How to Become a Sex-Ed Teacher

Teachers who teach sex education are generally the school's health teacher or physical education teacher. These educators teach students about various mental, physical, and emotional health issues, as well as sexual education. If you are interested in becoming a sex-ed teacher, becoming a certified health teacher in your state is important. There are additional steps to be taken to earn your National Sexuality Educator Certification.

Instructions

How to Become a Sex-Ed Teacher

1. Research the requirements in the state where you would like to work for earning certification to teach sexual education in the schools. Each state has different requirements. Do not assume that just because you are earning a degree in health and sex education from a school in one state that those credentials will be enough to earn you teacher certification in a different state.

2. Earn your bachelor's degree in health education or a science field (based on what the requirements will be to teach in your chosen state). Most schools will require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to teach. Because many times the health and sex education classes are taught by the physical education teacher, a degree in P.E. is also a possibility. Make sure, though, that you also take the health classes required to teach health and sex education.

3. Research which exams your state requires for sex-ed teacher certification and take them. To earn a teaching certificate, your state will most likely require you to take one or more certification tests in your field of study.

4. Apply for your teaching license in the state where you would like to teach. In public schools, a teacher certification is generally required. Private schools sometimes have different requirements and may not require state certification. Contact your state board of education for details.

5. Research sex education teacher job openings in your area or state and submit applications for those positions. Don't forget to include copies of your state teacher certifications.

6. After you have been teaching sex education for four or more years, research the requirements for National Sexual Educator Certification with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Although generally not a requirement to teach in the the public schools, having this certification may boost your chances for future employment if you choose to look elsewhere for a job. In addition, this certification will give you the opportunity to apply for sex education positions in fields outside of the public school system.

References

• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists
• Certification Requirements for 50 States