Reformatted 8/01

Professional Teaching Standards for Secondary Health Teachers

Accomplished health teachers possess a thorough knowledge of students.

This is demonstrated by:

• identifying and drawing on the knowledge of cognitive, social, and physical development, as well as the cultural background of students.
• showing an awareness of political, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, and racial diversity.
• identifying the different learning styles of students, and planning curriculum to help all students learn.

Accomplished health teachers possess a thorough knowledge of subject matter.

This is demonstrated by:

• exhibiting a strong understanding of health education content, which may include nutrition, fitness, human growth and development, human body systems, disease, safety, mental health, and environmental health.
• showing how knowledge in their subject is linked to other disciplines.

Accomplished health teachers possess a thorough knowledge of curriculum and resources.

This is demonstrated by:

• selecting, developing or adapting challenging health education curriculum, and organizing tasks and units which are student centered, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and integrated.
• selecting, creating, or adapting a varied and challenging health education curriculum aligned with district frameworks and state essential learnings.
• selecting and adapting instructional resources, including technology, laboratory and community resources, and creating his/her own resources to support active student explorations in alignment with district frameworks.
• selecting teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding.

Accomplished health teachers establish an environment that supports all students in achieving high standards of performance.

This is demonstrated by:

• creating a physically and emotionally safe working environment that is flexible and supportive.
• making adjustments for individual needs when necessary and feasible, and encouraging all students to participate fully.
• helping students realize how health education relates to all areas of their lives, as well as their future careers.
• managing the examination of potentially volatile topics in order to facilitate understanding and create an environment where students feel comfortable to express different opinions.

Accomplished health teachers engage in ongoing assessment of his/her teaching practices, and of student learning.

This is demonstrated by:

• using a variety of assessment methods to gather data about student understanding and ability.
• using results of assessment, observations of teaching, and interactions with colleagues to reflect on and improve teaching practice.
• using district frameworks to align curricular goals with assessment.
• guiding students in self-assessment.

Accomplished health teachers work cooperatively with other professionals, families, and community members to serve the best interest of the students.

• keeping open lines of communication with parents.
• using community resources when possible and appropriate.
• encouraging students to be involved in activities that encourage positive family and community health.

Accomplished health teachers are active participants in promoting health education, and continuing lifelong professional learning.

This is demonstrated by:

• planning and developing the school health education program in alignment with district frameworks and state essential learnings.
• participating in decisions concerning the allocation of time and other resources to the Health Education program.
• participating as an active member of the learning community, for example, membership in professional organizations, and attendance at conferences and workshops.