Course Description
Course Description: Physical inactivity and poor nutrition have caused lifestyle diseases to increase in the past 30 years. Students, schools, and communities need guidance in making positive nutrition and physical activity changes to protect their health. This course is designed for professionals to learn how to teach nutrition education while working collaboratively across school and local communities to establish healthful, sustainable, food systems for schools. Students will consider a comprehensive view of nutrition education and physical activity in their schools and create an improvement plan. Students will also learn nutrition and physical activity concepts while developing skills-based lessons to utilize in their classroom.
Audience: Educators aspiring to add a Health endorsement to their teaching credentials, school health professionals that support health education programs, or educators seeking relicensure credit. Must hold an earned Bachelor’s degree.
Session Information
Required and optional synchronous meetings:
● Required - September 8, 2026, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
● Required - September 29, 2026, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
● Optional - October 20, 2026, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
● Optional - December 8, 2026, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Instructors
Melanie Laquerre, M.Ed.
Melanie Laquerre, M.Ed.
Melanie Lavigne-Laquerre co-teaches Personal Health for the VT-HEC education program. Melanie has worked at Colchester High School for the past twenty-seven years. Melanie currently is the Health Teacher, Physical & Health Education Team Leader, Facilitator for the New Teacher Mentoring Program, and Student Green Team Advisor. At CHS, Melanie teaches Health Education, Life 101, Foods: from soil to stomach, EPL: Eat! Play! Live!, and Living On Your Own (new course in Spring 2027). Melanie has a Master of Education from SNHU and an Undergraduate Degree from UVM in Physical Education (Major K-12) and Health Education (Minor K-12). Melanie holds a current certification as a National Board Certified Teacher in Health Education (2020-present). Melanie works part-time at Colchester Recreation Center as a CRC Supervisor and Associate. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, dog, and friends.
Additional Content Area
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have:
● explored nutrition concepts, nutrient needs, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and common nutrition problems of children and adults.
● discussed the health benefits of physical activity, the connection between physical activity and academic performance, factors influencing participation in physical activity, and strategies for collaborating with colleagues to promote physical activity.
● collected and analyzed data to plan relevant school health instruction and programs that meet the diverse needs of all learners and the community.
● constructed measurable, developmentally appropriate, performance-based objectives aligned with national standards.