What do master teachers consider important in professional preparation for school health education

The purpose of the two studies presented in this article was for master health education teachers at the middle school and high school levels to identify content, skills, and experiences that are important for professional preparation in school health education. Teachers were identified by health education directors in state departments of education. The Delphi technique was used for data collection and analysis for both studies. Teachers completed three rounds of questionnaires gradually coming to consensus on content, skills and learning experiences in nine areas related to professional preparation. Fifty high school teachers representing 29 states and 46 middle school teachers representing 32 states provided input. Professional preparation priorities were identified for both middle school and high school levels. Four responses - awareness/use of a variety of instructional techniques; skill in working with parents; knowledge of health content; and awareness of; and ability to work with community agencies/organizations - were ranked as priorities at both levels. Recommendations for future research and practice activities are presented.