The Essentials of Teaching Health Education, Second Edition, presents a skills-based approach to teaching K-12 health education that prepares students for success in the 21st century. This practical text is written by seasoned and highly credentialed authors with experience in both university and K-12 settings. It provides educators all they need to build, teach, and assess a health education program that will help their students become health literate, develop self-efficacy, and gain the 21st-century skills they need to maintain or improve health and well-being.

What Sets This Book Apart

This text meets the unique needs of schools, teachers, and students. It emphasizes an individualized approach to enhancing student learning and developing skills based on current research and national health education standards.

This new edition of The Essentials of Teaching Health Education features the following:

• Two new chapters: one on the role of health education in the 21st century and the other on equity and social justice in health education


• An updated definition of skills-based health education


• A revised skill-development model that puts learning theory into practice as well as updated research connecting this approach to health behavior theory and learning theory


• A new student resource accessed through HKPropel


• Practical strategies for curriculum design and program development with a skills-based approach—one that makes it easy to put the content into action and make a meaningful impact on students


• Real-world examples to help readers understand and apply the content, along with summaries, key points, and review questions that aid in retaining the information


• Vocabulary words and definitions to help students keep up with the ever-changing terminology in health education

Ancillaries for adopting instructors are available online.

Book Organization

The book is arranged into four parts. Part I delves into the skills-based approach to health education, explaining the role of health education, discussing equity and justice in health education, describing the importance of the approach, and demystifying student motivation. Part II focuses on how to teach skills that are based on the National Health Education Standards: accessing valid and reliable information, products, and services; analyzing influences; interpersonal communication; decision making and goal setting; self-management; and advocacy.

Part III explores how to use data to inform curriculum planning, outlines the eight steps for curriculum development, and shows teachers how to design meaningful assessments. In part IV, readers learn how to create a positive learning environment, implement a skills-based approach, and meet the unique needs of elementary health education. The final chapter examines professional development beyond the classroom.

A Framework for Successful Acquisition of Skills

The Essentials of Teaching Health Education, Second Edition, offers evidence-informed strategies as it guides teachers through the critical process of supplying students with the tools they need for success in school and in life. The authors use the Partnership for 21st Century Skills framework to set the foundation for teaching the skills students need.

The text is comprehensive and flexible to meet all students’ needs. With all the ancillaries and tools it provides, educators are set to deliver a complete, well-rounded curriculum that will prepare future teachers for success.

Note: A code for accessing HKPropel is not included with this ebook but may be purchased separately.