Asthma and the School Teacher: The Status of Teacher Preparedness and Training

Abstract

The increasing number of children with asthma in the nation’s schools necessitates an examination of the preparedness of teachers in the care and management of children with asthma. This article reports the findings of a random sample of 291 public elementary school teachers regarding the knowledge and perception of the training they have received on asthma and its management. Data from this study suggest that teachers are not adequately prepared to assist children with the management of asthma in the classroom. Implications for school nurses on assisting teachers with asthma management are provided.