The World's Most Evidence-Based Physical Education & Physical Activity Programs!

SPARK Training and Professional Development Workshops

PD that Moves!

SPARK workshops do more than train teachers- they inspire. Each session builds teacher confidence by connecting research to practice and modeling active lessons that showcase best practices. Expect an energizing, hands-on experience where collaboration thrives, learning is fun, and participants leave ready to maximize student outcomes.

Flexible Professional Development Tracks

Most SPARK workshops are available in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format. We’ll partner with you to design the approach that fits your organization’s needs. A comprehensive SPARK Training is 12 hours broken down into four 3-hour sessions, each with a different content focus.

Start strong with workshops that lay the foundation for effective, active physical education. This track provides an overview of SPARK resources and builds in best practices and active modeling so educators leave confident and ready to teach.

Available for K-2 PE, 3-6 PE, Middle School PE, High School PE, After School, Early Childhood, Inclusive PE, and Active Classroom programs.

This track covers:

  • SPARK program overview
  • Skill development
  • Fitness integration
  • Instruction and class management strategies
  • Inclusive modifications
  • Assessment/technology
  • Curriculum planning

Duration: 12 hours, available in 3 or 6 hour intervals to fit your schedule.

Kick off your SPARK journey with an overview for the program materials.

Available for K-2 PE, 3-6 PE, Middle School PE, High School PE, After School, Early Childhood, Inclusive PE, and Active Classroom programs.

This track covers:

  • SPARK’s background and research
  • SPARK program overview
  • Overview of Lessons

Duration: 3 hours

An inclusive PE class is one in which ALL students are engaged in learning and all students feel included. The goal as a physical educator is to create an inclusive environment where all students receive similar opportunities to be active and learn. This workshop shares strategies to identify and address challenges working with a wide range of student abilities, needs and skill levels, building relationships with students and creating an inclusive learning environment. Teachers will receive hands-on experience learning how to modify their lessons, instruction and equipment and we’ll share instructional resources to help your PE program to be more inclusive.

Duration: 3 hours

Many of today’s physical education programs would benefit from a jolt of technology! This active and FUN workshop will show K-12 educators a variety of ways to incorporate the latest and greatest technology “NEW’s” into their programs. SPARK believes technology can motivate and inspire students to participate at higher levels, do their best, and foster more physical activity during and away from PE/PA class. This hands-on workshop will guide physical educators through ways to incorporate meaningful technology into their physical education classes. Participants will explore ways to integrate technology to enhance student learning, maximize teacher efficiency and provide timely and specific feedback through areas of instruction, classroom management, and assessment.

Duration: 3 hours

Physical education class is a natural setting for peer interaction and the development of social and emotional learning skills. This workshop will empower teachers to seamlessly integrate social-emotional learning into their physical education curriculum. Discover practical strategies and engaging activities that foster students’ emotional intelligence, resilience, teamwork, and communication skills—all while keeping them active and moving. Teachers will come away with strategies to transform their PE classes into a space where students not only build their physical skills but also develop essential life skills that will benefit them far beyond PE class.

Duration: 3 hours

This workshop is designed to help teachers elevate their approach to assessing student progress and performance. Learn how to use authentic assessment tools and techniques that go beyond traditional fitness and performance-based tests. We’ll discuss formative assessments, skill rubrics, student self-reflections and assessing the cognitive/affective domains. Discover how to align assessments with learning objectives, provide meaningful feedback, and motivate students to take ownership of their own physical growth. By integrating purposeful assessment strategies, you’ll not only track student progress more effectively but also foster a more personalized and engaging learning environment. Leave with practical insights and resources that will transform your assessment practices, ensuring that every student’s achievements are recognized and celebrated in every PE class.

Duration: 3 hours

MVPA (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity) is a nationally recognized benchmark for research and grants as well as an essential component of quality physical education programs. This active and FUN workshop will show physical educators how to increase MVPA during PE classes and in other environments. Activities and techniques in the workshop are presented via 4 themes – Talking Less, Disguising Fitness, Differentiating Instruction, and Modifying Traditional Sports. MVPA is a crucial element of all PE classes, and this workshop will help teachers increase activity time and reduce down time. The strategies showcased represent a compilation of more than 35 years of lessons learned. Empower your students to improve their fitness levels, enhance their overall health, and develop a lifelong love for physical activity!

Duration: 3 hours

This workshop is tailored for teachers who want to build a positive, well-managed learning environment where every student can thrive. Teachers will learn proven class management strategies for maintaining structure, minimizing disruptions, and keeping students engaged from start to finish. We’ll explore practical techniques for setting clear expectations, using proactive behavior management, and fostering a culture of respect and cooperation. Discover how to adapt these strategies to diverse groups and high-energy settings typical of PE classes. We’ll help transform the classroom management approach and create a space where all students have the opportunity to learn, be active and have fun.

Duration: 3 hours

Physical activity AND nutrition? Yes! We all know how important it is to address both sides of the energy balance issue – calories in and calories out. This active session shows busy teachers how to accomplish both at the same time. If you teach physical education, nutrition, or health education, this workshop will help you to integrate nutrition concepts into your classes. All activities are inclusive and enjoyable while reinforcing nutrition concepts and promoting healthy food choices while moving. Participants will leave with lessons they can serve up the very next day, and the confidence to teach and spice them up!

Duration: 3 hours

Come enjoy FUNctional fitness with fabulous games and activities! Warning, this high energy, activity-based session may cause intentional muscle contractions, increased heart rates, possible sweating, and lots of smiles. Attendees will participate in a wide variety of fitness activities, circuits, dances, and games, all meant to help students participate in daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. They will understand the role of fitness development and how fitness impacts physically literate individuals who can demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness.

Duration: 3 hours

Join us for an exciting workshop designed to empower physical education teachers to integrate academic concepts into their PE classes. This dynamic session will explore innovative strategies for combining movement with core subjects like math, science, and literacy, making lessons more engaging and holistic. Participants will learn practical activities and cross-curricular approaches that promote both physical and cognitive development, helping students improve fitness and movement skills while reinforcing key academic concepts. Teachers will add to their teaching toolkit, boost student engagement, and learn to align curriculum with broader educational goals.

Duration: 3 hours

Build capacity within your district through our Train the Trainer program. Because every district is unique, we partner with you to customize an approach that aligns with your specific context and needs. Fill out the form below to explore the best way to implement this in your district.

What's Included in Every Workshop

Your SPARK workshop is a complete support package designed for success:. We provide the following:

  1. Project Coordinator – Your single point of contact for planning and delivery
  2. Trainer prep and Logistics – 3 hours of prep time, workshop set-up and takedown
  3. Instructional hours – 3, 6, or 12 hours of training les by an experienced, certified SPARK Trainer
  4. Workshop Box- Handouts, giveaways, and raffle prizes
  5. Certificate of Participation – For every attendee to document professional development hours
  6. Program Evaluation Tools – Plus consultation on how to use them

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I book a SPARK Training?

A: SPARK PD is scheduled on a first booked, first served basis. Availability is limited so book early! We recommend at least 8 weeks in advance.

Q: How many participants can attend a workshop?

A: Each workshop can accommodate a maximum of 40 participants.

Q: What equipment is required for the training?

A: Each training requires a specific equipment list. The host can provide equipment or SPARK offers Workshop Equipment Sets for purchases.

SPARK training has transformed our PE classrooms across the district. This research-based curriculum provides all the lessons needed to facilitate well-rounded PE programs. Our classrooms now include health-related fitness, skill development, and social development for ALL students. SPARK has equipped our teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote physical education at the highest level for our schools.

Kelley Gappa

Elementary Instructional Resource Specialist, Physical Education Coordinator

Coordinate your Training Today!

To ensure we provide you with the best experience, SPARK trainings are scheduled through one of our knowledgeable SPARK representatives. We will connect with you to coordinate a training that engages teachers and creates a more active and healthy environment!

Note: SPARK in-person trainings must be booked 8 weeks in advance of requested workshop date. Please plan accordingly.