High School

• Physical education teachers must complete high school education requirements, including basic science classes to prepare for higher science classes later in college. Participating in high school athletics helps establish yourself as knowledgeable in various competitive sports. While not an education requirement, coaching high school sports or community sports can lend professional experience to your resume.
  
  

College

• The majority of schools require that physical education teachers hold a four-year college degree. Some institutions offer degrees in physical education, while others may offer majors including recreation, health, kinesiology and other topics.
  
  You may decide to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training. Common classes include exercise physiology, nutrition or other sports, including aerobics, golf, tennis or basketball. Topics range from theories of sports pedagogy and human development to team sports and individual sports.
  
  In college, joining professional organizations such as the American Alliance for Health can help boost credibility.
  
  

Teacher Training

• Physical education teachers complete a teacher training course that can vary between one year to two years, depending on whether you're attending school part-time or full-time. Teacher training courses pair academic preparation with hands-on experience teaching physical education classes at local elementary, middle and high school campuses. As part of your teacher training, expect to complete first aid and CPR education requirements; most schools want to see these documents before hiring.
  
  

Additional Training

• After completing a physical education training course, you'll typically receive a preliminary credential that permits you to work professionally as a physical education teacher. However, you'll have to complete additional education requirements via district course work or other professional development training to "clear" the credential. At this point, some physical education teachers may earn a master's degree in education.
  
  While not specifically required, physical education teachers sometimes complete additional education courses to further their professional development, including certifications in modified special education, bilingual certification or certification in another subject matter to increase job market competitiveness.