What if students weren’t just participating, but owning their learning? This session shows how a choice-based approach can increase motivation, deepen engagement, and align with SHAPE America Standards and SEL competencies. Explore how student autonomy drives meaningful participation, strengthens equity, and amplifies student voice. Learn how offering choice in activities, roles, and assessments builds accountability and excitement without sacrificing structure or rigor. Walk away with practical strategies, real classroom examples, and tools for goal setting, reflection, and progress tracking, so you can reimagine your curriculum and create a more energized, student-driven PE experience.
This session introduces practical tools and teaching strategies to support multilingual learners in physical education. Participants will engage with examples of visual supports, movement-based instruction, and inclusive communication strategies that help multilingual students access learning and feel a sense of belonging in PE.
Sheyla Martinez is a physical education lecturer at SUNY Brockport, where she teaches courses in physical education and adapted physical education. She has more than 10 years of experience in the field, including five years teaching in Colorado. She is also a doctoral candidate whose... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 8:55am - 10:05am MDT Classroom 3
This interactive session will explore how to design and deliver high-impact K–12 physical education experiences that move beyond participation and toward true student engagement and empowerment. Grounded in SHAPE America standards and aligned to Colorado Academic Standards, participants will experience instructional strategies that integrate skill development, student voice, and meaningful assessment.
Through a combination of modeled instruction, small-group collaboration, and reflection, educators will explore practical ways to structure lessons that improve engagement, differentiate for diverse learners, and build lifelong physical literacy. Participants will leave with adaptable frameworks and ready-to-use strategies that can be applied across grade levels and content areas.
Alex Relph is the Co-Founder of PLT4M, where he partners with K–12 schools nationwide to support engaging and effective health and physical education programs. Alex works closely with teachers and districts to design curriculum, lead professional development, and bring innovative... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:45am MDT Gym 2
This session explores effective language acquisition strategies tailored for the physical education environment to support our emergent multilingual learners (EMLs). With movement-rich settings offering a natural context for language development, PE teachers are uniquely positioned to reinforce both academic and social language. Participants will learn practical, low-prep strategies that integrate physical activity with intentional language supports -- such as visual cues, structured routines, modeling, and student talk opportunities. The session will highlight how aligning instruction with content and language objectives not only boosts engagement but also creates a more inclusive and equitable learning experience. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools that foster comprehension, participation, and confidence for EMLs, without sacrificing the integrity of their PE program. Whether you're new to supporting multilingual learners or looking to enhance your current practices, this session provides actionable approaches that make language acquisition a natural part of every PE class.
Jennifer Rushin is a K–12 Instructional Specialist for Physical Education with Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, Maryland. With 24 years in education, she spent 12 years teaching elementary math before transitioning into physical education, where she has worked for... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:45am MDT Classroom 3
This session is to share different instant activities and how you can connect SEL to them. Along with how to adapt so all ability levels can be included. While also demonstrating some Paralympic Games and how they connect to SEL.
My name is Makenzie Stevenson and I teach K-5 Physical Education at Olander Elementary School in the Poudre School District. I have been teaching for four years. I also coach at the Middle School and High School levels. I love movement, inclusion and giving kids the tools to be life... Read More →
Wednesday June 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:45am MDT Gym 1
You don’t have to be a dancer to rock dance in PE—just bring energy and a willingness to try! In this session, a PE teacher with limited dance skills shares simple, confidence-building strategies for introducing dance through accessible movement and creative exploration. See how student voice and choice come to life through group choreography and explore practical examples of using AI to support lesson planning, creativity, and engagement.
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 →
This session will introduce beginners to modified lessons for teaching field hockey. A curriculum will be provided as well as grant information. Come see how you can safely implement field hockey into your curriculum. I will give modifications for safety as well as ability levels.
HI everyone: My name is Karen Marley, and I just retired in May after being in the field of Health and Physical Education for 49 years. I finished my teaching assignment at CSU Pueblo for the last 16 years teaching PETE students. I love what I do and plan on continuing to be involved in teacher prep... Read More →
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 →
