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How to Become a Physical Education Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a Physical Education Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Physical Education Teacher?

A PE Teacher helps students be active, fit, and healthy. They plan and lead sport, fitness, and health lessons each week. Their work shapes how students feel about sport and exercise for life.

In a typical day, PE teachers lead sport sessions, track student fitness, and keep safety in mind. They change lessons to suit students of all skill levels. This means every student can join in and feel good about class.

PE teachers also do more than teach sport. They run clubs and school sport events, and work with other teachers on health programs. They keep gear safe and track student progress.

This is a career that makes a real difference. PE teachers help young people build habits that last a lifetime. They also build teamwork, grit, and confidence in their students, inside and outside the gym.

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Career snapshots For Physical Education Teachers

Physical Education Teachers are part of Australia’s large secondary teaching workforce. Jobs and Skills Australia (2025) reports around 161,400 secondary school teachers employed in the country. This group sees around 6,400 new jobs added each year. PE teachers make up a share of this total, with strong demand in public and Catholic schools.

Most secondary teachers work full-time (77%) and average 45 hours per week (ABS/JSA, 2025). The median weekly earnings for secondary teachers are $2,322 before tax. That equals around $120,000 a year. The median age of the workforce is 40, and 58% of workers are female. Salaries vary by state, seniority, and school sector.

Future demand for PE teachers is forecast as moderate (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Employment growth is steady, driven by student population growth and school expansion. PE teaching offers stable, meaningful work with clear pathways to senior roles such as Head of Department or Assistant Principal.

What will I do?

A Physical Education Teacher plans and leads PE lessons that keep students active, healthy, and engaged. They run a range of sport and fitness classes, making sure every student can take part. The job mixes teaching, coaching, and health.

  • Plan Lessons: Design PE classes that meet the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education.
  • Lead Sport and Fitness: Run sport, fitness, and movement sessions for all skill levels.
  • Check Student Progress: Track physical skills and fitness growth, and give clear feedback.
  • Teach Health and Wellness: Help students learn about nutrition, safe exercise, and healthy choices.
  • Run Sports Events: Plan school sport carnivals, inter-school games, and after-school programs.
  • Care for Equipment: Make sure all gear is safe and ready before each lesson.
  • Support Student Wellbeing: Spot and respond to issues that may affect how students take part.
  • Work with Staff: Partner with other teachers on whole-school health programs.
  • Talk with Parents: Keep families up to date on student progress and sport events.

What skills do I need?

A career as a PE Teacher calls for a mix of teaching skills and knowledge of sport and health. Strong communication is key, as PE teachers explain rules, give feedback, and keep students motivated. Good organisation helps them plan lessons, manage equipment, and run smooth classes.

PE teachers also need to adapt to the needs of each class. Every student has different skills and fitness levels. The best teachers adjust activities to make sure everyone can join in. A love of physical activity, patience, and calm classroom management all make a strong PE teacher.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Knowledge of the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
  • Lesson planning and class organisation
  • Ability to assess and give constructive feedback
  • Adaptability to different student abilities and needs
  • Classroom behaviour management
  • First aid and CPR certification
  • Teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and parents
  • Leadership and the ability to motivate students
  • Understanding of child development and wellbeing
  • Creativity in lesson design and activity planning
  • Knowledge of sport rules, techniques, and safety
  • Commitment to inclusive teaching practices
  • Ongoing professional learning and development

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.