Teaching physical education (PE) in a high school is one of the most satisfying and rewarding careers according to many teachers interviewed for this report. Most people who choose to become physical education teachers did so for several reasons. They enjoyed participating in sports and other physical activities while in high school. They liked the physical education environment and admired their PE teachers. Many participated in special programs offered by their schools which gave them additional training in sports activities.

In these programs, they learned how to teach skills, how to work with groups, and how to be team leaders. Not all physical education teachers excelled in sports, but they all loved them. They also realized they had the ability to teach others how to perform in the various physical activities and sports. Physical education teachers are proud of their work because they know the skills they teach will have a positive impact on their students' lives. High school students, who develop an interest in these areas usually continue them after graduation which is beneficial for both mental and physical health.

Physical education classes are usually less formal than other classes so students are more likely to talk to their teachers one on one. This means PE teachers get an opportunity to really get to know their students and to form closer relationships with them. Any career in teaching offers you a fairly stable job - one you can count on for many years, usually your entire working career. Teaching pays a good to excellent salary, and the benefits are good. Not only do the students look up to their teachers but so do the members of the community you teach in.