The changing nature of public schools: implications for teacher preparation

The changing nature of public schools in America reflects an increasing demand for accountability in public institutions. One outgrowth of this change is the "agency" orientation of the school. This orientation requires schools to participate fully in the larger social service network supporting many of America's students. The teacher's role in this new school environment is discussed and strengths and weaknesses of current training of teachers is highlighted. Particular emphasis is placed on the changing nature of the entering teaching major. Teacher thinking styles that promote success in general, and success in health teaching in particular, are identified. The need to make incoming teachers aware of the "realities" of the teaching environment is discussed. Person-environment fit issues are reviewed in terms of their implications for teacher training. The importance of the teaching minor is discussed focusing on the new demands of health educators in schools, and recommendations are offered to increase the potential success of the health educator as a change agent.