Why become a Health education teacher? Health education is a vital subject for all California students—one that will influence many aspects of their lives. Good health and academic success are inextricably linked. Healthy children make better students and better students become healthy, successful adults who are productive members of their communities. As a health teacher, you will have the opportunity to provide learning experiences for students to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to lead a healthy life!
Pathways to Become a Health Teacher in California
1. Are you a new teacher?
In order to teach Health Science in a California public school, students must earn a teaching credential in Health Science. Prospective teachers must fulfill the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Pass the CBEST
- Either complete the Health Science Subject Matter Program or obtain a passing grade on the CSET examinations in Health Science.
- Complete an Education Program, including required course work and student teaching. Students will find information about the required sequence of Education courses from their chosen institution.
2. Are you already a credentialed teacher who wants to add a health credential?
There are multiple pathways to add a health credential if you are already a credentialed teacher:
CL-621 Adding a Teaching or Subject Area to General or Standard Teaching Credentials
CL-621a Adding a Teaching or Content Area to a Multiple and Single Subject Credentials
CL-629 Adding a Supplementary Authorization to a Multiple Subject or Standard Elementary Teaching Credentials
CL-603 Adding a Supplementary Authorization to a Single Subject, Standard Secondary, and Special Secondary Teaching Credentials
3. Are you a health professional who wants to become a teacher?
A Career Technical Education (CTE) classroom setting is one in which the curriculum has been designated as technical, trade, or vocational. CTE courses are part of a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge, and provides students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. A CTE authorization does not permit teaching in the general education, non-CTE setting.
CL-888 Designated Subjects CTE Credential in Health Science and Medical Technology
4. Are you a school nurse who wants to teach health?
CL-380 School Nurse Services Credential
1. School Nurse Service Credential (SNSC) authorizes the holder to teach health-related subjects under the supervision of a classroom teacher.
2. Special Teaching Authorization in Health (STAH) authorizes the holder to teach health classes in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1–12 inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults.
Find a Credentialing Program
Search for schools offering single subject credentials in Health Education via the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Find a Job as a Health Teacher
Search EdJoin to find teaching positions in California.
Health Education Professional Organizations
SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators)SHAPE America serves as the voice for 200,000+ health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization’s extensive community includes a diverse membership of health and physical educators, as well as advocates, supporters, and 50+ state affiliate organizations. SHAPE America provides programs, resources and advocacy that support an inclusive, active and healthier school culture.
Need some inspiration? Want to connect with health educators from around the globe? Check out:
