Hands-on PE professional development you'll use on day one
For physical education and active learning programs, from early childhood through high school. Practice real strategies, plan for your own program, and learn alongside educators from across the country.
The Dana on Mission Bay, San Diego · 12 PD hours per track · Starting at $349
Learn by doing alongside fellow PE teachers
At a SPARK Institute, you're on your feet, moving through lessons the way your students will, then working out how they fit your gym, your schedule, and your program.
You'll leave with ideas you can teach right away and colleagues you can call on all year.
Every PE teacher and program leader is welcome
Whether you teach PE, lead active learning programs, or run a school or district program, bring what you're working with now. The strategies at the Institute work with any curriculum.
New to SPARK?
See what research-based PE looks like when you're in it.
Already teaching SPARK?
Go deeper and pick up fresh ideas.
Using something else?
Take the methods and adapt them to what you teach.
Leave with skills you can use right away
Activities that run smoothly
Practical approaches to setting expectations, managing behavior, and keeping students engaged.
Lessons that build skills and fitness together
Activities that keep every student moving and learning.
Ways to reach every student
Modifications and social-skills strategies for a wide range of learners.
Assessment that shows growth
Simple, useful ways to see and share what students are learning, including technology tools.
Practical ideas for the year ahead
Dedicated time to map out your curriculum before the school year starts.
Pick the track that fits the students you serve
Pick an age range. Each track is built around the students you teach, and each runs two days. Want more? Add a second track on different dates and attend all four days. Each track is limited to 40 participants.
Early Childhood
July 6–7, 2027
For educators of our youngest learners. Practice active, playful strategies built for early childhood, and leave with ideas you can use right away.
Select trackElementary
July 6–7, 2027
For elementary PE teachers and active learning educators. Practice lessons that build skills and keep every student moving, and plan for your year.
Select trackMiddle School
July 8–9, 2027
For middle school PE teachers. Practice strategies for engaging adolescent learners, and leave with a plan you can put to work in your program.
Select trackHigh School
July 8–9, 2027
For high school PE teachers. Practice strategies for engaging older students in meaningful fitness and sport, and leave with a plan built for your program.
Select trackNot sure which track to pick? Call 1-833-73-SPARK or email spark@SPARKpe.org, and we'll help you choose.
What to expect
Each day runs 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, with lunch provided. Sessions vary by track. This is a sample and may change.
Day 1
- Welcome and warm-up
- Building a positive learning environment
- Class management
- Lunch
- Skill development
- Fitness integration
- Wrap-up and raffle prizes
- BONUS! Social event
Day 2
- Recap and warm-up
- Inclusive modification and social skills
- Assessment
- Lunch
- Technology in PE
- Curriculum planning
- Next steps, raffle prizes, equipment giveaways
What teachers say
“It was the most fun I have ever had at a professional development! Met so many great people from all over the country.”
— SPARK Institute attendee
“I loved collaborating with other teachers and learning new ideas and strategies.”
— SPARK Institute attendee
“I've been using SPARK for 10+ years so I appreciate learning all the variations of the activities, different and fun ways to transition between activities, and new ways to form pairs and small groups!”
— SPARK Institute attendee
Everything you need is included
- ✓12 hours of professional development credit
- ✓SPARK certification
- ✓Handout packet and materials
- ✓Catered lunch each day
- ✓Institute T-shirt
- ✓Social event
- ✓Raffle prizes & equipment giveaways
- ✓An exclusive Gopher equipment discount
- ✓Best practices and teaching strategies you'll learn and use right away
Where
The Dana on Mission Bay, San Diego. Ask for the SPARK Institute room rate when you book.
When
Early Childhood and Elementary: July 6–7. Secondary: July 8–9. Each day runs 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Registration
Register by Dec 31: $349
Register by April 30: $399
Regular price: $449
Pricing and 12 PD hours are per track. Space is limited to 40 participants per track.
After you register
Within 48 hours, you'll get an email to complete your registration, choose your T-shirt size, and note any dietary preferences or allergy information.
Need approval to attend?
We've written it for you. Download an email template, talking points, and a cost worksheet to share with your administrator.
Download the request kitPDF includes email template, talking points & cost worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need SPARK to attend?
Is this product training?
Which track should I choose?
Ready to register?