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General education teacher vs physical education teacher

The differences between general education teachers and physical education teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physical education teacher has an average salary of $49,652, which is higher than the $36,253 average annual salary of a general education teacher.

The top three skills for a general education teacher include classroom management, professional development and mathematics. The most important skills for a physical education teacher are classroom management, professional development, and student learning.

General education teacher vs physical education teacher overview

General Education TeacherPhysical Education Teacher
Yearly salary$36,253$49,652
Hourly rate$17.43$23.87
Growth rate4%12%
Number of jobs101,124109,956
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age4346
Years of experience-2

What does a general education teacher do?

A general education teacher teaches all students in a general education classroom a primary academic curriculum. They are tasked with the implementation of any modifications that affect a general classroom. They may also be expected to conduct academic assessments for all students to check their progress in the classroom. They may also have to conduct regular consultations with students, families, and specialists.

What does a physical education teacher do?

A physical education teacher is responsible for devising lessons and strategies to educate the students about health and physical fitness through various sports and recreational activities. It is also their responsibility to facilitate such activities, ensuring the safety and camaraderie between students. It is essential to evaluate and monitor everyone's progress, record all activities, and prioritize every student's health and mental well-being by maintaining a safe and disciplined classroom environment. Furthermore, it is vital to implement school regulations, all while coordinating with faculty and staff.

General education teacher vs physical education teacher salary

General education teachers and physical education teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

General Education TeacherPhysical Education Teacher
Average salary$36,253$49,652
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $53,000Between $35,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityDaly City, CAClinton, MD
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaryland
Best paying companyShepherd UniversityCalifornia State University
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between general education teacher and physical education teacher education

There are a few differences between a general education teacher and a physical education teacher in terms of educational background:

General Education TeacherPhysical Education Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common majorElementary EducationHealth Education
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

General education teacher vs physical education teacher demographics

Here are the differences between general education teachers' and physical education teachers' demographics:

General Education TeacherPhysical Education Teacher
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 22.1% Female, 77.9%Male, 60.6% Female, 39.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 3.6% White, 70.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%16%

Differences between general education teacher and physical education teacher duties and responsibilities

General education teacher example responsibilities.

  • Utilize PLC time to meet the needs of struggling and achieving students
  • Design data-driven interventions in reading and math (RTI).
  • Create lesson plans and teach middle school students with specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities and autism.
  • Develop IEPS base on student's performance.
  • Follow the guidelines for PBIS to create a positive learning environment
  • Deliver instruction in all subject areas to kindergarten and first grade students.
  • Show more

Physical education teacher example responsibilities.

  • Prepare and maintain an adaptive physical education program for students with I.E.P.
  • Full time physical education teacher (grades k-12) in charge of students with a wide range of disabilities.
  • Set up community inter school/divisional sports tournaments including basketball, volleyball and softball events.
  • Design and implement developmentally appropriate, motivating lessons as warranted through IEP goals for adaptive physical education class.
  • Maintain NYS OASAS records weekly.
  • Maintain control of children from Pre-K through 5th grade.
  • Show more

General education teacher vs physical education teacher skills

Common general education teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Mathematics, 7%
  • Data Analysis, 7%
  • Student Data, 6%
  • Learning Environment, 5%
Common physical education teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 23%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Student Learning, 5%
  • Public Schools, 4%
  • K-12, 4%
  • Physical Education Curriculum, 4%

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