Education

How to Become a Health and Physical Education Teacher in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Are you passionate about movement, sport, and student well-being—and ready to turn that passion into a career that changes lives? As a Health and Physical Education Teacher in Ontario, you help students develop active living habits, health literacy, and positive mental health. If you enjoy coaching, want to build an inclusive gym culture, and are excited to teach safe, engaging activities from fitness Training to outdoor education, this path could be perfect for you.

Job Description

As a Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Teacher in Ontario, you teach students how to live healthy, active lives. You plan engaging lessons aligned with Ontario’s Health and Physical Education curriculum, manage Safety in physical environments, and create inclusive experiences for students of all abilities. You may teach at the elementary level (Grades 1–8) or the secondary level (Grades 9–12), and you can expect to coach teams or lead intramurals in many schools.

Daily work activities

  • Teach units such as active living, movement competence, healthy living, mental health literacy, fitness, and personal safety.
  • Set up and supervise gym, field, court, or outdoor spaces with a focus on risk Management and safety.
  • Differentiate Instruction for diverse learners, including students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and medical needs (for example, asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis).
  • Assess student performance using observation checklists, skills rubrics, fitness logs, and reflection journals.
  • Communicate with parents/guardians and collaborate with colleagues (classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, Special Education staff, coaches).
  • Maintain equipment and ensure spaces meet safety expectations.
  • Coach teams, run clubs, or supervise intramurals before/after school or during lunch.
  • Teach theory-based health topics such as human development and sexual health (age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned), substance use, and mental health.
  • Integrate Indigenous perspectives, equity, and inclusive practices into class activities and discussions.
  • Use technology to Support instruction and assessment (for example, digital portfolios, fitness trackers, video analysis).

Main tasks (in bullet points)

  • Plan and deliver lessons aligned to the Ontario H&PE curriculum.
  • Enforce and model safety procedures using recognized guidelines.
  • Adapt activities for accessibility and inclusion.
  • Assess and report on student achievement and learning skills.
  • Organize and manage equipment, inventory, and spaces.
  • Lead extracurricular programs (teams, clubs, intramurals).
  • Collaborate on school-wide health and wellness initiatives.
  • Engage in professional learning and maintain Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification.
  • Communicate with families and guardians respectfully and clearly.
  • Support student well-being and positive classroom culture.

Required Education

To teach Health and Physical Education in Ontario’s publicly funded schools, you must be certified by the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). There are several steps and pathways, but the core requirement is a combination of an undergraduate degree plus a teacher education program.

Diplomas and degrees

  • Certificate
    • Useful add-ons (not sufficient for certification): Standard First Aid & CPR-C, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, coaching certifications (e.g., NCCP), and Ophea safety training. These build your profile and help with hiring and coaching.
  • College Diploma
    • Relevant diplomas include Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation and Leisure Services, or Community and Justice Services. These do not make you eligible for OCT certification on their own, but they can be stepping stones toward a Bachelor’s degree through transfer/bridging agreements.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (required)
    • Complete a Bachelor’s degree (e.g., Kinesiology, Physical & Health Education, Health Sciences, or a related field).
    • For secondary (Grades 7–12/9–12), teacher education typically requires two teachable subjects. Health and Physical Education is a common first teachable; you’ll often also need a second teachable (for example, science, math, or English), depending on the program.
  • Teacher Education Program (required)
    • Complete an OCT-accredited Bachelor of Education (BEd) or a consecutive program such as a BEd or Master of Teaching (MT).
    • Programs include coursework plus a minimum 80 days of supervised practicum across the two-year program.
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Key certification Information and application steps:

Length of studies

  • Bachelor’s degree: typically 3–4 years.
  • Teacher education (consecutive BEd or MT): 2 years.
  • Concurrent programs (Bachelor’s + BEd combined): typically 5 years total.
  • Additional Qualifications (AQs) such as Health and Physical Education (Intermediate/Senior) or Special Education Part 1: usually 125 hours per course, taken while employed or supply teaching.

Where to study? (Ontario schools and useful links)

Accredited teacher education providers offering consecutive or concurrent programs, including pathways with Health and Physical Education:

Useful related links:

Note: If you plan to teach in French-language schools or French Immersion, ensure your program prepares you for French-language teaching and consider membership with AEFO (see union links in the salary section).

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salary

Salaries for Ontario teachers are set by collective agreements and vary by school board, qualifications category, and years of experience. As a new Health and Physical Education Teacher (certified by OCT), you’ll be paid according to the same grid as other teachers.

  • Entry-level (newly certified, Category A1–A4 depending on coursework): approximately $50,000–$65,000 per year.
  • Experienced (top of grid after many years with highest category): approximately $95,000–$110,000+ per year.
  • Daily occasional (supply) teachers: generally $240–$350+ per day, depending on the board and collective agreement.
  • Long-Term Occasional (LTO) assignments are usually paid on the grid (pro-rated) once certain conditions are met.

Important: Salary grids change over time. Check your local school board or union for current agreements:

  • Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO): https://www.osstf.on.ca/
  • Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO): https://www.etfo.ca/
  • Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO): https://www.aefo.ca/
  • Ontario Labour Relations (collective agreements often posted by boards): search your board’s “Collective Agreements” page (e.g., Toronto District School Board, Ottawa-Carleton DSB, Peel DSB).
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Working conditions

  • Workday: Typically school hours with additional time for planning, assessment, coaching, parent communication, and Professional Development.
  • Environment: Gyms, fields, tracks, courts, fitness rooms, classrooms for health theory, and sometimes community facilities or outdoor education spaces.
  • Physical demands: High—demonstrating movement, setting up equipment, and supervising active spaces.
  • Extracurriculars: Many H&PE teachers lead teams and clubs before/after school, which can enhance your profile and student engagement.
  • Safety and Supervision: You follow Ophea Safety Guidelines and board policies to reduce risk during physical activities and trips.
  • Equipment and facilities: You manage equipment and may adapt lessons to limited facilities, weather, or shared spaces.

Job outlook

Demand varies by region and language. Secondary H&PE postings can be competitive in urban areas, while rural and northern boards may have more openings. Qualifications in a second teachable (e.g., math, science) and French proficiency improve your prospects. For up-to-date trends:

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Classroom and behaviour management in active environments.
  • Communication with students, families, and colleagues.
  • Inclusion and equity to ensure all students feel safe and supported.
  • Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse identities.
  • Collaboration for school-wide wellness initiatives and coaching.
  • Adaptability in response to weather, facilities, or equipment limits.
  • Empathy and relationship-building that support mental health and motivation.
  • Leadership and positive role modelling on and off the field.
  • Organization and time management for equipment, Scheduling, and assessment.

Hard skills

  • Curriculum and assessment aligned to Ontario’s H&PE documents.
  • Kinesiology and pedagogy: movement competence, fitness principles, training methods.
  • Risk management using Ophea Safety Guidelines: https://safety.ophea.net/
  • First Aid/CPR/AED and knowledge of emergency response protocols.
  • Adapted physical education strategies for diverse abilities and medical conditions.
  • Coaching methodologies (NCCP), sport-specific tactics, and season planning.
  • Technology integration: video analysis, heart-rate monitoring apps, digital portfolios, and learning management systems.
  • Data-informed instruction: tracking fitness progress and skill development.
  • Outdoor education safety and planning where relevant.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • Meaningful impact on student well-being, confidence, and lifelong healthy habits.
  • Active, dynamic work—you are not at a desk all day.
  • Strong professional community with resources from Ophea and colleagues.
  • Opportunities to coach and lead extracurricular programs.
  • Stable career path with predictable compensation and Benefits under union contracts.
  • Flexibility across grades and the chance to teach diverse courses (e.g., exercise science, recreation leadership in secondary).

Disadvantages

  • Physical demands and voice strain—you are on your feet and projecting your voice in large spaces.
  • Facility and equipment limits can restrict certain activities.
  • Weather-dependent scheduling for outdoor units.
  • Risk management responsibilities and extensive safety planning.
  • After-hours commitments for practices, games, and tournaments.
  • Competitive hiring in urban centres, especially at the secondary level without a high-demand second teachable or French.

Expert Opinion

If you’re serious about becoming a Health and Physical Education Teacher in Ontario, focus early on building both your academic pathway and your practical profile.

  • Academic pathway: Earn an undergraduate degree closely tied to H&PE—such as Kinesiology or Physical & Health Education—then complete an OCT-accredited BEd or MT. For secondary, plan your two teachables strategically. Combining H&PE with science (biology) or mathematics often improves hiring prospects.

  • Additional qualifications: Once certified, take Additional Qualifications (AQs) such as Health and Physical Education (Intermediate/Senior), Special Education Part 1, Coaching, or First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education. These make you more versatile and help you serve students better.

  • Safety and curriculum mastery: Become fluent with Ophea Safety Guidelines and the Ontario H&PE curriculum. Principals value teachers who can plan engaging activities while minimizing risk.

  • Coaching and extracurriculars: Coaching can open doors. Many schools look for teachers who will support teams and wellness clubs. Consider earning NCCP sport-specific coaching certifications.

  • Equity and inclusion: Build skills in inclusive practices and adapted physical education. Learn how to modify activities, equipment, and assessment for students with different abilities, and create safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ students in change rooms and activities.

  • Hiring process: Most public boards use ApplyToEducation for job postings and applications. Get your OCT certification, Vulnerable Sector Check, and First Aid/CPR in order; create a strong portfolio with lesson plans, safety plans, and coaching experience.

  • Language advantage: French-language skills (and OCT certification in French) are in demand. Consider teaching in French-language boards or French Immersion to expand opportunities.

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Bottom line: If you love movement and student wellness, and you are willing to plan carefully, invest in safety and inclusion, and contribute to extracurricular life, H&PE can be a deeply rewarding career in Ontario.

FAQ

Do I need a Kinesiology degree to become a Health and Physical Education Teacher?

No, but it helps. You need an undergraduate degree plus an OCT-accredited teacher education program. Degrees in Kinesiology, Physical & Health Education, or Health Sciences align best with H&PE content. For secondary programs, you usually need enough university credits to declare H&PE as a teachable subject; a related degree makes that easier. Always check specific admission requirements for your chosen teacher education program.

Can I get hired if I don’t coach?

Yes—coaching is not mandatory. That said, coaching or leading intramurals is a strong asset in H&PE. Schools value teachers who enrich student life beyond class time, and coaching shows commitment, leadership, and teamwork. If teams aren’t your thing, consider wellness clubs, fitness leadership, or Outdoor Recreation activities.

What specialized safety training do Ontario H&PE teachers use?

Ontario schools rely on Ophea Safety Guidelines for planning and supervising physical activity. Teachers often maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certifications and receive training in concussion protocols, anaphylaxis (e.g., EpiPen use), and board-specific emergency procedures. For high-risk activities (e.g., alpine skiing, aquatic activities), additional supervision or certification requirements may apply—always consult board policy and Ophea guidelines: https://safety.ophea.net/

I have a college diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. Can I transition to teaching?

Yes. Your diploma is valuable experience, but it does not qualify you for OCT certification. You’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree (you may receive transfer credits) and then complete an OCT-accredited teacher education program (BEd/MT). Once certified, your fitness background and certifications (e.g., personal training, coaching) will strengthen your profile.

How can I make my application stand out to Ontario principals?

  • Earn Additional Qualifications (e.g., H&PE Intermediate/Senior, Special Education Part 1).
  • Show evidence of safety planning using Ophea resources.
  • Demonstrate inclusive practices and how you modify activities for diverse learners.
  • Document coaching or club leadership, including season plans and risk assessments.
  • Include assessment tools (rubrics, fitness tracking templates) aligned to the H&PE curriculum.
  • Highlight collaboration with community partners (e.g., public health units) and your contributions to school-wide wellness.

Writing Rules

  • Focus only on Ontario (Canada) requirements and contexts.
  • Use the term Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) for certification.
  • Reference Ophea Safety Guidelines for risk management.
  • Reference Ontario’s H&PE curriculum documents for instructional planning.
  • Encourage you, as the reader, to pursue Additional Qualifications to broaden job prospects.
  • Direct you to official unions (OSSTF, ETFO, AEFO) for compensation and working condition details.
  • Suggest you use ApplyToEducation for applications and watch board postings.
  • Emphasize the importance of First Aid/CPR/AED, NCCP coaching courses, and inclusive practices.

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