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Improving Pain Literacy Among Future Educators: Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education in Teacher Preparation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Improving Pain Literacy Among Future Educators: Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education in Teacher Preparation

Sue E Curfman, William J Best, Diana A Harrison, Gary P Austin and Darcie C Finch
The Journal of school health, v 96(8), e70212
Aug 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70212
PMID: 42538134
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.70212View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open CC BY V4.0

Abstract

Curriculum Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Health Literacy Humans Neurosciences - education Pain Management School Health Services School Teachers Teacher Training - methods Chronic Pain
Persistent pain affects approximately one in five children and adolescents globally and is associated with school absenteeism, reduced academic engagement, psychosocial distress, and long-term health consequences. Schools are important settings for developing health beliefs and self-management behaviors, yet educators receive little formal preparation about pain. This Practitioner's Perspective describes integration of a brief contemporary pain neuroscience education (CPNE) module into an undergraduate teacher preparation course. Two interactive sessions delivered by a physical therapist introduced pain as a protective nervous system output influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Participants demonstrated improved pain knowledge and beliefs, increased confidence discussing pain-related concepts, and greater appreciation for the relevance of pain literacy to educational practice. Pain literacy may improve educator responses to student pain, reduce stigma, support appropriate participation, and promote equitable school environments. Physical therapists may be well positioned to collaborate with teachers, school nurses, counselors, coaches, and other school-based professionals. Teacher preparation programs may represent an upstream opportunity to improve pain literacy, support student health and learning, and contribute to the prevention of persistent pain.

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