Join Austin Olson (Pacific Trails Middle School, San Dieguito Union High School District) was recognized by the Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America as the 2024 SHAPE America Western District Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Previously honored as the 2023 California Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by CAHPERD, he was a finalist for 2024 SHAPE America National Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
In this session: Tired of the same routines? So were we. This session introduces themed WODs (Workouts of the Day)—short, high-energy workouts (8–12 minutes) designed to maximize engagement and effort. The twist? Students help create them. Learn how to implement a system where students track progress, challenge themselves, and stay motivated through variety and purpose. We’ll also showcase our “Fitness Lab,” an engaging, challenge-based environment where students explore movement, build confidence, and celebrate progress. If you’re looking to increase participation, effort, and excitement in your program, this session will give you practical, ready-to-use ideas that students genuinely buy into.
Austin Olson (Pacific Trails Middle School, San Dieguito Union High School District) was recognized by the Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America as the 2024 SHAPE America Western District Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Previously honored as the 2023... Read More →
Flag football is growing across the US and OPEN has free resources for elementary and middle school PE programs to help students prepare to pursue their dreams on the gridiron! This activity-based session will take participants through activities in OPEN’s free Flag Football modules for grades 3-5 and 6-8. Teachers will leave with tools to teach their students passing, catching, evading opponents, basic rules, and game play so students have the confidence and competence to participate moving to high school! Join in the action to learn more about this latest trend!
Before accepting his role as Professional Development Director for OPEN, Brian Devore had over 25 years of exemplary teaching experience at the middle and elementary levels. Additionally, he supervised online HPE programs for the Cobb County school district and served as Fulton... Read More →
How do we make every PE class a laboratory for belonging, agency, and prosocial behavior? In this highly interactive session, participants experience and unpack a practical framework that braids Teaching Personal & Social Responsibility (TPSR) levels, and SEL competencies to meet SHAPE America’s personal & social behavior standard—all while keeping kids joyfully active. You’ll analyze common PE tasks for embedded SEL opportunities, rehearse positive teacher language, and layer management structures that turn routines into relationship builders. Walk away with ready to use activities, conflict resolution protocols, and quick check tools students can use to self assess behavior and growth.
Cindy Kuhrasch, Distinguished Teaching Faculty (UW–Madison) — specializes in standards based, skills forward PE with embedded social and emotional learning (SEL); developer of practical teacher tools that merge SEL and SHAPE standards for inclusive, high engagement learning.
Using RAMP warm-up principles, we can close the gap between the end of a warm-up and beginning of a performance, as student performances respond better if their systems are appropriately activated. The RAMP warm-up also incorporates fundamental movement skills, foundational skills, and movement competencies as they enhance overall student development.
Chris Hecht, MA, CSCS*D, RSCC*E is a veteran physical educator and strength & conditioning coach with more than 26 years of teaching and coaching experience and 30 years of athletic development expertise. He has coached youth athletes across seven sports supporting students from grades... Read More →
