Voices from the field: teachers' views on health education

Purpose Health education is often undervalued in school systems, despite addressing broad and complex learning outcomes essential for students' development and well-being. In order to gain an understanding of the current state of health education in Canada, this study examined health education teachers' perspectives about how health education is being delivered in K-12 schools. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an online survey completed by 120 health education teachers from across Canada. The survey was organized into four main sections: (1) school contexts, teaching experience and educational backgrounds; (2) the amount of curriculum time allocated to health education; (3) topics covered and instructional approaches used in health education and (4) teachers' experiences delivering health education content. Findings The findings highlight (1) health education teachers' limited training in health education, (2) health education teachers' perceived qualifications and preparedness to teach health education, (3) the limited presence and perceived value of health education in schools, (4) health education as the “loser” in combined health and physical education and (5) limitations in the health education curriculum content delivered within schools. Practical implications This study underscores the need for a coordinated, multi-level strategy to elevate the status of health education within schools. Key implications include the necessity for curriculum reform, strengthened teacher education, sustained professional development and a cultural shift that recognizes the value of health education. To ensure meaningful change, accountability must be clearly defined and distributed across ministries of education, school boards, school administrators and educators. These stakeholders must work collectively to prioritize, properly resource and effectively implement health education as an essential component of students' educational experience and overall well-being. Originality/value Our research highlights the importance of establishing clear accountability among school boards, post-secondary institutions, administrators and teachers to ensure that health education is effectively prioritized, supported and implemented within school systems.