Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Coaching and Developing Others Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

The Work

The work of the Physical Education Teacher comprises specialist knowledge of many aspects of physical activity. The aim of the teacher is to make the maximum contribution to the total education of children and young people, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially through the medium of physical activity.  
 
Physical Education covers the whole field of physical activities, e.g. gymnastics, games, dance, swimming, outdoor pursuits, athletics and health-related fitness. The introduction of these activities will be appropriate to the stage of development of the children and should be made in such a way that a permanent interest in physical activity is aroused. This will ensure immediate benefits and should enhance the desire for active participation in worthwhile health pursuits during adult life.  
 
Physical education teachers plan competitions, matches and other recreational activities, including taking groups to an outdoor activities centre. They may also help run clubs and societies within the school.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
• Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
• Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as anatomy, therapeutic recreation, and conditioning theory.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
• Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

The University of Limerick runs a B.Sc. in Physical Education. This is a four-year degree course. Graduates of the programme are equipped to teach Physical Education and one other curriculum area throughout the second level cycle.  
 
Graduates of the degree programme are eligible for appointment to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools), and for admission to the Open Register of the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers.

TCI image to view the Pathways to Teaching infographic.

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Health & Physical Activity - Physical Education & Coaching, Coaching & Physical Education 1, Coaching & Physical Education 2, Pre University Primary & Post Primary Teacher Training, Pre-University - Post Primary Teacher TrainingTeacher Training & Education Pre-University at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO Entry: Physical Education with concurrent Teacher Education - Second Level Teaching, Science with concurrent Teacher Education - Physical Sciences with Chem & Phy - Second Level Teaching, Physical Education with Biology - Second Level Teaching, Sports Studies & Physical Education, Health & Leisure Studies at NFQ level 8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study options An alternative route to becoming a qualified secondary school P.E. teacher is to obtain a suitable degree, followed by a teacher education qualification (The Graduate Diploma in Physical Education (P.E.) at NFQ level 9

Professional Development 

Note*: With effect from September 2014, postgraduate programmes of ITE accredited by the Teaching Council will be extended to two years full time study, or 120 ECTS credits. 

The Teaching Council website provides details of the individual subject requirements (subject criteria) for all post-primary curricular subjects. 

Teaching Council list of degrees which have in the past been deemed to meet the requirements for named curricular subjects.

Note: Given that degree programmes and elective modules within degrees can change over time, this list should only be considered as a guide. 

A list of institutions in Ireland  who are providers of post-primary (ITE) Initial Teacher Education programmes is available here.

The Teaching Council Newly qualified teachers need to go through a one year induction programme by a systematic mentoring scheme. They also need to register their qualifications with the Teaching Council.

All new teachers will need to be  Garda vetted, as they are responsible for children.

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €44k - €80k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role. Additional remuneration may be relevant with posts of responsibility and qualifications. 

Data Source(s):
Education.ie/ Gov.ie/ Forsa/ Asti/ TUI

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth was below average for secondary teachers with numbers remaining relatively unchanged since 2020. Enrolments in post primary schools have been in increasing in recent years, with some, but not all, of the most recent increase due to the enrolment of nearly 5,500 Ukrainian pupils in 2022/23; enrolments were expected to decline from 2025, although this may depend on migration patterns (such as the presence of Ukrainian students). Teachers with specific subject combinations remain difficult to source, however.

A 2021 report by the Department of Education noted particular challenges in recruiting teachers of STEM, modern Irish, modern foreign languages and home economics subjects. A recent survey by ASTI on recruitment, retention and supply of teachers highlighted particular difficulties in recruiting teachers for Mathematics and Irish and also signalled that issues such as pay and availability of housing is a significant deterrent for attracting teachers to the sector. The Department of Education has introduced a suite of measures to address teacher demand in priority subjects, including procuring Level 8 programmes to upskill teachers to teach Mathematics, Physics and Spanish as well as a pilot scheme to facilitate teacher sharing between schools.

• Department of Education and Skills

  • Marlborough St, Dublin 1
  • (01) 889 6400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Physical Education Association of Ireland

  • University of Limerick, National Technology Park, Limerick
  • 085 165 8180
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here