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How to Become a Physical Health and Education (PE) Teacher: Australian Careers in Education

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What is a Physical Health and Education (PE) Teacher?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Physical Health and Education (PE) Teacher?

A Physical Health and Education (PE) Teacher helps students build fitness, learn sport skills, and understand why health matters. They teach in Australian primary and secondary schools. Lessons cover movement, sport, nutrition, and wellbeing.

PE teachers plan and deliver lessons that meet the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education. They assess student progress, coach sports teams, and run school fitness events. Classes take place indoors and outdoors, so teachers manage active groups in a range of settings.

The role suits people who love sport and working with young people. Good classroom management skills are key. They also need to include students of all abilities, from elite athletes to those who find physical activity hard.

All PE teachers in Australia must hold full registration with their state or territory teacher body. Around 153,800 people work as secondary school teachers nationally, and the job outlook is stable (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024).

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Career snapshots For Physical Health and Education (PE) Teachers

PE teachers work in primary and secondary schools across Australia. The role sits under Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411) in national workforce data.

Around 153,800 people work as secondary school teachers nationally (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024). Of these, 78% work full-time, averaging 45 hours per week. The median age is 42, and 62% of the workforce is female (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024).

Average weekly pay is $2,166, equal to around $112,600 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024). SEEK data (June 2026) shows PE teacher salaries of $100,000 to $115,000 per year. Pay is higher in remote areas such as Alice Springs, which averages $110,543. The job outlook is stable.

What will I do?

PE teachers are responsible for student health and fitness outcomes across the whole school curriculum. Each day involves a mix of teaching, assessing, coaching, and working with other staff members.

  • Lesson planning: designing HPE lessons that meet Australian Curriculum standards for each year level.
  • Teaching: leading active classes in sport, fitness, dance, and health education.
  • Assessment: tracking student progress in movement skills, teamwork, and health knowledge.
  • Class management: keeping students safe and engaged during outdoor and gym-based activities.
  • Coaching: running school sports teams and getting students ready for interschool events.
  • Health education: teaching students about nutrition, mental health, and the value of regular activity.
  • Event running: planning and running sports carnivals and school fitness days.
  • Equipment care: maintaining and checking PE equipment and facilities.
  • Teamwork: working with teachers, health staff, and parents to support student health.
  • Professional learning: attending ACHPER workshops and staying current on HPE research.

What skills do I need?

PE teachers need a wide mix of skills. Strong communication is at the core. Teachers explain techniques and give feedback that helps students of all ages and abilities improve.

Classroom management is another key skill. PE classes run in open spaces such as ovals, courts, and gyms. Teachers must keep all students safe and engaged. Organisational skills also matter, since PE departments manage carnivals, equipment, and team rosters.

A sound knowledge of the HPE curriculum and exercise science supports good lesson planning. Teachers also need to adapt activities for students with diverse needs. They must create an open, safe setting where every student can join in.

First aid and CPR certification is a required in most Australian schools.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal communication and instruction
  • Ability to motivate students of all abilities
  • Knowledge of the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education
  • Understanding of exercise physiology and sports science
  • Skill in teaching a wide range of sports and physical activities
  • Student assessment and constructive feedback skills
  • Strong classroom and outdoor activity management
  • Lesson planning and event organisation
  • Ability to adapt activities for students with diverse needs
  • Commitment to student health and wellbeing
  • Teamwork and collaboration with school staff and parents
  • Leadership in sports coaching and extracurricular programs
  • Current first aid and CPR certification
  • Ongoing professional development and reflective practice

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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.