Physical Education Teacher Resume examples & templates
Copyable Physical Education Teacher Resume examples
Teaching kids to move isn't just about dodgeball and push-ups anymore. Today's Physical Education teachers are on the front lines of battling childhood obesity, developing crucial social-emotional skills, and creating the foundation for lifelong wellness habits. In a world where only 24% of American children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, PE teachers have transformed from whistle-blowing coaches to sophisticated educators who blend exercise science, psychology, and innovative teaching methods.
The field has evolved dramatically in recent years, with adaptive PE programs making activities accessible to students of all abilities and technology integration bringing everything from heart rate monitors to virtual reality into gym classes. Gone are the days of "roll out the ball" PE—modern physical educators develop comprehensive curricula that target motor skills, fitness concepts, and teamwork while aligning with academic standards. As schools continue prioritizing whole-child development and mental health supports, qualified PE teachers who can connect physical literacy to overall student success will find themselves in increasingly valued positions across K-12 education.
Junior Physical Education Teacher Resume Example
Jake Patterson
Louisville, KY | (502) 555-8129 | jpatterson.pe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jakepatterson-pe
Physical Education Teacher with coaching experience and passion for developing student fitness and motor skills. Bringing fresh approaches to PE instruction and a background in youth sports coaching. Committed to creating inclusive environments where all students can discover joy in physical activity and build lifelong wellness habits.
Experience
Physical Education Teacher
Parkside Elementary School – Louisville, KY
August 2022 – Present
- Develop and teach PE curriculum for K-5 students (412 students total) focusing on age-appropriate motor skill development, teamwork, and fitness fundamentals
- Created “Fitness Fridays” program that increased student participation by 27% through fun challenges and personal goal-setting
- Collaborate with 3 other specialists to integrate movement into classroom learning for students with diverse abilities and learning styles
- Organize and supervise annual field day events for entire student body, coordinating 22 parent volunteers
- Maintain equipment inventory and submit budget requests for replacement/new items
Student Teacher – Physical Education
Westbrook Elementary School – Louisville, KY
January 2022 – May 2022
- Assisted lead PE teacher with class management, equipment setup, and lesson planning for grades 1-5
- Designed and implemented 4-week unit on inclusive games that accommodate students with physical limitations
- Used technology to track student participation and progress toward physical fitness goals
- Helped coach after-school basketball program for 3rd-5th graders twice weekly
Youth Soccer Coach (Part-time)
Louisville Youth Sports Association – Louisville, KY
September 2020 – August 2022
- Coached U8 and U10 recreational soccer teams while completing education degree
- Developed age-appropriate drills focusing on fundamental skills and sportsmanship
- Communicated regularly with parents about practice schedules, game details, and player development
- Organized end-of-season celebrations recognizing each player’s unique contributions
Education
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
Graduated: May 2022
- Minor in Health Education
- GPA: 3.7
- Captain of intramural volleyball team (2 years)
Certifications
- Kentucky Teaching License – Physical Education K-12 (2022)
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified (American Red Cross, renewed January 2023)
- SHAPE America Member
- Youth Sports Coach Certification – National Alliance for Youth Sports (2021)
Skills
- Adaptive PE techniques for special needs students
- Curriculum development & assessment
- Classroom management
- Equipment maintenance & inventory
- Sport-specific instruction (basketball, soccer, volleyball, track)
- Educational technology integration (FitnessGram, PE-specific apps)
- Event planning & coordination
- Behavior management strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Parent communication
Mid-level Physical Education Teacher Resume Example
BRANDON MITCHELL
New Haven, CT • (203) 555-8764 • bmitchell@emaildomain.com • linkedin.com/in/brandonmitchell85
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Physical Education Teacher with 5+ years experience creating engaging fitness programs for K-8 students. Strong background in adaptive PE for students with diverse abilities and implementing tech-based fitness tracking. Known for revitalizing outdated PE curriculum that boosted student participation by 27% and developed strong community partnerships for expanded athletics programs.
EXPERIENCE
Lead Physical Education Teacher | Riverside Elementary School, New Haven, CT
August 2020 – Present
- Develop and implement comprehensive PE curriculum for 650+ K-5 students, focusing on motor skill development, team sports, and personal fitness
- Created “Move to Improve” initiative that reduced sedentary behavior by 31% among 3rd-5th graders
- Coordinate with 3 other PE teachers to manage equipment inventory, schedule facilities, and organize district-wide field day events
- Implemented adaptive PE strategies for 14 students with physical disabilities, resulting in 100% class participation
- Secured $7,500 grant to purchase new fitness technology, including heart rate monitors and activity trackers
Physical Education Teacher | Oakwood Middle School, Hamden, CT
August 2018 – July 2020
- Taught PE classes for approximately 450 students in grades 6-8, focusing on sports fundamentals, fitness concepts, and healthy lifestyle choices
- Established after-school intramural program with 172 student participants across 6 different sports
- Collaborated with health teacher to develop cross-curricular nutrition and exercise units
- Mentored 2 student teachers from Southern Connecticut State University
Student Teacher/PE Assistant | Lincoln Elementary, New Haven, CT
January 2018 – May 2018
- Assisted lead PE teacher with class management, equipment setup, and activity demonstrations
- Developed and taught 4 original lesson plans focused on cooperative games and fundamental movement skills
- Helped organize annual field day for 300+ students
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Physical Education
Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT – 2020
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT – 2017
CERTIFICATIONS
- Connecticut Teaching License – Physical Education K-12 (2018, renewed 2023)
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certified – American Red Cross (current)
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) – Basketball Coaching Certification (2019)
- Adaptive Physical Education Specialist – Certificate Program (2021)
SKILLS
- Curriculum Development & Implementation
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Student Assessment & Evaluation
- Classroom Management
- Technology Integration (PE-specific apps, fitness trackers)
- Budget Management
- Event Planning (tournaments, field days)
- Team & Individual Sports Instruction
- Conflict Resolution
- Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CTAHPERD)
- Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America)
Senior / Experienced Physical Education Teacher Resume Example
Michael “Coach Mike” Reynolds
Portland, OR 97214 • (541) 555-8172 • mreynolds.coach@email.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/coachmikerey • Oregon Teaching License #OR4587231
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Physical Education Teacher with 12+ years fostering student wellness and athletic development across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Known for creating inclusive PE programs that increased student participation by 31% through adaptive curriculum design. Developed district-wide safety protocols that reduced gym-related incidents by 47% since 2018. Passionate mentor who’s guided 7 student-teachers and coached championship-winning basketball teams.
EXPERIENCE
Lead Physical Education Teacher | Roosevelt High School, Portland, OR | Aug 2019 – Present
- Lead department of 4 PE teachers and coordinate curriculum for 1,200+ students, developing specialized units for diverse physical abilities and interests
- Spearheaded “Lifetime Fitness” elective program that boosted voluntary PE enrollment by 26% and improved student fitness assessment scores by an average of 18%
- Secured $37,500 grant to update fitness equipment and implement heart rate monitoring technology for personalized student fitness tracking
- Created and implemented PE curriculum modifications for 28 students with physical disabilities, recognized by district as model inclusive program
- Serve as Varsity Basketball Coach with 87-23 record over 4 seasons, including 2022 state championship
Physical Education Teacher | Cascade Middle School, Beaverton, OR | Aug 2015 – July 2019
- Taught PE to 450+ students grades 6-8, emphasizing fundamental movement skills and positive attitudes toward physical activity
- Designed and implemented “Morning Movers” program before school hours, increasing participating students’ attendance rates by 13% and reducing tardiness
- Coordinated annual field day events for 1,400+ students, parents and staff; managed 35+ volunteers and secured $5,200 in community sponsorships
- Collaborated with math and science teachers to create cross-curricular units incorporating movement, sports statistics, and human physiology
- Coached boys and girls basketball teams to 3 district championships and mentored 12 students who continued athletics at high school level
PE/Health Teacher & Athletics Assistant | Parkside Elementary, Eugene, OR | Aug 2011 – July 2015
- Taught PE and health classes for K-5 students, focusing on motor skill development, teamwork, and healthy habits
- Created “Fit Families” after-school program that engaged 73 families in weekly fitness activities, with 92% reporting increased physical activity at home
- Assisted Athletic Director with scheduling, equipment management, and game day operations for elementary sports leagues
- Reduced playground injuries by 32% after implementing structured recess activities and peer conflict resolution strategies
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Master of Education, Physical Education – University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (2014)
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology – Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (2011)
Certifications:
- Oregon Teaching License with Physical Education and Health Endorsements (renewed 2021)
- National Board Certification in Physical Education (2018)
- American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor (current)
- Adaptive Physical Education Specialist Certification (2017)
- USA Basketball Gold Level Coach Certification (2020)
SKILLS
- Curriculum Development & Differentiated Instruction
- Fitness Assessment & Evaluation Protocols
- Adapted PE for Special Needs Students
- Sports Coaching (Basketball, Soccer, Track)
- FitnessGram Administration & Analysis
- Student Behavior Management
- Google Classroom & Educational Technology
- Budget Management & Grant Writing
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Sport-specific Training & Technique Instruction
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
- Oregon Association for Physical Education, Health & Recreation – Board Member (2019-present)
- National PE Conference Presenter: “Technology in PE: Beyond Step Counters” (2022)
- Portland School District Wellness Committee Chair (2020-2022)
- Youth Basketball Development Clinic Organizer – summer program serving 175+ kids annually
How to Write a Physical Education Teacher Resume
Introduction
Landing your dream PE teaching job starts with a stellar resume. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of PE teacher applications for school districts, I can tell you that your resume is often your first impression. It needs to showcase not just your teaching credentials, but your passion for physical education and your ability to motivate students of all abilities. The job market for PE teachers can be competitive—especially in desirable districts—so your resume needs to stand out for the right reasons.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your PE teacher resume clean and professional. School administrators often review dozens of applications at once, so make yours easy to scan:
- Stick to 1-2 pages (1 page for those with less than 5 years of experience)
- Use a clean, readable font like Arial or Calibri in 10-12pt size
- Include clear section headings with plenty of white space
- Save as a PDF unless specifically asked for another format (this preserves your formatting)
- Name your file professionally (e.g., "JohnSmith_PETeacher_Resume.pdf")
Pro Tip: Many school districts use specialized education sector applicant tracking systems like TalentEd or AppliTrack. These systems may handle formatting differently than corporate ATS systems, so clarity and simplicity are key!
Profile/Summary Section
Your professional summary should immediately communicate your teaching philosophy and strengths. This 3-4 sentence paragraph sits at the top of your resume and hooks the reader:
- Mention your years of experience and grade levels taught
- Highlight your teaching style or philosophy (student-centered, inclusive, etc.)
- Include a standout achievement or specialization (coached championship teams? Developed adaptive PE curriculum?)
- Mention relevant certifications (state teaching license, CPR/First Aid, coaching certs)
Professional Experience
When listing your teaching experience, focus on impact rather than just duties. Anyone can "teach PE classes"—show how you made a difference:
- Start with your current/most recent position and work backward
- Include school name, location, your title, and dates employed
- Focus on accomplishments using metrics when possible ("Developed fitness program that improved Presidential Fitness Test scores by 17% over 2 years")
- Highlight curriculum development, special programs implemented, or teams coached
- Mention collaboration with classroom teachers for cross-curricular activities
Education and Certifications
For PE positions, your certifications are just as important as your education. List them prominently:
- Your degree(s) with university name, location, graduation year, and major/minor
- State teaching certification/license with endorsement areas and expiration date
- Specialized certifications (Adapted PE, specific sports coaching, aquatics, etc.)
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification (a must for PE teachers!)
- Recent professional development or continuing education
Keywords and ATS Tips
School districts increasingly use ATS software to screen applications. Include these PE-specific keywords naturally throughout your resume:
- Physical literacy
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Student assessment
- Classroom management
- IEP/504 accommodations
- Sport-specific terms relevant to your experience
Industry-Specific Terms to Include
Show your PE expertise by naturally incorporating terminology like:
- SHAPE America standards
- FitnessGram assessments
- Motor skill development
- Social-emotional learning
- Tactical Games approach
- Sport Education Model
- Positive behavioral interventions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen these PE teacher resume blunders too many times:
- Focusing only on sports coaching and neglecting comprehensive PE curriculum knowledge
- Using generic terms like "passionate" without backing them up with examples
- Forgetting to highlight safety knowledge and emergency preparation
- Omitting technology skills (many PE programs now use fitness trackers, apps, etc.)
- Listing every sport you've ever played without connecting to teaching abilities
Before/After Example
Before: "Taught PE classes to elementary students. Responsible for grading and assessment."
After: "Designed and implemented K-5 physical education curriculum aligned with SHAPE America standards, incorporating both traditional and non-traditional activities to engage 375+ students. Created modified assessment rubrics that increased participation among students with physical limitations by 28%."
Your PE teacher resume should reflect the energy and thoughtfulness you bring to the gymnasium every day. Focus on your unique teaching approach and the measurable impact you've had on students' physical literacy and wellness. Good luck with your application!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Physical Education Teacher resume
- Conflict resolution – defused tension between student athletes during competitive games while maintaining positive team dynamics
- Student engagement – kept 30+ kids actively participating in PE activities even with varying athletic abilities and interest levels
- Adaptability – quickly adjusted lesson plans when weather conditions forced indoor activities or when equipment was unavailable
- Non-verbal communication – read body language to identify struggling students before frustration sets in
- Positive reinforcement – developed custom encouragement approaches for different personality types (shy kids vs. natural athletes)
- Time management – ran efficient class periods with smooth transitions between activities while maximizing active movement time
Hard skills for your Physical Education Teacher resume
- CPR/First Aid/AED Certification (American Red Cross, renewed 2023)
- FitnessGram Testing & Assessment
- Adapted PE Instruction for Special Needs Students
- Team Sport Officiating (volleyball, basketball, soccer)
- PE Curriculum Development using SHAPE America Standards
- Physical Literacy Assessment Tools
- SchoolFit Pro Software Proficiency
- Weight Room Safety & Strength Training Protocols
- Concussion Protocol Management