Physical Education in the Chicago Suburbs (Evanston, Skokie: jobs, health, college)

[SouperStar34]

I graduate from college next year with a major in physical education and a double minor in health and coaching.

I graduated from Lockport Township High School and I know that physical eudcation is required K-12.

I am just wondering if anyone knows the job outlook for PE teachers in the Chicago suburbs.

[Nysee53]

You should take a look at getting a job at Roycemore School in Evanston. They are getting ready to move to a new school and will double enrollment. One female PE teacher wants to retire badly. www.roycemoreschool.org. Also look at the Evanston/Skokie School Districts and the other North Shore districts, you will find that you will be able to teach a wide variety of activities and your students will be willing to participate more than in less affluent school districts.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by SouperStar34

I graduate from college next year with a major in physical education and a double minor in health and coaching.

I graduated from Lockport Township High School and I know that physical eudcation is required K-12.

I am just wondering if anyone knows the job outlook for PE teachers in the Chicago suburbs.

In all seriousness the competion for PE is very tough. It helps to have LOTS of contacts. People that were a few years older than you are good, your college profs, former teachers of yours, the teachers you meet doing observation and student teaching. Coaches that you meet. Parents on school boards. Write it all down. Send emails. Make phone calls.

See the problem is that a job in a good district pays WAY WAY better than almost any health club or park district job. Hours are not as flexible, but not exactly the worst either. You can really improve your odds if you have experience with special ed and/or theraputic recreation. Lots of districts will want to hire you as an aide in the special ed dept, if you are good with a disruptive kids that is a huge plus. I am not just talking about being a big person that can physically control kids or intimidate them into behavior, I am talking experience with techniques needed to get all the kids with special needs in a nice PE experience. Even districts that do not have lots of special needs kids like to see this as that is a sign that you are not just a "jock" but somebody that the district might be able to use down the road as an administrator. Probably 60% or more of all administrators come from a PE and/or coaching background. You will need at least some experience and a "supervision certificate" so plan on going to night and/or summer collge for that to make the big money.

Good Luck!

[sgresident]

Look for a growing school district! we are in the Kaneland school district cusd #302.
a new middle school will be opening in 2009. Also, an interest in coaching a sport probably helps.

[kailee13]

Go to IASA - Illinois Education Job Bank
There is a listing of openings. I also recommend posting your resume on their site. Right now it looks like most of the PE openings are down state. There were a few in the Chicago land area. Most first year teachers get their jobs in August. Good Luck!

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by kailee13

Go to IASA - Illinois Education Job Bank
There is a listing of openings. I also recommend posting your resume on their site. Right now it looks like most of the PE openings are down state. There were a few in the Chicago land area. Most first year teachers get their jobs in August. Good Luck!

The vast majority of suburban district have a very solid idea of how many teachers they will need in the coming year at the END of the current school year. There are occasional scrambles but most good districts have a nice thick file of people that have been aides or on the substitute list for a year. Some good districts do open post for vacant slots as they have a policy to do so, but they already know the person that they want from previous contact.

They do not "hire"/ pay new teachers till after school is started, but they have completed interviews and selection MUCH earlier.

In a bigger district or one that is experiencing BIG enroll increases they might actually need PE teachers on short notice, but word of mouth / direct contact is preferred even in those cases.

[Lookout Kid]

PE or "Kinetic Wellness"? You New Trier-heads know what I'm talking about!

[Nysee53]

Kinetic Wellness is an excellent program.

[aragx6]

It can be excellent and have a stupid name at the same time.

Hell when my mom was a kid it was just gym class

[SouperStar34]

I live in MI right now. So it might be difficult to land a PE job here.

I have coached all levels of volleyball from 3rd graders to College.

But, coaching is not that huge of help in getting a PE job.

I have a few connections... one cousin is a PE teacher in the Lincoln-way school district and my other cousin is a PE teacher in the Lockport school district. I also keep in good contact with my old 8th grade basketball coach... who is know the AD of the school.

All my extended family lives in the southwest suburbs, so if I could land a job there that would be great... but I know I should not think so specific.

I hear there are a lot of new schools being built in Chicagoland due to the increase in population... so perhaps I might be able to slide into one of those new positions.

I appreciate all your help... let me know if you have any other info!