Undergraduate Program
Spotlight
Dr. David Lohrmann
Dr. Lohrmann completed his two year term as President of the American School Health Association by leading the planning for and presiding at its Annual Conference held in Burbank, California, October 19-22, 2005.
Health Education - Secondary Teacher Preparation (B.S.)
Health education promotes wellness and health of young adults in secondary schools, where the health education curriculum traditionally includes topics such as substance abuse, injury prevention, human sexuality, consumer health, public health, disease prevention, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and personal growth. Health teachers have a rich understanding of the health and lifestyle concerns of their students. They help students make decisions that will improve their physical, mental, psychological, and emotional well-being.
Introduction
The Health Education - Secondary Teacher Preparation Program in Indiana University's Department of Applied Health Science prepares its students to be effective teachers and public health advocates in middle and high schools. In addition to a solid foundation in teaching methodology and in current health issues, such as drug education, environmental and consumer health, family life, human sexuality, fitness, injury and disease prevention, and nutrition, this program also includes courses such as adolescent psychology offered through the School of Education.
Program Requirements
Tab sheet for major and tab sheet for cognate (PDF)
Students must complete 26 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 to be admitted to the Health Education - Secondary Teacher Preparation Program. However, to enter the Teacher Education Program, which is required for this major, students need an overall GPA of 2.5. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required to complete this program. A health teaching minor is also available to students preparing to teach middle or high school.
Job Outlook
This major will certify you to teach health in public or private secondary schools. Teachers usually teach five to six classes each day, following the schedule and guidelines of the school district. You'll help develop the health curriculum and give advice on health-related concerns of your school. In addition, you may be asked to be involved in after school extracurricular activities. Although there is currently a surplus of health teachers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects teacher employment in secondary schools to grow between 20 and 35 percent in the next 10 years. Becoming certified in an additional field; acquiring experience and credentials that schools need, such as computer skills or special education endorsement; and being geographically mobile will make you more marketable.
As with any profession, salaries vary by geographic region and job responsibilities. Teachers who sponsor a club or coach typically earn a stipend in addition to their salary. The average starting salary is $26,000.
Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) is a national professional health science honorary organization. We have Nu Chapter here at Indiana University.
