The Yogo Teacher, the Health Room, and Health Education at School in Japan

Abstract

Most Japanese schools of all levels have one or more Yogo teachers instead of school nurses. Yogo teachers are special licensed educators who support children’s growth and development through health education and health services. They promote the principles of health in all areas of educational activities in schools as defined by the Japanese Association of Yogo Teachers’ Education in 2003. According to the school health and safety law, every school must have a health room where students can receive both physical and emotional care. The Yogo teachers maintain the health room. In Japan, health education at school consists of two types of education, namely health instruction and health guidance. At present, Yogo teachers generally work with children, teachers, parents, and the community within their role of coordinating and promoting health at school. Yogo teachers design, implement, and improve health education programs as well as advocate environmental action plans that foster a healthy physical, mental, and social environment at school.