Health Education Program (School Emphasis)

Program Description

School health education or health education teacher preparation emphasis prepares pre-service teacher candidates to be certified to teach K-12 (major) or 6-12 (minor) health education in public schools.

Accreditation

The health education (school emphasis) program is recognized nationally as an approved program by the American Association for Health Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (2006).

Admissions

Any student at Western Michigan University desiring a career in health education can enroll in beginning level courses (HPER 1550, 2200, 2210 and 2220) and cognates (BIOS 1120/1110, 2110, 2400; PSYC 1000 or 1500; SOC 2000).

School health education or health education teacher preparation:

  • Completion of 35 hours of University course work.
  • Completion of HPER 1500, 1520, 1530, 1550 or 1700 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Satisfactory completion of BIOS 1120, if required in your program.

Careers

The school health education emphasis prepares teacher candidates for certification to teach in public schools. Graduates also find employment in other health education venues such as community health and safety agencies (e.g., American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and county health departments). This program is recognized nationally as an approved program by the American Association for Health Education and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (2006).

Classes

For class listings, program guides and other resources, visit the advising page for the Health education (school emphasis) major.

Internship

The school health education program requires that all candidates complete a one-semester internship within a 60-mile radius of Western Michigan University. Candidates are placed with selected mentor teachers and are closely supervised by school health education faculty. This internship prepares candidates to be self-reflective teachers with skills based on professional standards from the Michigan Department of Education and the American Association for Health Education. As a result of this experience, candidates will demonstrate their knowledge, skills, disposition and ability to work with diverse populations that aid their transition from a pre-service candidate to an entry-level health educator.

Application for school health education internship

Links