Add an Endorsement

Health Education

Program Description

The Health Educator program is designed to provide currently licensed educators the competencies needed to qualify for a Vermont health education endorsement. Licensed health educators are also welcome to take courses for professional development or recertification credits.

Courses are offered at times and in formats convenient to individuals working in schools, including remote and hybrid formats scheduled over evenings and weekends. All courses are offered through our partner, Vermont State University.

Application and Program Requirements

To earn the health educator endorsement, candidates must:

  • Have a current Vermont teaching license
  • Complete the 18-credit course sequence below; OR determine via transcript review* which VT-HEC course must be taken in order to satisfy competency requirements

*For more information about transcript review and other related licensing questions, contact the Vermont Agency of Education’s Educator Licensing Division at 802-828-3440 or [email protected]

View the competency map for health education courses. As noted in the matrix, several competencies (e.g., first aid certification, practicum, Praxis) must be met outside the VT-HEC course sequence. 

For more information, please contact Susan Yesalonia at [email protected]

Program Timeline + Course Descriptions

The 18-credit sequence of graduate level courses can be completed in two years. Some students may not need to take the entire course sequence. For more information, see Application and Program Requirements above.

Course Rotation, Summer 2024 – Spring 2026

In each semester, one of the following courses will be offered. Ideally, candidates should begin the sequence in the summer with Principles and Methods for Effective Health Education.

This participatory, project-based course will provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to deliver an effective standards-based sexuality education curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Vermont’s focus on proficiency-based learning and teaching in a health education classroom will be addressed. Coursework will allow students the opportunity to explore a broad perspective on sexuality education, including what research indicates is effective, adolescent brain development, cross-cultural sexual expression and behavior, attitudes and social norms, barriers to change, and communication skills all within the context of positive, healthy sexuality. 

This participatory course will provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to deliver effective standards-based health education curriculum, instruction, and assessment. An examination of health education principles, theories, and practice will form the foundation of the course. Opportunities to review and analyze data to inform planning are integrated in the course, along with the use of strategies that support all learners and incorporate technology.

As the need to address student nutrition has come into focus, a comprehensive approach to changing nutrition behaviors must include facilitating development of nutrition related health literacy among youth. This course is designed for professionals to learn how to teach nutrition education while working collaboratively across school and local communities to establish healthful, sustainable food systems for schools.

This course is designed for school health staff, consultants and community partners to provide a sufficient level of knowledge, skills and resources to teach in a school’s curriculum and substance misuse prevention and education program. The aim is to prevent negative consequences of substance misuse, and the development of substance use disorder with students at risk and to prepare professionals to serve as resources for youth, families and school staff within the school’s health education and school health program. The course content, activities and the course project are aligned to the Vermont Health Education Standards and the VT Rules Governing the Licensing of Health Educators. Participants apply the course teachings in a school-based  project.  

This course is a comprehensive study of personal health with emphasis on mental, social, and emotional health; stress management; self-esteem; communicable and degenerative diseases; health benefits of physical activity; consumer and community health; Whole School, Whole Community and Whole Child (WSCC); and how to advocate for health education.

This course is designed for K-12 health educators, school health staff, consultants and community partners to provide a sufficient level of knowledge, skills and resources to teach and support a school’s health curriculum and Injury and Violence Prevention Education Program. The aim is to prevent negative consequences of intentional and unintentional injury, and to prepare educators and professionals to serve as resources for youth, families and school staff within the school’s comprehensive health education and school wellness program. The course content, activities, and project are designed to teach and apply concepts of mental health and injury prevention and address Vermont Health Education Standards to meet the endorsement competencies defined by the Vermont Rules Governing the Licensing of Health Educators. Participants apply the course teachings in a school-based project.

GUIDING YOU WITH EXPERTISE

Course Instructors

  • Susan Yesalonia, Ed.D.

  • Lance Metayer, LMHC

  • Erin Randall

  • Krystina Comforto, M.S.T.

  • Louise DeGuise M.Ed.

  • Tom Perry

  • Sunny Noelle Naughton

  • Kathy Mulligan

Upcoming Offerings

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