Health Teacher: Job, Education and Salary Information
Students learn about safe sex and how to avoid drug and alcohol abuse. They also learn why being physically fit is important for a healthy lifestyle. Students may be taken to farms to see where their milk comes or where they get their eggs. Students may be taken to a bakery or dairy to see how cupcakes are made or how milk is processed.
Students often hear from health teachers about how recreational drug abuse can lead to addiction. Once a student has become addicted, it is difficult to get clean. Students will be able to separate fact and fiction by hearing the health teacher talk about sex education.
They will likely emphasize the importance of physical education. Some schools will allow their health instructors to teach meditation, yoga, and Pilates.
This is the kind of teaching that you want to do. Read on for information about job descriptions, salaries, and education requirements for health educators in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Health teachers at a glance
| Elementary school | Middle school | High school | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree with state-issued teaching certification | Bachelor’s degree with state-issued teaching certification | Master’s preferred or bachelor’s degree and state-issued certification |
| Average study time | 4 years | 4-5 Years | 4-5 Years |
| Median salary | $54,500 | $55,860 | $57,200 |
| Outlook for Job Growth | +6% | +6% | +6% |
Health educators make an average annual salary of $56,690.
Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Who are the best health teachers?
Teachers of health should radiate wellness and health.
They can be expected to:
- Look good!
- Keep active
- Learn about nutrition
- Promote a positive, balanced lifestyle.
- Make sure to use creative and resourceful teaching methods
- Students should be able to explain the importance of staying fit and healthy.
Description of a job as a health teacher
Students can learn from health teachers how to prevent obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.
The curriculum of a health teacher typically includes:
- Sex education
- Nutrition
- Addiction to drugs and alcohol
- Exercise has many benefits
- Moderation has many benefits
- Good hygiene
These are just a few of the many jobs that health professionals do:
- Students might benefit from pamphlets being handed out or suggestions for groups outside the school.
- Organise school outings or health events that emphasize health and wellness
- Supervising classes projects
- Administration and grading of tests
- Parent/teacher conferences
- Participating in teacher planning days
Teaching at all levels
Teachers of elementary health
Teachers at elementary schools can help children learn the basics of healthy habits. They can also help students discover the joys and benefits of exercise and good food.
Continue reading for more information about elementary school health educators
Health teachers for middle school
Middle school is a crucial time in a student’s life. Having access to information about health and wellbeing often has a significant impact on their well being. Due to the increased number of non-English speaking students, middle school health educators may need to reteach units that were taught in elementary schools.
Continue reading for more information about middle school health educators
Teachers in high school health
Teachers in high school are better equipped to provide information about health and well-being.
Continue reading for more information about high school health educators
Health teachers can take professional development courses
Continuing education
Teachers in health can return to school to continue their education in a variety of areas.
Additional degrees and certifications are available for health teachers in the following areas.
- Health
- Psychology
- Languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, or an Indian dialect
- Special education
An administrator can also be a health teacher.