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Q:
Does the nation's childhood obesity prevention program include encouraging teacher and principal fitness?
I'm curious if the nationwide initiative to curb childhood obesity in the United States includes encouraging school principals and teachers to be fit too?
The principal at my daughter's elementary school is obese, and there are several teachers that are seriously overweight too. We expect parents and children to live more healthy lives to curb obesity in this country. I think we should also expect and enable their school-based role models to do the same.
Are there any incentive programs for teachers and school administrators to be healthy and fit? Do they even have wellness coverage in their health benefits? Does it vary by school district or state? Thanks for any info you have about this.
In Topics:
School and Academics, Exercise and fitness, Nutrition
The principal at my daughter's elementary school is obese, and there are several teachers that are seriously overweight too. We expect parents and children to live more healthy lives to curb obesity in this country. I think we should also expect and enable their school-based role models to do the same.
Are there any incentive programs for teachers and school administrators to be healthy and fit? Do they even have wellness coverage in their health benefits? Does it vary by school district or state? Thanks for any info you have about this.
> 60 days ago
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Additional Answers (3)
I'm not sure of the answer, but I agree with you that it's not a good example for a teacher/principal to be obese when we're trying to get a nation of children healthier. However, it's a lot easier to teach healthy habits to a child than it is to try and get an adult to change their ways. It's not good for a child who looks at teachers/principals with respect as an authority figure to see them enjoying bad habits that you're trying to get them to avoid. But really when does a child eat with their principal?? Teaching healthy habits will most definitely come from the parents who eat the same meals avoiding fast food and can actually spend downtime doing physical activities with them. It would be hypocritical however for a school that bans a soda machine for students to allow one in the faculty room, and there should be some sort of check on this.
> 60 days ago
The U.S. Department of Education's Task Force on Childhood Obesity is asking the public for ideas to help solve the problem of childhood obesity. Here's more information about how to share your thoughts about incentives for teachers and principals: http://www2.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2010/03/03172010b.html
Education.com also put together a special edition on preventing childhood obesity: http://www.education.com/special-edition/obesity/
Here's one article within that info center that is particular relevant...
Do As I Say, Not as I Do: 5 Ways Schools Make Students Less Healthy
http://www.education.com/reference/article/schools-make-students-less-healthy/
Education.com also put together a special edition on preventing childhood obesity: http://www.education.com/special-edition/obesity/
Here's one article within that info center that is particular relevant...
Do As I Say, Not as I Do: 5 Ways Schools Make Students Less Healthy
http://www.education.com/reference/article/schools-make-students-less-healthy/
> 60 days ago
Hi,
I worked at a school in Florida for a while and they did encourage wellness system wide. They had weight loss incentives, exercise groups, smoking cessation, etc. It was up to the individual however to avail themselves of these opportunities. Many, in fact most, did not.
Along the same lines as your thinking is the school uniform question. Should teachers be expected to wear uniforms and tuck their shirts in as students are required to?
I guess the big question then, is should teachers be held to the same standard in these areas as their students? It will be interesting to hear others reply on this question!
I worked at a school in Florida for a while and they did encourage wellness system wide. They had weight loss incentives, exercise groups, smoking cessation, etc. It was up to the individual however to avail themselves of these opportunities. Many, in fact most, did not.
Along the same lines as your thinking is the school uniform question. Should teachers be expected to wear uniforms and tuck their shirts in as students are required to?
I guess the big question then, is should teachers be held to the same standard in these areas as their students? It will be interesting to hear others reply on this question!
> 60 days ago
