Are you interested in instructing students about the basics of disease prevention and health concepts? Discover how to become a health teacher in California, including the subjects you'll study in a degree program and how you can earn your credentials.
Health teachers in California are single subject teachers capable of teaching any grade. The career will first require you to earn a bachelor's degree and train as an educator. After you complete all of your necessary credits, you'll determine which tests you need to take.
Education/Experience RequiredBachelor's degree in health science education and state-approved teacher education programExams RequiredCalifornia Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);
CSET Health ScienceLicense ValidityFive years for preliminary credentialLicense ExtensionCompletion of teacher induction program for clear credentialAverage California Salary* (2018)$80,100 for elementary school,
$75,660 for middle school,
$80,510 for high schoolJob Growth* (2016-2026)7% for elementary school,
8% for middle and high school
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description
Health teachers are responsible for educating students on the basics of health as it relates to the communities around them. You'll focus on teaching disease prevention and biological studies to different ages of students. You'll determine lesson plans, issue grades, and directly speak with parents of students who are facing issues within their classes. Health classes will likely be held in group settings where you will instruct different sizes of classrooms. At certain times, you may also need to supervise students during non-classroom activities, such as lunch times and recess.
<h3 id="section---EducationAndTrainingRequirements">Education and Training Requirements</h3><p>The best way to start a career as a health teacher in California is to major in health education or health science at a commission-approved school. One option is a Bachelor of Science in Health Education with an emphasis on school health. Subject-specific courses are chosen to follow the requirements established by the California State Standards in Health Science. Some of your course topics will cover human biology, drugs and society, and the social determinants of health. As part of teacher preparation, you'll also receive training in a classroom setting under the supervision of a licensed teacher.
</p><h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3><p>All teachers must meet basic skills requirements, which can be achieved with a sufficient score on the ACT or SAT. More commonly, prospective teachers take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), which contains reading, writing, and math sections.
</p><p>California allows educators of single subjects to prove subject-specific competency in one of two ways: you may earn a state-approved degree (with verification) or pass an additional exam. If your degree did not provide the required number of commission-approved health science units, you will also need to take the CSET: Health Science exam.
</p><h3 id="section---LicenseRequirements">License Requirements</h3><p>After you successfully pass all of your exams and submit your application, you will receive a preliminary credential to teach in California. This single-subject certification lasts for five years. If you don't move up to California's clear credential before your preliminary credential expires, you will no longer be able to teach in California. You'll begin a teacher induction program during your time as a preliminary educator. This involves mentorship and support for your first two years on the job. Once this step of your career is complete, you'll apply for the clear credential, which is your permanent qualification to teach.</p>
