Choose from an expanded selection of professional development offerings brought to you by SPARK. Delivered by renowned SPARK Trainers, SHAPE America Teacher of the Year Alumni, and other nationally recognized Physical Education and Health teachers.
Interested in hosting a SPARK Trainer Network workshop? Make a selection from the following 3-hour workshops or combine 2 to make it a full day!
A Taste of SPARK
A Taste of SPARK is an introduction to the most research-based physical education curriculum in the world. SPARK’s goal is to teach students how to develop healthy lifestyles, motor skills, movement knowledge, and social and personal skills that will last a lifetime. This session will highlight SPARK’s background and research, give an overview of curriculum instructional materials including units, lessons and assessments, and engage participants in activities to get an full understanding of the program.
Inclusive Physical Education
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.
Ready, Set, Tech!
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.
Social Emotional Learning- Embedding SEL into PE Classes
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.
Authentic Assessment
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.
Maximizing MVPA
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!
Creating a Positive Learning Environment
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.
Integrating Nutrition and Physical Education
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!
FUNctional Fitness
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.
Academic Achievement Accomplished
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.
Contact us to learn more and schedule a SPARK Training Network workshop at 833-73-SPARK or spark@sparkpe.org.
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