Physical education (PE) teachers organize games and challenges that promote physical activity among children and young adults from kindergarten to high school. Their goal is to develop motor skills and physical development among younger children and proper exercise and eating habits among older children. PE teachers must adjust their curricula to adapt to children with disabilities or different physical abilities. Some PE teachers also coach sports teams.

Like all instructors, PE teachers must have strong speaking and listening skills. Besides being knowledgeable about an activity, they need to be able to communicate and demonstrate it properly. PE teachers must be able to observe all their students and maintain discipline within the class. In addition to students, they interact with parents, other teachers and school administrators. While schools may implement their own education requirements, PE teachers in public schools must hold at least bachelor's degrees. Individuals interested in this profession may enroll in teacher education programs focused on physical education. Curricula include coursework in physical, health and general education topics, such as exercise philosophy, kinesiology, human development and educational psychology.