Attitudes towards Teaching and Perceptions of School Climate among Health Education Teachers in the United States, 2011-2012

Purpose: In general, teachers who are highly satisfied are more motivated teachers and positively affect health and student learning to improve academic achievement. The purpose of this study was to provide national-level data with regard to teachers' attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs related to teaching, job satisfaction, and working environment. Findings were compared to health teachers due to their specific knowledge related to health and academics and their potential leadership roles when implementing the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Methods: Data reported for this study were extracted from the most recent Schools and Staffing Survey, a comprehensive nationally representative survey of school employees conducted by the National Center for Educational Statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to identify health education teachers' attitudes toward teaching, job satisfaction, and the working environment as compared to all other teachers. Results: Health teachers reported more positive attitudes toward teaching, reported higher levels of satisfaction with teaching, and perceived their school environment as more supportive when compared to all other teachers. They often were less positive about their colleagues sharing a common mission or vision. Conclusions: Health teachers may serve as key leaders during the implementation phase of the WSCC model due to their knowledge of health and academics, high levels of job satisfaction, and positive attitudes towards teaching. Recommendations: Working together as a team with a shared goal of increasing student well-being is a cornerstone of the WSCC model and the perception that some health teachers feel isolated in part is an area of concern. Overall, teachers perceive administrative support, however there is a need for school leaders to establish collaborative and trusting relationships between teachers, parents, and community members during the implementation phase of the WSCC model in order to achieve desired student goals and objectives related to health and learning.