Council. After two years of satisfactory work as a teacher, they gain full registration and are issued with a practising certificate.
Useful experience
Useful experience for physical education teachers includes:
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work in sports centres, recreational facilities or outdoor pursuit centres
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youth work
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coaching or organising sports teams
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counselling experience
Related courses
General Primary and Secondary Education
Human Movement and Sports Science
Teacher Education: Secondary (Pre-Service)
Teacher Education: Special Education
Teacher Professional Development
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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