Most PE teachers get a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. This degree includes courses on the various sports that will be taught, health instruction methods, coaching and the basics of physiology. According to USCollegeSearch.org, there are over 2,000 universities and colleges that offer degrees in physical education instruction.
It is recommended that, before or while getting the degree, prospective PE teachers should gain experience coaching sports teams. Experience in playing or participating in a variety of sports and exercise activities is also very helpful, although experience will also be gained through college coursework.
PE teachers should be comfortable working with children in the age group they wish to teach. They need to have the ability to work with adults as well, as they may need to maintain contact with the parents of their students as part of the job.
Depending on the state in which the prospective PE teacher wishes to teach, an educational certification may be required. Prospective PE teachers should research state requirements before beginning their education, as certain states may require extra education in order to teach, which will cause the cost of the degree to go up.