HIV education lessons must be taught by a licensed DOE teacher. Teachers certified in health education are the most qualified to teach HIV/AIDS lessons. If certified teachers cannot teach every student, schools should assign the same teacher(s) to teach the lessons every year.  

Grade K-5: 

The health education teacher should also teach the HIV lessons. If there is not a designated health education teacher, classroom teachers should teach the lessons.

Grade 6-12:

HIV lessons should be taught by a Health Education teacher when possible. 

When identifying additional teachers, consider those who: 

• Have a strong relationship with students
• Have an interest in the topics covered within the curriculum
• Have a commitment to helping students learn knowledge and skills that will keep their bodies, minds and relationships safe. 

The Office of School Wellness Programs offers a series of trainings for any teacher assigned to teach these lessons. Participants learn how to deliver student-centered, age- and developmentally appropriate, standards-based HIV lessons from Growing Up and Staying Safe: New York City K-12 HIV Education Curriculum (opens in a new window). Training dates appear in our Professional Learning Catalog (opens in new window).