2026 Best Practices in Health and Physical Education Conference
July 27-29, 2026
In-Person | Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, WI
Educators, See Stevens Point Offerings


2025 Best Practices in Health and Physical Education  July 28-30, 2025 Holiday inn Convention Center, Stevens point, Wisconsin​​​​

​July 27-29, 2026​

Holiday Inn Convention Center, Stevens Point, Wisconsin 

​​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 th​​e field of health and physical education.
  • Incorporate cutting-edge techniques on ways to connect health, physical activity, and overall wellness into daily li​fe.​​​
Registration Type and Fee

​​Pr​​e-Conference + Conference | $225
           
Conference Attendee | $175

Student / Retiree | $50

Pre/Conference Only | $75​
​If you have any questions on registration, please contact UWSP Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

0.sm  line.png​​​


Registration Information​


Registration Type​​



​Pre-Conference + Conference
​$225
​Conference Attendee​
​$175                       
​Student/Retiree
$50
Pre-Conference only​
​$75

Register Now


​​2026 Sponsorship Opportunities - Now Available

​​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. 


Register Now

2025 Best Practices in Health and Physical Education Sponsorship Opportunities

Once sponsorship is secured, UWSP will follow up with your company representative to confirm who is utilizing the complimentary registration(s). 

Sponsorship is non-refundable. 

​​2026 Exhibitor Opportunities - Now Available

​​Exhibit Booth: $200

​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. 

Workshop Proposal Submission

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 - Now Available

A limited number of scholarships will be available for attendees. Submission of an application does not guarantee a scholarship. You will be contaced via email about the status of your application no later than the end of June 30, 2026.

Deadline to apply: May 31, 2026

Apply Now for a Scholarship

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

‭(Hidden)‬ Free Registration for ​​Student Volunteers

​​Apply Now

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 26, 2026, 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 2026. The Group Block code is PBT 

Rates​: $101.00 SINGLE OCCUPANCY

          $124.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY​​

Scan the QR code to book directly in this room block.

​​​

Pre-Conference Workshops

Soccer Starts in PE: Build Skills Through the World's Game

​Bring the energy of the world’s most popular sport into your program with World’s Game—a fast-paced, hands-on session designed to get students moving, connected, and excited. Experience ready-to-use activities that build soccer skills, teamwork, and confidence while creating inviting, high-engagement environments for all learners. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, you’ll leave with practical tools to turn this global moment into unforgettable experiences for your students. - Presented by the US Soccer Foundation

Forward Thinking: Bridging New Standards and Best Practices in Skills-Based Health

Whether you're brand new to skills-based health or a seasoned veteran looking to sharpen your practice, this session is built for you. Forward Thinking unpacks the latest state standards — closely aligned with SHAPE America's National Health Education Standards — and connects them directly to where you are right now — elementary, middle, or high school. Through dynamic breakouts designed for every experience level, you'll leave with clarity, connection, and tools you can use next school year.

‭(Hidden)‬ 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 Pre-Conference Workshop Presenters​

Meg Whaley - Wisconsin DPI Health & PE Consultant
Dr. Yoonsin Oh - Professor - University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Dr. Ann Hockett - Professor - University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Brett Fuller - SHAPE America Past President
Dr. Rebekah Johnson - Professor - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Katie Schultz - Health Educator - Lake Geneva Badger High School
Carlos Rodriguez - Health & PE Specialist - Milwaukee Public Schools
Hayden Lor - UWSP Student
Ashley Pletzer - Health, PE & Wellness Coordinator - Madison Metropolitan School District
Chloe Allen - WHPE Health Division Vice President - Fond Du Lac High School
Ian Lacasse - 2021 WHPE Health Teacher of the Year - Madison West High School

Health Presenters​

Haley Rohloff - Health Educator - Sun Prairie West High School
Andy Milne - 2017 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year - New Trier High School
Chloe Allen - WHPE Health Division Vice President - Fond Du Lac High School
Brittany McBride - Advocates for Youth
Sandee Ortiz - 2025 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year - Sun Prairie West High School
Dr. Kristen Ford - Professor - Concordia College
Dr. Julie Knutson - Professor - Minnesota State University - Moorhead
Lindsey Pronzanski - Health Educator - Northside Middle School
Matt Hagedorn - 2026 SHAPE Midwest Health Teacher of the Year - Tallmadge High School
Laura Walan - 2025 IAHPERD Health Teacher of the Year - Neuqua Valley High School
Ian Lacasse - 2021 WHPE Health Teacher of the Year - Madison West High School​

Physical Education Presenters

Valerie Nagy - OPEN National Trainer
Mark Housel - 2023 SHAPE Eastern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Will Westphal - 2026 SHAPE MW Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Cindie Cortinas-Vogt - 2024 SHAPE America National Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Ryan Regan - 2024 IAHPERD (IL) Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Catrina Haynes - 2016 IAHPERD (IL) Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Dr. Kristi Mally - Professor - Winona State University
Chuck Heurkens - Physical Education Teacher - Appleton Area School District
Laura Gunderson - Physical Education Teacher - Stevens Point Area School District
Dustin Ambort - Physical Education Teacher - Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District
Sawyer Koplein - Physical Education Teacher - Unified School District of Antigo
Justin Dusso - Physical Education Teacher - Merton Community School District
Mark Foellmer - 2018 SHAPE MW MS PE Teacher of the Year -  Executive Director SHAPE Midwest District
Ryan McKinney - 2024 SHAPE America National Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Mike Chamberlain - 2024 MN SHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Becky Foellmer - SHAPE Midwest Leadership Council
Kelly Zerby - 2022 SHAPE MW Elementary PE Teacher of the Year
Lisa Smith - 2025 SHAPE America National High School PE Teacher of the Year
Alex Grycowski - Health & PE Teacher/Health & PE Coordinator - Racine Unified School District
Jennifer Smith - PE Instructional Curriculum Specialist - Denver Public Schools
Brian Kenney - Founder and Owner Team Extreme LLC
Jo Bailey - 2013 SHAPE MW High School PE Teacher of the Year
Courtney Lukasavitz - 2025 SHAPE America National Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Heather Burd - 2025 SHAPE Central District Middle School PE Teacher of the Year
Andy Milne - 2017 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year - New Trier High School
Korey Kleinhans - 2026 SHAPE MW District Adapted PE Teacher of the Year
Lynsey Frank - WHPE Northwest District Coordinator​

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

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

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

‭(Hidden)‬ 12:25 - 1:25 p.m. | Lunch

Lunch 

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

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

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

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

‭(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

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

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

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

​​ ​

Cancellation Policy 

Terms and Conditions: Cancellations & Substitutions: Full refunds granted upon receipt of written request to uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu can be requested up to July 3, 2025. 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 July 4 and July 14 will be assessed as a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be offered on or after July 14, 2025. 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 2026 Sponsors! 

      ​ ​​  ​​ ​​         

       ​    ​

​​​0.Line.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  or uwspce-c​​onf@uwsp.edu.​