How to Become a Health Teacher
- 1). Complete the education requirements. Health teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. To meet this requirement, you will need to enroll in an educator licensure program or a teaching degree program offered by an accredited college. This will prepare you to become a state licensed teacher. You will also need to take health studies courses like anatomy and physiology that will prepare you to teach health classes. Some colleges require their students to take part in an internship program in which they can practice and continue to develop their teaching skills prior to graduating. To obtain a list of colleges and universities offering state approved educator programs, contact the state education department. Graduating from a nationally accredited college may also be important in meeting the high standards recognized by private and public schools and in preparing you to do well on state licensing exams. Check the list of colleges and programs that are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education found in the resource section of this article.
- 2). Check the requirements of your state to obtain your teaching license. Each state has different education and testing requirements for college graduates who want to pursue a career in the teaching field. The education department in your state will have information about becoming a certified or licensed teacher. A link to a directory of state education department websites and information can be found in the resource section of this article. Contact them directly by phone or read the licensing information found on their website.
- 3). Apply for a teaching license. Your state education department or teacher- licensing board will require you to submit an application and proof of your college education in the form of college transcripts or a copy of your college diploma. In addition to the application process, you will be required to pass a state licensing exam. Most states also require a background investigation. During the application process, you will be asked to specify in which subject or area of interest you wish to be certified. Your transcripts will be reviewed and a passing test score in this area will be required to receive your certification or license to teach health.
- 4). Obtain a CHES certification. While there aren't any national certification standards for health teachers currently in place, you should make an effort to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. The certification is offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, and applicants are required to meet certain education requirement and pass an exam to obtain this voluntary certification. Once you have completed your degree in health education, you can apply to take the exam. Obtaining this certification will help you demonstrate your ability to teach health classes. As part of obtaining this certification you will also be required to take continuing education courses that are important to your professional development. A link to more information about obtaining a CHES certification can be found in the resource section of this article.
- 5). Apply for teaching jobs. Teaching jobs are advertised by public schools and can be found on school district websites. You can also attend a job fair or start your career as substitute teacher. The help-wanted ads posted in the newspaper and online are also helpful.
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