Author: Paul Rosengard

The “Godfather” of the SPARK Programs of San Diego State University (disseminated via Gopher Sport). Paul joined SPARK in 1990 and after playing an integral role in the research project, served as the Executive Director from the beginning of dissemination in 1993 until his retirement in 2015. Paul instructed future physical education teachers at the University of California, at San Diego for 11 years, and Cal State San Marcos for 4. Paul is known for his extensive work as a content author, teacher trainer, and physical activity leader, having contributed as an intervention director and consultant for many benchmark national studies/projects including SPARK, TAAG, M-SPAN, Pathways, PEACH, OPprA, OPI, POPI, HELM, Beyond the Borders, and the Nike2GO and Let Me Play campaigns (which he authored for NIKE). These studies focused in the fields of physical education, after school programs, early childhood, and coordinated school health. Paul is internationally known for his creative writing and innovative pedagogical methods, which have been proven effective in improving physical activity programs, teacher effectiveness, and student outcomes. To date, he has over 25 publications in professional journals, has authored or co-authored 16 curriculum books for teachers (including many of the popular SPARK programs), and conducted nearly 400 professional workshops and conference presentations worldwide, many as a featured or keynote speaker. Paul Rosengard was appointed the first Deputy Director of the CA Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (1996) and served as a key member of the education committee for many years. He was selected as one of 20 Special Advisors to the Governor’s Council in the last Schwarzenegger administration. He has personally written and received awards/projects totaling over $12 million dollars and currently serves on two advisory boards, SPARK and Rocky Mountain Cemter for Health. He is especially proud of his 12-year career as a physical educator, athletic director, department head, and sports coach (football, basketball among others), and his years as a Recreation Leader with Chula Vista Parks and Recreation department in his hometown of Chula Vista, CA.

Move More Please! – 5 Strategies

Elementary school campuses have many opportunities to provide students with health-promoting physical activity (PA). How’s YOUR school doing with this??? Let’s agree that as physical educators, we strive to create and maintain environments where every K-12 student has opportunities to accumulate 60+ minutes of PA — structured and unstructured — daily. And, if the goal […]

The G in Professional Growth Stands for Gather

A rolling stone may gather no moss, but a physical educator must gather resources to stay relevant. Those who prepare well and embrace professional growth opportunities can move beyond relevancy to exemplary.  Let’s begin with a question, Do you want to be a really GREAT teacher for your students, parents and administration at your school?  If so, what does a great teacher look like and sound […]

SPARK’s 30 Year Anniversary Series, Part 2

In the words of that famous physical educator from the great state of Massachusetts, “Ask not, what SPARK can do for you. Ask what you can do for SPARK.” When Julie approached me about writing an article in celebration of SPARK’s 30th birthday, a lot of different thoughts and approaches to the task entered my […]