Is training available for HealthSmart teachers?

HealthSmart is designed to be easy to teach, but ETR offers several different professional development options for educators to support implementation of the program.

Specific training in the program is not required, since both new and experienced teachers appreciate the teacher-friendly design, and the program supplies everything needed to teach the lessons. Teacher preparation is minimal, and teaching steps are clearly defined. Because the program is designed to incorporate the characteristics of effective health education curricula and adheres to both the National Health Education Standards and the CDC's Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool (HECAT), teachers can be sure they are providing the knowledge and skills their students need to become health literate, reduce their health risks, and achieve key healthy behavior outcomes.

That being said, ETR does offer training on the program. Professional development options include a shorter half-day “essentials” orientation that will familiarize educators with how the program works and some of the theory and best practices behind it. ETR also offers 1- and 2-day training options, which include teach-backs and skills practice to help educators become even more comfortable implementing the program. ETR provides a research-based approach to our professional learning processes that includes the provision of pre-work (in order to prime the participants so they have the background and content information needed to fully engage in skill-building), in-person skill-building, and follow-up implementation support.

In addition, Dr. Susan Telljohann offers trainings in the Characteristics of Effective Health Education, which many administrators and educators find very valuable.

For questions about training, contact John Henry Ledwith at jhl@etr.org to discuss the best options for your program. If you are interested in scheduling the formal 2-day training, please complete a Training & TA Request Form >>