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EDUCATION
What is Education?
Health educators have a very important role: prevention. They operate under the premise that it’s far better to stop disease before it happens than it is to stave off the symptoms later. Some diseases, like HIV, hepatitis, and lung cancer correlate strongly with risky behaviors. Others, like heart disease or diabetes, have a genetic component, but a lifestyle component as well. Even when disease is unavoidable, early detection – and proper lifestyle management – make a huge difference in outcome. All these situations fall within the realm of the health educator. Health educators are charged with more than just disseminating information – they must design programs from start to finish, taking into account health research and also research in human behavior. Whether the topic is drugs or blood sugar, they need to find effective ways to reach particular populations. If, for example, the target population is already addicted to drugs, a drug education program will look very different than one designed for suburban middle school kids. Resisting peer pressure is no longer an issue; minimizing the risk of infection from shared needles is a more immediate concern.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL
Health educators have education at the baccalaureate level or higher. Some positions – like those with public health agencies – require a master’s. There are multiple pathways one can follow. Some health educators start out as practitioners. A nurse might start out working the floor and then, with experience and additional education, move into a health educator role. In some settings, RNs are actually preferred.
Health educators are not licensed, but some employers ask for national board certification. This is offered by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing. Certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist requires completion of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program and passing scores on an exam. Continuing education is necessary to maintain certification.
INTERVIEW WITH AN ALUMNUS
Kathleen Perez '15
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What was your major as an undergraduate? Did you ever switch your major? What made you decide to choose your particular major?
I started off freshman year as an Athletic Training (AT) major but changed to Health and Physical Education (dual) after my second semester at Ithaca. I chose this major because I felt that through previous experiences, I would really enjoy teaching and working with youth.
What led to your current career? Was it due to past professional experiences? Past successes/failures? Opportunities that IC presented you with such as clubs/activities/volunteer work?
I have recently been hired by The Pan American International High School as their Health teacher. I chose this career path because I love working with young adults, especially those who live in underserved communities. In the past, I worked with an organization called Wellness in the schools. I was placed in a elementary school that served students from low income communities. As a wellness coach, I was able to implement fitness and healthy atmosphere within a school. At IC, I was able to complete my student teaching during my second semester senior year where I utilized the skill, knowledge, and techniques I learned at Ithaca College. I was apart of the HPPE club at Ithaca and through the club; I attended conferences hosted by The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As a coach, I worked mainly during recess and after school, putting on activities for students to participate in. As a newly hired teacher I am working on building a Health curriculum for the upcoming school year.
What do you like/dislike about your career? About the field?
My favorite thing about being a teacher/ coach is seeing students finally master a skill or understand the information that they are learning. One example of this was when I was teaching a tumbling class. I had a student who struggled to do a forward roll. After much assistance, direction, guidance, and perseverance, she was able to complete a forward roll. It was in that moment that I knew that I would enjoy teaching for a long time.
What have you learned being in your particular field?
I’ve learned that every student is different. Whether it’s through learning or other life experiences, education can really be hard for students. As a teacher, I have to find ways not only to educate students, but also to make is enjoyable and memorable.
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