Member Voices

I made the comment in a meeting yesterday that robots enabled with AI will replace PE teachers there was shock and dread. And yet, this AI PE teacher is already here   https://alpha.school/ Given that individualized learning using AI reduces academic classroom time to 3-4 hours a day, do parents want their kids to come home at 11:00 am everyday? Probably not.   So what to do with the other 3-4 hours a day of school time?   Possibly, AI teacher robots will allow for more movement activities, the arts, hobbies, etc. My prediction is that that robots using AI would become the teacher or teacher’s assistant quite soon - so I asked that question ...

I professionally trained in biathlon during my youth, a sport that shaped my discipline, resilience, and dedication to physical education. Over the years, I earned numerous diplomas, certificates, and medals that reflected my commitment to sports.      Later, I pursued higher education, completing both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physical Education and Pedagogy. During my academic journey, I also served on judging panels for various regional and national sports competitions, gaining valuable experience in the organizational and evaluative aspects of athletics.      Today, I continue to develop professionally as a certified personal fitness ...

Colleagues, I am sure that by now you have heard about the Health Moves Minds Fundraiser powered by Booster and you understand that it has the potential to not just support your school and program, but also your state and national organization. However, you are not sure what to do next, you're not ready to just sign up and your looking for help in learning more. Well, here is a no-commitment way to learn more about HMM. By using the interest form below, you will let SHAPE America staff and the team at Booster know that.....well....you are interested in learning more. No more than that. If you are like me, you don't want to commit to something you're not ...

I have a few students who lack situational awareness, especially during goal shooting practice for fundamental basketball lessons. Any suggestions to help these students become safer for themselves? Situation: Fourteen students in a 40 minute PE class, split numbers at two hoops; simultaneous goal shots from spaced poly dots about the Lane for near (forward positions) to Lane Elbows & free throw line (close guards). After instant activity warmup, shot fundamentals, cue words and demonstrations, with reminders to be safe and watch out for errant basketballs, a few students repeatedly, place themselves where a ball hits their head. Not just under the basket,and ...

Spread the word to support 2 important Initiatives from Dance Awareness: No Child Exploited(DA:NCE): Nominations Now Open - Healthy DA:NCE Directory Do you know a dance studio or dance organization that is steadfast in their commitment to use age-appropriate choreography, costumes and music in children’s dance classes? If so, we need you to nominate them for our Healthy DA:NCE Directory! This free database highlights those studios and organizations that are committed to teaching healthy, not hypersexualized children’s dance. We are hopeful that this will become not only a wonderful resource for concerned parents and adults, but also a place to celebrate ...

Hi All, I just want to share this amazing program and opportunity that I am a part of! At First Push Syndicate, we believe in the transformative power of skateboarding. Our mission is to bring this incredible activity to students through physical education programs. Here's why skateboarding is a game-changer and why it's awesome to teach in PE classes: 1. Builds Confidence and Resilience: Skateboarding teaches kids to push their limits and overcome challenges. The thrill of landing a new trick after countless attempts instills a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. This resilience transfers to other areas of their lives, helping them face obstacles ...

February 19 th – 25 th marked the 2024 For the Love of Health and Physical Education Week. Brought to you by the  SHAPE America Recruitment and Retention Task Force , we seek to showcase those who are championing for the future of the field. As part of these efforts, we have highlighted those who are engaging in higher education to impact the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality Health and Physical Educators.  We sat down with Luis Sanchez- Martinez, a current physical education teacher  and doctoral student at the University of New Mexico (UNM) and assistant professor, Dr. Victoria Shiver  to discuss their ongoing works to pilot ...

Since their creation in the late 1960s, the Governmental Affairs Committee has worked with state lobbyists to help set political agendas aside to push their “agenda of education.” Each year, members of the Illinois Association of Health and Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD) organize and participate in  Shape Up Illinois , an event at the state capitol to  show a passion about the issues affecting schools, as well as educate legislators about the importance and why the students of Illinois need quality, and daily physical education.  Through their work at Shape Up Illinois, members have been able to get face-to-face contact at the State ...

Thought the survey was not appropriate for me to complete as a retired professor, I have had much experience with curriculum/program surveys and reviews.  I will attend the January 19 Hawai'i AHPERD Conference at the U. of Hawai'i Manaloa Campus where I present on Friday afternoon.  Feel free to make contact with me. Tom Loughrey, MOSHAPE Executive Director

Being a physical educator is a complex job that requires continual professional development to stay current. This is done in a variety of ways, including utilizing social media to create Professional Learning Communities for teachers. There are numerous teachers who have praised this form of professional development because it's easy to access, timely, and personalized. On Twitter (X), our organization has facilitated a mentorship program that connects teachers asking for help with mentors who have expertise in that area. It's a simple program that takes minimal time to run and can be replicated on other social media platforms. Here is how it works: ...

SHAPE America's Midwest District is proud to present a Student Teaching Panel Discussion put on by Midwest District Future Professionals committee (led by Taylor Olson, UW future professional and MWD LC member, Ann Hockett, UWSP, MWD LC member and FP Advisor and Rhonda Hovatter, Shepherd U, WV, MWD Past President and FP Advisor).  This event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13 at 5 pm Central/ 6 pm Eastern time.  A panel of professionals that recently completed their student teaching experience will discuss and share their student teaching experience with the audience.  Moderators will be posing questions to the panelists.  This event is open to everyone.  ...

Want to talk about skills-based health/SEL?

You Are Important! Teachers are underappreciated in our society. Their hard work often goes unnoticed, and they deserve more recognition than they receive. That’s why as we begin another school year, I want to say a big THANK YOU to all teachers, and particularly to SHAPE America members and all of the health and physical educators in our HPE community. I hope as you settle in for another year of teaching, you’ll always remember how amazing you truly are — and never forget your “why.” As a health and physical education teacher, you play a pivotal role in students’ physical, mental, and social-emotional health. You can really make a difference in a student’s ...