2025 Best Practices in Health and Physical Education Conference
July 28-30, 2025
In-Person
Educators, Health and Wellness, See Stevens Point Offerings



​​​​

​July 28-30, 2025

Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 


Registration is now open!​

​​ ​

​​​Details​

The Best Practices in Health and Physical Education Conference is designed for physical education and health educators with a focus on best practices in curriculum development and delivery. This conference is designed to:

  • Develop skills to enhance the ability to excite young people about their health and wellness.
  • Incorporate teaching strategies to improve instructional practice in the field of health and physical education.
  • Incorporate cutting-edge techniques on ways to connect health, physical activity, and overall wellness into daily life.​​

Select the agenda button above to see session details.​

Registration Information​


Registration Type​

Early ​Fees      Late Fees (5/27)

​Attendee​
​$150                       $175
​Student/Retiree
$25
Pre-Conference only​
​$50



​If you have any questions on registration, please contact UWSP Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

​​2025 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities - Now Open


 Use the above button to register for Sponsorship or to E​xhibit. More information can be found below.

 Sponsor Opportunities

​​Get recognized as a key partner for the Best Practices in Health and Physical Education Conference!

The conference offers four levels of participation for your consideration and would be happy to consider other arrangements that you may offer. 



 *Once sponsorship is secured, UWSP will follow up with your company representative to confirm who is utilizing the complimentary registration(s). Please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu for more information.

To guarantee inclusion in conference materials, please email your name and/or logo no later than July 1, 2025, to the UWSP Conference Planning Team at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu​. If you have questions, please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

Sponsorship is non-refundable. 

 Exhibitor Opportunities

​​Exhibit Booth: $125 

​Extra Exhibitor: $50 ​

Exhibitor registration comes with the following:

  • Exhibitor table​
  • One conference registration 
If you have questions, please contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.​ 

Exhibit booths are non-refundable. 

2024 ​​​Conference Overview​​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Workshop Call for Proposals

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Continuing Education Department and the Conference Planning Committee are accepting proposals for 55-minute workshops. The conference will offer a complimentary registration and potential compensation. 


Proposal Deadline is April 5, 2024. Please submit one form per proposal.​

Selected workshop presenters will be notified via email by the end of April 2024.​

 ​Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Appl​ications are closed.​

A limited number of scholarships will be available for attendees for the Best Practices Conference, taking place July 28-30, 2025, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

If you have any questions, please contact the UWSP Conference Planning Team at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.​​​​

 Free Registration for ​​Student Volunteers

​​

If you're a student seeking complimentary admission to the conference, you have the opportunity to secure it by volunteering for the event!​ Some volunteer opportunities are helping with attendee check-in, moderating sessions, equipment set-up, photographing for social media, ​etc. This would be a great way for you to network with professionals in the field as well as learn more about health and physical education to meet the diverse needs of students. 

​​​​Please email the UWSP Conference Planning Team at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu if you have any questions. ​

 Lodging

​​Lodging

​A block of rooms is available at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Rooms are only available at the reduced rate until June 28, 2025, or until it is sold out. Reserve your room now by calling 715-344-0200 and press #1. When making reservations, we ask that you please reference the group name PE Teachers 2025. The Group Block code is PBT 

Rate: $98.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY

          $120.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY​​


 Pre-Conference Workshop - Developing a Pedagogy of Voice: Helping Students Build Positive Relationships with Physical Activity

​Jordan Manley, a Health and PE Teacher at STEAM Academy in Lexington, KY, brings ten years of passionate experience to his work. He's also the Founder of the HPE Collective, dedicated to empowering fellow educators. With a Bachelor's in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky and a Master's in Teacher Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, Jordan is committed to leading transformation in Health and Physical Education. He was honored as the 2023 SHAPE America National High School PE Teacher of the Year and is a national presenter, sharing practical strategies for using the Meaningful PE framework. You might have also seen his work published twice in JOPERD. When he's not teaching, presenting, or writing, Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their children, Olivia (7) and Greyson (2). He also finds time for disc golf (he's an amateur player for Bomb Discs!), running, and lifting weights.


 Keynote Presenter - Sponsored by OPEN

          ​​                                                                  

Ms.  LaDonda Porter is a physical education teacher at Beaumont Middle School in Lexington, KY where she has been teaching for over 15 years. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelors in health and physical education (K-12).  She holds a master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Library Science. She currently serves on the Kentucky Society of Health and Physical Education board as president.  In 2018, she was named KYSHAPE middle school teacher of the year and in 2020, she was named Southern District middle school teacher of the year.  The southern district serves members from 13 states. In 2019, she was awarded the University of Kentucky’s College of Education Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence award which recognizes African American UK alumni who have impacted the lives of people on UK’s campus.  She has served as the 2023 KYSHAPE president and currently holds the board position as awards chair.  Her time at Beaumont Middle includes the duties of serving as the student trainer for their WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) mentoring program.  She has also been serving as the intramural director for over 10 years and as the athletic director for over 8 years.  When she is not teaching, she is spending time with her children, 3 boys and 1 girl, or helping out her husband with their family-owned BBQ food truck.

​​

 Presenter Line-up

Health Featured Speakers

Chloe Allen - WHPE Health Vice President, Health Teacher - Fond Du Lac HS
Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase - Founder & Executive Director - Honest Sex Ed Minnesota
Steve Chapin - 2023 MN SHAPE Health Teacher of the Year
​​Matt Hagedorn - 2023 OAHPERD (OH) Health Teacher of the Year
Eileen Hare - Coordinated School Health Consultant - WI DPI
Kimberly Jaeger - Health and PE, Teacher South Milwaukee, WI
Ian Lacasse - 2021 WHPE (WI) Health Teacher of the Year
Jessica Matheson - 2022 SHAPE National Health Teacher of the Year
Kevin Mason - Middle School Health Education Teacher
Sandee Ortiz - 2025​ SHAPE America National Health Education Teacher of the Year
Lynn Maire Peterson - 2025 MNSHAPE Health Teacher of the Year
​​Caitlin Schoville - 2024 SHAPE Central Middle School PE Teacher of the Year​
Josh Repovsch - Health and PE, New Berlin, WI​
Emily Zien - Health & PE Teacher - Tumwater Middle School - Beaverton, OR

PE Featured Presenters

Dustin Ambort - WHPE Southwest District Coordinator
Allisha Blanchette - 2020 SHAPE Midwest Health Teacher of the Year
Sadie Brown - 2022 SHAPE Midwest Adapted PE Teacher of the Year
Auburn Cain - OPEN National Trainer
Mike Chamberlain - 2024 MNSHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Cindie Cortinas-Vogt - 2024 SHAPE America National Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Jason Denk - VP-Elect of Children for IAHPERD
Becky Foellmer - SHAPE Midwest Leadership Council, Creator of cbhpe.org
Mark Foellmer - 2018 SHAPE Midwest Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Kent Hamilton - 2024 OAHPERD Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Gail Hartig - 2022 IAHPERD Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Katrina Hayes - 2016 IAHPERD Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Blake Higley - Adapted PE Teacher, Sun Prairie Area School District
Dr. Ann Hockett - Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Ian Lacasse - 2021 WHPE Health Teacher of the Year - Featured Speaker sponsored by PLT4M
Courtney Lukasavitz - 2025​ SHAPE America National Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Dr. Kristi Mally - Professor, Winona State University
Shannon Maly - 2021 SHAPE America National HS PE Teacher of the Year
Jordan Manley - 2023 SHAPE America National HS PE Teacher of the Year
Steve Paxson - Illinois State University Laboratory Schools at University High School in Normal, IL
Dr. Maria Pessman -2025 SHAPE Midwest HS PE Teacher of the Year
LaDonda Porter - 2020 SHAPE Southern MS PE Teacher of the Year, OPEN National Trainer
Ryan Regan - 2024 IAHPERD Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Caitlin Schoville - 2024 SHAPE Central Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Kim Selby - 2023 SHAPE Midwest Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Victor Spadaro - 2025 SHAPE Southern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Josh Tebo - Elementary PE Teacher, Madison Metropolitan School District
Scott Weispfennig - Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Will Westphal - 2017 WHPE Promising Professional Award
Kelly Zerby - 2022 SHAPE Midwest Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

2024 ​​​Conference Overview Coming Soon

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Health and Wellbeing

These are just some of the health disparities and social influencers of health that we, along with our students, face. They have a direct effect on Health and well-being.

Economic Stability

Personal Characteristics

Disability

Community, Safety, & Social Context

Mental Health

Are basic needs being met?


Are they working outside of school and is their income being used to support their family?


Homeless?


Are they getting enough to eat?


Do they have access to healthy options?

Age


Language 


Gender


Race


Sexual Identity and Orientation


Hours of Sleep

Physical


Cognitive


Neurodivergent

Are they accepted at school?


Do they have a support system?


Are they under significant stress?


Are they exposed to violence/trauma?


Do their caregivers

believe that school is important?

Depression


Anxiety


Bipolar Disorder


Post Traumatic Stress Disorder


Schizophrenia


Eating Disorders


Low Self-Esteem


Health and Wellbeing:

Quality of Life  ::  Health Status  ::  Life Expectancy  ::  Functional Limitations


 ‭(Hidden)‬ Featured Topics

Featured Topics:

  • Meaningful PE
  • Adventure-based curriculum
  • Equitable practices in the classroom
  • Skills-Based Health Education
  • Vaping/Tobacco
  • Brain Health
  • Aquatics
  • Health. Moves. Minds.
  • Mental Health Literacy
  • Adapted Physical Education
  • Unified Physical Education
  • Sport Ed Model 
  • Meditation/mindfulness techniques 

Wednesday, July 17​, 2024

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 12:00 -1:00 p.m. | Registration and Check-in

Registration and check-in.​​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 1:00 - 1:15 p.m. | Welcome

Wel​come

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 1:15 - 4:15 p.m. | Pre-Conference

​​Level Up to Skills-Based Health Education!

Learn how to take the existing lessons and/or assessments in your health curriculum and match them with a skill from the National Health Education Standards to create an outline of a skills-based health education unit. This session includes working time, so attendees should come prepared with unit outlines, curriculum maps, or similar documents to help them plan. Attendees will take what they are already doing in their health classroom and shift it to fit the components of a skills-based health curriculum.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to implement core components of a skills-based health education curriculum.

  2. Parti​​​cipants will be able to develop unit outlines that follow best practices for skills-based health education.

  3. Participants will be able to differentiate between skills-based health education and content-based health education.

J​eff Bartlett has worked at the Holten Richmond Middle School, a public 6-8 middle school in Danvers, Massachusetts, since 2008. Jeff is a graduate of Springfield College and Boston University. He was selected as the 2020 Massachusetts Health Teacher of the Year, the 2021 SHAPE America Eastern District Teacher of the Year, and the 2021 SHAPE America National Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, Jeff enjoys coaching high school cross country and track & field at Danvers High School, home of the 2023 Massachusetts Boys Cross Country State Champions. Jeff also owns “Level Up Health Education, LLC." He aims to help grow the skills of health educators from across the country through his email newsletter, professional development opportunities, and by creating free and paid resources for teachers. In his spare time, he likes to read, cycle outdoors or on Zwift, and hike. He lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with his wife and two daughters.​​


 ‭(Hidden)‬ 4:30 p.m. | Social

​Join us for an evening​ of networking! There will be appetizers and a cash bar available. 

​​Thursday July 18, 2024

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Registration and Coffee

​Registration check-in and coffee.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 8:00 - 8:10 a.m. | Welcome

Welcome by Meg Whaley, Mary Wetland, & Penny Kroening

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 8:10 - 9:10 a.m. | Keynote

Resilience: The Path to Hope and Healing

A focus on resilience and protective factors that can make a big difference in preventing and addressing the mental health challenges our kids are facing.

Learning Objectives:​ 

  1. Identify th​e eight essential factors that can guide our relationships and focus with students to maximize the power of your influence as ​​​​a teacher. ​

  2. ​Promote protective factors in the classroom that will enhance student resilience and improve academic engagement. 

  3. Make connections between how our own adult resilience influences our ability to support students with mental health challenges.​​


Monica Caldwell, LCSW often finds herself standing in proximity with others to seek understanding of complex ideas, life experiences and organizational cultures that shape our daily professional lives. With a 37-year career in social work and a commitment to behavioral health equity, she has provided service and leadership in a variety of authentic settings, including people’s homes, foster homes, detention centers, hospitals, schools, community centers, parks…the places where we live, work and play. Monica centers empathy, partnership, compassion, and collaboration in her work, and believes that stories rooted in lived experience are as valuable as data, evaluation and other more traditional ways of knowing.  Monica is skilled in facilitating change efforts with leaders, practitioners, and organizations, centering those most impacted. She is proud to stand in a circle of compassion with children and families with the most complex needs and has worked or provided leadership in the fields of mental health, K12 education, child welfare and youth justice.  She recognizes the silos and fragmented services that leave people to fall through the cracks.  Monica brings practical equity-focused approaches to nonprofits, schools and higher education, and government agencies with humility and a strong orientation toward personal and professional growth.​​


 ‭(Hidden)‬ 9:20 - 10:15 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

Connecting Me & You

Presenter: Allisha Blanchette, Health Education Teacher, 2021 SHAPE MW Health Teach of the Year

Biography: Allisha is a health and physical education teacher, cross country coach, and wellness advocate. In the local community and state level she has mentored future professionals, presented mental health practices for PATCH, and several topics for WHPE in PE, Dance & Health. Allisha is especially passionate about mental/emotional health, EDI, and trauma informed practices and has shared nationally as a guest blogger and presenter for several organizations including INSHAPE, KYSHAPE, SHAPE America, and Team Lighthouse. @RunDanceLive

It’s me and you versus the problem, not me versus you. Social polarization can impact student connections with learning and each other. Using the health skill standards to teach social health and social emotional skills can help students move beyond stigmas and preconceived notions to take action in making connections in a variety of relationships. In this session explore activities to give students an opportunity to build self-identity, embrace culture and celebrate diversity while tackling tough topics in ways that will encourage students to think beyond their own culture and experiences.  

Learning Objectives: 

  1. After attending this session, participants will be able to create an inclusive environment with culturally affirming experiences and teaching strategies.

  2. After attending this session, participants will be able to evaluate current practices and assessments for stereotypes and unconscious bias.

  3. After attending this session, participants will be able to design skills-based health assessments, learning activities, and SEL connections aligned with social justice standards.

This is How We MOVE IT!

Presenter: Auburn Cain, Physical Education Teacher

Biography: Auburn Cain is an elementary PE teacher in Gonzales, Louisiana and was named teacher of the year in 2019 at her current school.

Want to teach dance in your PE program but have 2 left feet? This is how we do it! Come explore how we use basic movement patterns, simple dance steps, beats, rhythms, parachutes, and jump bands so that even the non-dancer can shine! These activities can be used and modified in grades K-12 allowing for plenty of self-expression, challenges, and enjoyment! Come move it with me! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Discover basic skills used to teach beat and rhythm in grades K-12.

  2. Learn how to arrange & differentiate simple dance patterns that can be built upon in their PE programs for all learners. 

  3. Explore how to use locomotor skills, parachutes, and jump bands to teach beat, rhythm, and dance.    

Teachers of Today & Tomorrow: Mentoring Techniques for Promising Professionals

Presenters:  Cindie Cortinas-Vogt, Elementary Physical Education Teacher
                      Kelly Zerby, Elementary Physical Education Teacher
                      Gail Hartig, Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Biographies: Cindie Cortinas - Washington Elementary 27 yrs. experience 2024 Shape Elementary TOY 2024 Shape Midwest Elementary TOY 2023 IAHPERD Elementary TOY 1996 Illinois State.

Kelly Zerby - Kelly Zerby, Elementary PE Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School, DeKalb, IL, District 428 PE Coordinator, D428 Pre-service Teacher Facilitator, IAHPERD Past President and CFP Advisor,2022 Midwest Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, 2021 Illinois Elementary PE Teacher of the year, NIU Adjunct Faculty

Gail Hartig - 2022 IAHPERD Middle School TOY, IAHPERD President Elect- Teenage Youth, IAHPERD Northeastern District President Elect, Physical Education Teacher/Department Chair- Jefferson Junior High School, Woodridge, Illinois​

Our responsibility as seasoned educators is to help mold the new generation of teachers! Learn some tips of the trade from some veteran teachers who have found success molding clinical students and student teachers and new professionals into our profession. How can you help guide these students from pre-service into their first few years of teaching? Let's work collaboratively to discuss some new ideas to help both your students and promising professionals succeed.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Develop new and exciting strategies to help mentor a future professional.

  2. Devise a cooperative plan for teachers and students to work together on student success. ​

  3. Combine both new and old strategies into a successful plan for a positive teaching environment.    ​​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 10:25 - 11:20 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

No False Starts! A Clean Start for Every Health Class

Presenter: Jeff Bartlett, 2021 National Health Education Teacher of the Year

Biography: Jeff Bartlett has worked at the Holten Richmond Middle School, a public 6-8 middle school in Danvers, Massachusetts, since 2008. Jeff is a graduate of Springfield College and Boston University. He was selected as the 2020 Massachusetts Health Teacher of the Year, the 2021 SHAPE America Eastern District Teacher of the Year, and the 2021 SHAPE America National Teacher of the Year. In addition to teaching, Jeff enjoys coaching high school cross country and track & field at Danvers High School, home of the 2023 Massachusetts Boys Cross Country State Champions. Jeff also owns “Level Up Health Education, LLC." He aims to help grow the skills of health educators from across the country through his email newsletter, professional development opportunities, and by creating free and paid resources for teachers. In his spare time, he likes to read, cycle outdoors or on Zwift, and hike. He lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with his wife and two daughters.​​

This session is about the first five to ten minutes of your health class. We have limited time with our students, and what we do at the start of class can make or break the rest of the class. We will review the importance of and how to check in, connect, and clarify during those important minutes. We'll cover social-emotional and academic strategies to help students better access the skills and content you teach. Sample routines, protocols, and procedures will be shared. Attendees will be able to share their best practices with others, too.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to explain the importance of socia,l emotional, and academic routines at the start of health class.

  2. Participants will be able to review social emotional and academic routines to use at the start of health class. 

  3. Participants will be able to implement routines to build a classroom community in their health class.

P.E. = Purposeful Engagement

Presenter: Daniel Hill, Physical Education Teacher

Biography: Daniel Hill is a highly accomplished educator with 23 years of experience teaching elementary physical education. He holds national board certification in early to middle childhood Physical Education and has served as the past president of KY-SHAPE. In 2014, Daniel was honored with the title of Kentucky Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, he is a respected OPEN National Trainer, further showcasing his dedication to promoting physical fitness and wellness in schools. ​​

Tools, Tricks, Tips and Techniques to engage your students from start to finish. Join National Board-Certified Teacher Daniel Hill as he shares practical tools to implement into your learning environment. Actively explore the WHAT, WHY and HOW of these techniques and examine their use throughout a lesson.

Learning Objectives:
  1. ​Explore various tech tools to efficiently deliver physical education instruction.

  2. Actively explore techniques to deliver a student-centered P.E. lesson.

  3. Examine engagement strategies and their application into various teaching environments. ​​ ​     

Adapted PE - Collaboration on How to Teach Paraprofessionals Verbal/Visual Prompting, Equipment/Environment Modifications, and Keep Them Engaged!

​Pres​enter: ​Korey Kleinhans, M.S. Adapted Physical Education Specialist 

Biography: Korey Kleinhans M.S. Adapted Physical Education Specialist (K-12) Taught 7 years of Adapted PE ASL Rep for the Fox Valley ASL Head Coach-HASD ​​

Adapted Physical Education or Specially Designed Instruction looks very different in school districts throughout the state of Wisconsin. This session will consist of collaborating as professionals and creating a state-wide document that we can share with our general PE educators and paraprofessionals about how to build an inclusive environment for students with IEPs and/or 504 plans at the elementary, middle, and high school level. This will be a working document for APE teachers share with their colleagues and mostly their paraprofessionals to give them verbal/visual prompting cues and/or quick and easy modifications to use on the spot!

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to provide students with disabilities equipment modifications and change the environment for student success. 

  2. Participants will be able to provide students with disabilities verbal/visual prompting to ensure the student is being safe and successful. 

  3. Participants will be able to remain engaged in the activity with the students through an inclusive environment.    

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 11:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Making Nutrition Education Real - #10th Grade Chefs Take Over High School Cafeteria

Presenter: Stephen Chapin, Health Education Teacher

Biography: Stephen Chapin just finished his 29th year teaching middle and high school health and physical education in SW Minnesota.  The 2023 MNSHAPE Health Teacher of the Year, Chapin's health education classroom is focused on hands-on - experiential learning that connects the classroom to the community and beyond.  Chapin has presented multiple times at the MNSHAPE conference and the MN School Board Association and led a team of staff and students to present at the 2023 SHAPE America Conference in Seattle. Chapin's #10thGradeChefs program has received multiple awards for innovative teaching and focus on nutrition education, as well as celebrating student choice and diversity within the school.  He has also created health education electives highlighting 14 different healthcare careers in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic and many other local healthcare entities.  A softball and volleyball coach of 25 + years - recently converted to an MSHSL VB/BB/SB/BB official, Chapin lives with his wife Michele and 12-year-old dachshund in St. James, MN.

#10thGradeChefs nutrition education is a collaborative effort between the health education classroom and our district food service provider. Students are introduced to skills-based nutrition education through USDA regulations, hands-on learning, and personal nutritional accountability. This program celebrates the diversity in your community and allows student choice and menu planning within the school environment.
Attendees will learn about our student-led cafeteria program that teaches students to plan, prepare, and serve lunch with the support of district food service staff. 

Learning Objectives:
  1. Create a program for their school that allows students and staff to celebrate the cultural diversity in your school through nutrition in cooperation with your district's food service provider.  

  2. Teach students the expectations around USDA Federal School Lunch Program - a program that is required in most public schools. 

  3. Develop a cooperative program between your health classroom and your school's cafeteria staff allowing students to plan, prepare, and serve lunch to your school's student body.​

Meaningful PE: Let’s Unpack Challenge

Presenter: Will Westphal, MS Ed

Biography: Will is an award-winning elementary school Physical Educator in Wisconsin who loves taking research and making it practical for himself and others.

Come learn and play with Will Westphal as he shares about the Meaningful Physical Education Framework. It's peaking interest across the country and the world. In this session, you get an introduction to the basics of MPE, but then we will really dive into how I unpack challenge to make my classroom a place for everybody.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Identify the Features of the MPE Framework

  2. Take home practical examples for MPE Assessments. 

  3. Further validate their programs with research-based strategies on how to create challenges.

Adventure on a Budget

Presenter: Nathali Jones, 2022 WHPE HS PE Teacher of the Year

Biography: After spending nearly a decade teaching high school physical education, Nathali Jones spent the last year as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in the PETE program. In the fall, she will be joining the PASHE program at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, her Alma Mater, as an Associate Teaching Professor. Her teaching passion includes adventure and outdoor education and aquatics. Outside of teaching, Nathali enjoys spending time traveling with her partner, reading fiction , photography, walking her dog, and competing in triathlons and open water swimming.

Looking for ways to incorporate new adventure activities into your curriculum but you do not have a large P.E. budget? All the activities in the session can be made at home or modified with equipment you already have in your equipment closet. We will do a brief review of Adventure Stages 1-3 but will be focus on Adventure Stages 4, 5, and 6: Problem Solving, Trustworthiness, and Low Elements. Come ready to move and play!

Learning Objectives:  
  1. Participants will learn how to incorporate new adventure activities into their curriculum.

  2. Participants will learn how to repurpose common P.E. equipment to create their own adventure activities.

  3. Participants will be able to identify activities they can incorporate into their repertoire.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 12:25 - 1:25 p.m. | Lunch

Lunch 

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 1:25 - 2:20 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Creating a Classroom Where Every Student Belongs

Presenter: Patty Zemke, 2022 WI Teacher of the Year, 2016 WHPE Health Teacher of the Year

Biography: My name is Patricia (Patty) Zemke and I am a National Board Certified Health Educator with 29 years of experience at the middle school level. I build positive connections through authentic, friendly relationships. I have written and received several grants for student advocacy projects, cultivated community partnerships, and I work to inspire educators statewide and nationally to exceed expectations. In my classroom, I create a safe place for students to share their dreams, develop empathy, inspire one another, recognize personal grit, and practice the skills that empower them to become their best selves. In 2016, I was named Wisconsin Health Teacher of the Year. In 2022, I was named Wisconsin Teacher of the Year. In 2024, I went to Capitol Hill to “Speak Out!” for health education with SHAPE America! 

Participants will learn how to engage students in an inclusive learning environment in this session. rauma-sensitive language to include everyone; even in casual conversations as students pass you in the hall or on their way home. Not comfortable contacting the adults at home? Learn how to include them too. Want to form an inclusive advocacy group as an after-school activity? This is what you can do!  What about those pronouns? Use them or not? Can you infuse mindfulness and coping skills into a lesson? This will not be a “sit and git” session, be ready to participate in different lessons/activities including some new lessons from the Dove Self-Esteem project that can be used in any area of instruction! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Attendees will practice strategies conducive to creating an inclusive classroom.

  2. Attendees will explore common disparities and discuss ways to adapt.

  3. Attendees will reflect on communication within the classroom, out in the hallway and in the home environment. ​​

Step Up to the Show!

Presenter: Victor Spadaro, Physical Education Teacher

Biography: Victor Spadaro teaches physical education at the elementary level for Arlington Public Schools in Virginia, an OPEN National Trainer, and a CMO Cadre.

Dance has a long history of bringing people together. During this 60-minute session, you will acknowledge, appreciate, and build awareness of different dance styles by engaging in innovative choreography. In addition, cultural learning through dance helps students develop respect for other cultures and pride in their own. The presenter will share routines and resources to provide throughout the school year.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Design a dance unit with multiple tools and styles to provide dance for your students. 

  2. Apply what they learned to create a dance unit in multiple ways to fit the needs of their program. 

  3. Locate different resources and dances to teach students.

Teaching Peers to EMBRACE Everyone’s Different Abilities

Presenter: Sadie Brown, Adapted Physical Education Teacher, Sun Prairie area School District,

Biography: Sadie Brown has been teaching for 15 years, 9 as an APE teacher.​

Come learn about how we can teach our peers to be accepting of everyone's abilities.  I will share some practical things you can do in your classes to make all students feel welcome.  You will walk away with ideas you can use to do some sensitivity training for peers. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Learn more about how to EMBRACE all abilities 

  2. Learn some activities to do for sensitivity training

  3. Gain a variety of resources to support teaching others about all abilities

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 2:30 - 3:25 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Clearing the Air: Taking on Vaping as an Educator

Presenters: Luke Witkowski, Youth Programs Coordinator for Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control Program
                     Kim Larson, American Lung Association

Biographies: Luke Witkowski is the Youth Programs Coordinator for the Wisconsin Commercial Tobacco Prevention and Treatment Program (CTPTP). With over 20 years of experience, Luke provides contract administration for the youth and young adult programs CTPTP funds. Mr. Witkowski also provides training and technical assistance to local, state, and national organizations on issues such as youth and young adult tobacco use, emerging tobacco products, and tobacco industry targeting of young people.

Kimberly Larson, CHES serves as the Health Promotions Manager for the American Lung Association with over 5 years of experience in tobacco prevention efforts. In her current role she coordinates in Wisconsin the INDEPTH, ALA’s signature alternative to suspension program, and Not On Tobacco (N-O-T), ALA’s signature youth cessation program. Mrs. Larson manages implementation of the programs and provides training and technical assistance throughout the state. She also manages and supports two statewide programs FACT, Wisconsin's youth tobacco prevention program and SPARK, tobacco-free college and university campuses initiative. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in public health and community health education.

Are you concerned about the rise of vaping among youth and ready to do something about it? This session will equip educators with the knowledge and tools to address vaping in their schools and communities. We'll delve into the factors that led to vaping's rise as a public health epidemic, exploring marketing tactics and current trends. Then, we'll identify best practices for prevention, intervention, and cessation programs, including effective youth engagement initiatives. Finally, leave the session with three concrete strategies you can implement as an educator to address vaping within your school and empower your students to make healthy choices.

Learning Objectives:
  1. ​Understand how vaping became and continues as a public health epidemic.

  2. Identify vaping best practice prevention, intervention, cessation, and youth engagement initiatives.

  3. List 3 actions you can do as an educator to address vaping within your school and community.

Balloons, Noodles, and Teamwork…Oh My!

Presenter: Derek Picha, Physical Education Teacher - 2024 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE TOY

Biography: 2024 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year - 2022 MNSHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year - Physical Education teacher at Sumner Elementary School in Austin, MN. 

Come one, come all! We'll be learning a variety of cooperative activities using balloons, noodles, and other easily accessible equipment. Activities shared are designed to provide maximum engagement with minimal direct instruction. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to learn cooperative partner activities using various equipment.

  2. Participants will be able to determine which skill-related fitness components are aligned to learning activities. 

  3. Participants will be able to utilize technology to make instruction more comprehensible for their students. 

How to Bring out the Kid in your High School Students​

Presenter: Katie Shulfer, 2021 WHPE Promising Professional Award

Biography: Katie Shulfer - Physical education teacher & APE at DC Everest Senior High School, 2021 Promizing Professional WI, Current WHPE High School VP​

Do your students struggle to get moving when they come to class? Why not involve fun elementary activities in their learning to instill a love for being active while also learning grade-level outcomes.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to take away 3 or more activities to incorporate into their teaching. 

  2. Participants will learn how to layer different elementary activities with their grade level outcomes.

  3. Participants will be able to learn how to involve student input when choosing instant activities.

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 3:35 - 4:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Creative Canvases: Exploring Art as a Tool for Health Education!

Presenter: Ian Lacasse, Health & Physical Education Teacher

Biography: Health & Physical Education Teacher - Madison West High School WHPE Southeast District Coordinator SHAPE Midwest Leadership Council 2021 WHPE Health Teacher of the Year

In this session discover how the arts can enhance the development of health skills! Participants will discover how using different art disciplines can help students analyze influences, make healthy decisions, support healthy behaviors, and advocate for health! Teachers will leave with engaging activities that can be implemented in the health classroom.

Learning Objectives

  1. Learn how integrating arts can improve health skill development.

  2. Explore how using a variety of art disciplines aids students in analyzing health influences, decision-making, promoting healthy behaviors, and advocating for health.  

  3. Acquire engaging activities to incorporate arts into the health education curriculum.​​ 

More Than a Game: Purposeful Play in Physical Education

Presenters:  Ryan Regan, Wellness/Physical Education Teacher
                      Jason Denk, IAHPERD Past-VP Children
                     ​ Sadie Stark, NBCT

Biographies:  Ryan Regan - Lake Bluff Elementary School, Lake Bluff, IL Teaching 24 years - K-5th 2024 IAHPERD Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Current IAHPERD CFP Asst. Advisor IAHPERD Northeastern District Past President SHAPE National presenter.

Jason Denk - 20 years teaching Elementary P.E. at Garfield Elementary in Maywood, IL  IAHPERD Past VP of Children Have presented at a variety of state and national conventions Graduate of UW-LaCrosse.

Sadie Stark - Currently K-5 teacher in Kaneland District 302 at McDole Elementary. 12 years elementary, 10 years middle school, 1 year ms/hs split. Nationally Board Certified. Currently IAHPERD Northern District Past President. Undergraduate from Illinois State University. Masters from Aurora University. Multi-state presenter. Professional Development provider.​​​

Come play with us in this fast paced and exciting activity-based session that will showcase quality instructional strategies that are inclusive for all students. We will share differentiated, equitable and diverse learning experiences in movement and play-based learning and share how we analyze the instructional design process in a way that leads to purposeful instruction. You will leave this session with a repertoire of planned and purposeful strategies that your students will love!

Learning Objectives:

  1. Create differentiated, equitable and inclusive learning experiences and analyze their instructional design process that will lead to purposeful standards based instruction for all students.

  2. Develop confidence and empathy through the interconnections established during learning experiences that employ social awareness, decision making, and leadership skills.

  3. Analyze their instructional design process and create a plan to incorporate social emotional learning concepts into their already existing physical education curriculum as a way to advocate the importance of SEL, Physical Education and movement in learning to school stakeholders.​

The Role of Leadership in Fostering a Culture of Health & Wellness

Presenter: Todd Kuckkahn, Live & Virtual Keynote Speaker | Executive Coach | DEI Certified | Workshop Facilitator | DISC Consultant​ 

Biography: Todd Kuckkahn is on a mission to revolutionize company culture and leadership. Throughout his career, Todd has done countless presentations and workshops at local, state, national and international conferences. Todd annually hosts Live2Lead featuring John Maxwell and other internationally known leadership speakers. He is DISC and DEI certified.

Leadership and company culture play a pivotal role in promoting health and physical fitness within an organization. As a society that makes connecting anywhere at the tap of a screen, we are the most socially isolated and unhealthy as ever. Employees are also sharing their own dissatisfaction through employee engagement and culture surveys. Our mental health personally and professionally is at an all-time low. Here's how leadership, company culture, health, and fitness are interconnected: 1. Modeling & Encouragement; 2. Creating a Supportive Environment; 3. Fostering Teamwork & Morale &; 4. Health as a Component of Employee Value Proposition

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Understand the Role of Leadership in Promoting Workplace Wellness: Participants will learn how leadership behaviors and attitudes directly influence the ​development of a health-centric company culture. They will explore strategies for leaders to model and encourage healthy lifestyles, demonstrating the importance of top-down support in the successful implementation of health and fitness initiatives. 

  2. Design and Implement Supportive Health and Wellness Programs: Learners will gain insights into creating a supportive environment that values employee well-being through practical initiatives. ​​

  3. Enhance Organizational Culture and Employee Engagement through Health and Fitness: This objective focuses on the benefits of integrating health and fitness into company culture, including fostering teamwork, boosting morale, and enhancing the Employee Value Proposition. Participants will understand how health and fitness initiatives contribute to attracting and retaining talent, reducing healthcare costs, and improving overall employee satisfaction and productivity.​​ 

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 4:40 - 5:35 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Teaching Values and Student Identity

Presenter: Nathan Korth, Health Education Teacher, UW-Whitewater Adjunct Professor

Biography: Nathan is a full-time health education teacher at Edgerton Middle School (6-8th grade) in Edgerton, WI. He recently earned the honor of being the 2024 Wisconsin Health Teacher of the Year. Along with teaching, Nathan is an adjunct professor at UW-Whitewater. Recently, Nathan taught Health Methods and in the past taught Teaching of Cooperative, Adventure, and Outdoor Education. 

Participants will come away with two lessons.  The first is a lesson on values and how they shape our behaviors. The second is about identity and our visible (outside) traits and our invisible (inside) traits.  These lessons will have students take a deeper look at themselves and identify where they get their values from and what their values are.  

Learning Objectives:

  1. ​​Participants will be able to have two ready-to-go lessons teaching about identity and values.

  2. Participants will be able to learn how to incorporate The Daily Five email to engage students in new conversations daily. 

  3. Participants will be able to learn a new review game called Gimkit to use as a formative assessment.   ​

CORE PE Curriculum - Build Your PE Program from the Inside Out​

Presenter: Sonja Riddle, Co-Founder CORE PE CURRICULUM

Biography: Sonja Riddle received her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She taught K-8 Physical Education and K-12 Adapted PE for 13 years. Co-Founder Dr. Sue Barnd is a Professor at MSU Denver & served as SHAPE Colorado President.

CORE PE is a BRAND NEW TEACHING SYSTEM which interprets and breaks down ALL of the "NEW" SHAPE America national standards outcomes in a done-for-you format, providing you a fully-aligned, efficient, and comprehensive system to plan, teach, assess, and report results. Save planning time, teach intentionally, and experience consistent "in the zone" teaching, learning, and connection with your students. This is WHY we teach! 

Learning Objectives:
  1. ​Introduction to the NEW 2024 SHAPE America PE Standards. 

  2. Curriculum that meets the needs of all students by using differentiated instruction.

  3. Assessment that is concise and precise.

Multiple Minds = Maximum Movement - PLC’s in ACTION​​​

​Pres​enter: Daniel Hill, Physical Education Teacher​ ​​

Biography: Daniel Hill is a highly accomplished educator with 23 years of experience teaching elementary physical education. He holds national board certification in early to middle childhood Physical Education and has served as the past president of KY-SHAPE. In 2014, Daniel was honored with the title of Kentucky Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, he is a respected OPEN National Trainer, further showcasing his dedication to promoting physical fitness and wellness in schools. 

Your P.L.C (Professional Learning Community) may need to extend beyond the walls of your classroom. Join National Board-Certified Teacher Daniel Hill as he shares sources of inspiration from his P.L.C.  This active session will explore an array of K-12 health and PE curricular resources.  Examine and modify multiple resources to best fit your teaching situation.  

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine the benefits of a diverse professional learning community. 

  2. Actively explore various K-12 professionals and their contributions to the PE community.

  3. Develop a plan to expand your existing professional learning community 

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 6:00 p.m. | School Health Picnic

Join us for the picnic on Thursday evening hosted by School Health​! It will be held at the Bukolt Park Shelter, 100 Bukolt Ave., Stevens Point, WI 54481, with food and refreshments available.​

Friday, July 19, 2024

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | Closing Keynote

Heroic Efforts

Educators are true heroes. HERO: Hope-Empowers and Restores-Others Keynote speaker Daniel Hill will detail his decades long career while highlighting a few of his personal heroes.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Explore educator challenges and opportunities for growth.

  2. Examine personal challenges and their correlation to the classroom.

  3. Examine educator talents and their opportunities for student connections.​

 

Daniel Hill is a highly accomplished educator with 23 years of experience teaching elementary physical education.
He holds national board certification in early to middle childhood Physical Education and has served as the past
president of KY-SHAPE. In 2014, Daniel was honored with the title of Kentucky Elementary PE Teacher
of the Year, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, he is a respected
OPEN National Trainer, further showcasing his dedication to promoting physical fitness and wellness
in schools. ​
​​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 9:10 - 10:05 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

Advocating for Brain Health-Now, How do I Teach it to Engage my Students?

Presenter: Kimberly Jaeger, Health & Physical Education Teacher

Biography: I have been teaching Health and Physical Education for over 25 years! I believe that Health Education is a lifesaving, life-changing, and life-enhancing class for teens. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog, and TRI training.

Many Health Educators are aware of or piloted the new DPI Unit entitled "Advocating for Brain Health" lessons for grades 6-12.  In this session, I hope to help you as a classroom teacher get started teaching this amazing unit! With my 8th grade health classes, I was able to modify the unit to make it work best for my teaching style. I designed activities for each lesson that I believe would best engage my students to advocate for the importance of brain health. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Engage in activities that will work in the classroom for the "Advocating for Brain Health" Unit

  2. Experience an overview of the unit and gather new ideas and learn from colleagues how best to teach this with your students 

  3. Have fun learning about a new advocacy project that you can use with your students!

Movement is Magic!

Presenter(s): Auburn Cain, Physical Education Teacher 
                      Cindie Cortinas-VogtElementary Physical Education Teacher 

Biographies: Auburn Cain is an elementary PE teacher in Gonzales, Louisiana and was named teacher of the year in 2019 at her current school.

Cindie Cortinas-Vogt, Washington Elementary 27 yrs experience 2024 Shape Elementary TOY 2024 Shape Midwest Elementary TOY 2023 IAHPERD Elementary TOY 1996 Illinois State.

As physical educators, we know the impact that movement has on our students both academically and behaviorally. In fact, for many of our students, it can be the magic key to experiencing success! In this session, we will explore how reading, math, science, and social studies skills can be seamlessly integrated into physical education as well as how to infuse movement into core content areas through collaboration. These ready-to-use activities will make a difference by providing multiple opportunities for content connections through high energy movement. Come see the magic with your own eyes! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. ​Discover activities that can be used across content areas to provide multiple learning opportunities to increase student success in both the gym and the classroom.

  2. Identify how these activities can add value to your physical education classroom for whole child learning. 

  3. Apply these activities to your physical education class and initiate ways to add movement in core content areas throughout the day.  

Leadership in PE

Presenter: Josh Repovsch, Physical Education and Health Teacher

Biography: I am in my 15th year of teaching Physical Education and Health. I currently work at New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School in Southeast Wisconsin. Other than teaching I am also a basketball coach and proud father and husband.

How can I maximize the natural leadership abilities my students already possess in my PE and Health classes? Why don't these students have any resilience? I don't even know where to begin with leadership in my Health and PE curriculum. In this session you will learn how to incorporate leadership and resiliency into your PE and Health classes in a fun and interactive way. Community Building, Love and Servant Leadership are just a few of the lessons and skills you will learn about to take back to your students. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to build off of their student's current natural leadership ability. 

  2. Participants will be able to take a few developed lessons around leadership back to their classes that they can incorporate immediately.

  3. Participants will be able to answer the question of "how do I build resilience in my students?"

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 10:15 - 11:10 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

Suicide Prevention Health Curriculum: Implementation Training

Presenters​: Jenny Holle, Regional Coordinator Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center
                     Michael Morgan, School Safety, Driver Education, AODA, School Safety Consultant Wisconsin DPI

Biographies: Jenny Holle (She/her/hers)  is a part of the Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Center and serves as the Regional Coordinator for CESAs  2, 3 and 6 as well as the project coordinator for Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She worked in schools for over 25 years as a School Counselor and Special Education Teacher. 

Michael Morgan - Consultant, School Safety, AODA, Driver Education, Traffic Safety, Suicide Prevention Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Team Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Join Jenny Holle (Wisconsin Safe and Health Schools Center Regional Coordinator) and Michael Morgan (DPI Education Consultant) for a high level overview of the new K-12 Suicide Prevention Curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In this session you will have an introduction to the curriculum and explore implementation within your schools. Learn and interact with the newly developed DPI Suicide Prevention Curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school, along with best practices for implementation, Gain an overview of the full curriculum. Discover how this curriculum and companion resources can be utilized in both classroom and alternate settings such as small groups and individual sessions to increase mental health supports and suicide prevention. Take away resources and opportunities to support suicide prevention and learn with and from other professionals engaged in this crucial work. 

Learning Objectives: 
  1. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the new K-12 Suicide Prevention Curriculum developed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

  2. Participants will explore applications of this curriculum in the school environment. (ex. classroom, small group, advisory).

  3. Participants will have the opportunity to consider application of this curriculum in their setting. 

Dueling Drummers! 

Presenters: Kelly Zerby, Elementary Physical Education Teacher
                     Victor Spadaro, Elementary Physical Education Teacher

Biographies: Kelly Zerby - Kelly Zerby, Elementary PE Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School, DeKalb, IL, District 428 PE Coordinator, D428 Pre-service Teacher Facilitator, IAHPERD Past President and CFP Advisor,2022 Midwest Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, 2021 Illinois Elementary PE Teacher of the year, NIU Adjunct Faculty.

Victor Spadaro teaches physical education at the elementary level for Arlington Public Schools.

Pick up those sticks and explore every beat and rhythm we have to offer to get your students moving.  Come drum along with the Drumming Dream Team Kelly and Victor.  As we get to the Outro, you will leave with FREE Routines to get your K-12 students moving and grooving! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Teachers will be able to learn new and exciting rhythmic challenges for their students. 

  2. Teachers will be able to collaborate and re-enact rhythms with sticks and cardio balls.

  3. Teachers will be able to gain new knowledge and resources about rhythm and fun. 

Bring the Energy! More Activities Your Students Will Love!

Presenters: Gail Hartig, Physical Education Teacher/Department Head
                     Ryan Regan, Wellness/Physical Education Teacher
                     Sadie Stark, NBCT

Biographies: Gail Hartig - 2022 IAHPERD Middle School TOY ~IAHPERD President Elect- Teenage Youth ~IAHPERD Northeastern District President Elect ~Physical Education Teacher/Department Chair- Jefferson Junior High School, Woodridge, Illinois

Ryan Regan - Lake Bluff Elementary School, Lake Bluff, IL Teaching 24 years - K-5th 2024 IAHPERD Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Current IAHPERD CFP Asst. Advisor IAHPERD Northeastern District Past President SHAPE National presenter

Sadie Stark - Currently K-5 teacher in Kaneland District 302 at McDole Elementary. 12 years elementary, 10 years middle school, 1 year ms/hs split. Nationally Board Certified. Currently IAHPERD Northern District Past President. Undergraduate from Illinois State University. Masters from Aurora University. Multi-state presenter. Professional Development provider.

Come join members of Team IAHPERD as we play an array of our student's favorite, versatile, on-the-spot instant activities! These energizers are intended to engage and captivate students of all grade levels! Our goal is to provide teachers with engaging activities that will spark activity and excitement for students of all ages! Participants will leave this session with more than 20 activities in hand, ready to be implemented immediately!

Learning Objectives:

  1. Design instant activities that are engaging, exciting, and inclusive to enhance their lessons.​

  2. Discover the fun and energy instant activities can provide for their students.

  3. Identify ways to modify instant activities that will provide engagement for students at any age group.​

 ‭(Hidden)‬ 11:20 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

SEL for Teachers: How are you Practicing Self-Care?

Presenter: Sarah Mosley, Associate Teaching Professor, UW LaCrosse

Biography: Sarah spent almost twenty years in K-12 education before transitioning to UW-LaCrosse, where she is the School Health Coordinator. Sarah’s passion for mental health led her to connect with Better Together of La Crosse County as a steering committee member. She is also a nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructor.

The focus is often SEL for students.  But what about SEL.  Attendees in this class will leave with knowledge about the importance of adult SEL.  In addition, practical strategies for self-care will be presented with tools and apps to make practicing self-care a priority.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participates will understand concepts surrounding secondary trauma and how that impacts the mental health of teachers.

  2. Participants will be able to explore apps that enhance staff SEL.

  3. Participants will practice self-care strategies they can personally use and/or advocate for in their schools to enhance adult SEL.

Elementary #PhysEd Faves

Presenter: Derek Picha, Physical Education Teacher - 2024 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE TOY

Biography: 2024 SHAPE America Central District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year - 2022 MNSHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year - Physical Education teacher at Sumner Elementary School in Austin, MN. 
                    
Come one, come all! Let's dive into a variety of student favorite physical education activities designed to maximize engagement in movement and minimize verbal instruction. Throughout this session, participants will engage in physical activities that engage the body and mind through cross-curricular content. Participants will also engage in small group discussions in the form of Kagan learning structures. 

Learning Objectives:   ​
  1. Participants will be able to implement a variety of small and large group physical activities designed to maximize engagement in movement.​

  2. Participants will be able to implement Kagan learning structures to create opportunities for cognitive assessment and reflection.

  3. Participants will be able to utilize technology to make instruction more comprehensible for all learners.  ​ 

Empowering Health and Wellness: Strategies for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Presenters: Bailey Whiting, Student Physical Therapist
                     Ian Provence, Student Physical Therapist
                     Abigail Kolda, Student Physical Therapist​

Biographies: We are physical therapy students from the university of stevens point who will be presenting our research on empowering health and wellness for the intellectually disabled. 
My name is Bailey Whiting, my colleagues and I are currently third year physical therapy.
Abigail is a student physical therapist in the inaugural cohort of the University of Wisconsin​.​

This session is dedicated to enhancing health and wel​lness education for individuals with IDD. We will tackle low health literacy within the IDD community and explore tools that can be employed to enhance effective health promotion. We'll discuss the limitations of modern fitness trackers for individuals with IDD, particularly in assessing abnormal gait patterns. Finally, other tools and approaches will be explored that have shown promise in engaging individuals with IDD, drawing from observations and studies of adult populations. Attendees will leave equipped with strategies to empower individuals with IDD to lead healthier lifestyles. 

 Learning Objectives:​​

  1. Participants will be able to identify the challenges associated with low health literacy among individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).

  2. Participants will be able to evaluate the limitations of modern fitness trackers in measuring abnormal gait patterns commonly observed in individuals with IDD.

  3. Participants will be able to explore alternative tools or approaches that could effectively monitor and promote physical activity and wellness in this population.

​​ ​

Cancellation Policy

 

Full refunds granted upon receipt of written request to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu can be requested up to June 23, 2024. Canceling your hotel room does not cancel your conference registration. You will need to contact UWSP Continuing Education at the above address to make the cancellation. Refunds requested between June 24 and July 2 will be assessed as a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be offered on or after July 3, 2024. Substitutions can be made at any time, but no-shows will be responsible for the full fee.

All Purchase Orders need to be submitted to us three weeks prior to the conference.​

Thank you to our 2025​ Sponsors! 

 ​​       ​                                         ​          ​  Full Color - Transparent - Small Size.png​​ ​ ​​


Contact Information

For any additional workshop information, please email Meg Whaley at meg.whaley@dpi.wi.gov.

For assistance during the conference, please email uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. 
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.