What Do You Need to Be a Health Teacher?
Health teachers spend their time educating children and teens about their bodies, prevention of diseases and nutrition. Health teachers are needed in elementary, middle and high schools. By taking certain classes, holding a degree in education or a health-related field, and passing certain exams you are ensured success at becoming a health teacher.
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Education
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While in school choose courses that are related to science. For example biology, chemistry, psychology, human development, and anatomy would help. You also want to obtain a bachelor's degree in science or a health-related field. It is possible to have a degree in a non-health related field and be hired on as a health teacher. Most schools looking to hire health teachers require you to complete at minimum a bachelor's degree. Typically, at a steady pace, a bachelor's degree can be obtained in four short years.
Licenses
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In addition to obtaining a bachelors degree, you'll also need to obtain a teaching license in the state in which you reside. Each state has different criteria as to what is required for being a teacher However, all states require a teaching examination. Though your interest may be in teaching health, these exams may still cover math, reading comprehension, science, and possibly other subjects as well. Also, Your college may have an additional degree, or credential necessary if you plan on teaching. This training is in addition to your bachelor's degree, and usually is only for those that want to teach but are not earning education degrees such as early childhood education. At this time there is not a specific major for health education.
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Study Aids
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With a bachelor's degree the certification exams to be a teacher can be relatively easy. However, it is highly recommended that you either form a study group, find a study partner, or find study guides in your local bookstore to prepare you for these exams. Each exam varies from state to state and tends to expect the teacher to have the same knowledge as a graduating senior would have in reading, writing, math, history and science .
Continuing Education
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Stay abreast on current topics relating to the health fields. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a great resource to find out if there are any threats or new conditions that may be affecting school-age children or teens.
American School Health Association
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The American School Health Association ( ASHA) is a national organization that provides educational services for health teachers, including recommended lessons, lesson plans, and also a network of health teachers across the nation to speak and collaborate with.
Finding Open Positions
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There will always be a need for teachers. You can check your local classified ads, job boards like a Monster and Career builder, or sites that strictly hire teachers like K-12 jobs.com. Also if you check with your local school district, their websites may actually have job postings for health teaching positions as well.
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