Professional Learning
Health, Physical, and Driver Education professional learning aims to support educators in empowering young people to contribute to healthier, safer communities by building critical life skills that promote self-care, responsibility, and overall well-being.
Professional learning is essential for health and physical education teachers to stay current with evolving standards, research-based practices, and emerging health challenges that impact student well-being. Ongoing development empowers educators to deliver engaging, inclusive, and skills-based instruction that supports lifelong wellness and prepares students for real-world decision-making.
Professional Organizations
- Virginia Association of Health and Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Va AHPERD)
- Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America
- National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy (NAHPL)
- Society of State Leaders of Health and Physical Education (The Society)
Available Professional Learning Opportunities
- Health and Physical Activity Institute (HPAI) at James Madison University
- Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Va AHPERD)
- SHAPE America National Convention
- Opioid Overdose Prevention and Response Instructional Resources (This resource is for instructors only)
- English Learner Central
- Cross-Curricular EL Instructional Resources
- Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) Models in Virginia (Word) – Chart with program models and descriptions
- Supporting Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Schooling (SLIFE) Guidebook (Word) - Information about identifying SLIFE and for providing equitable opportunities and support
- Supporting ELs with Suspected or Identified Disabilities:
- TeacherDirect - The goal of TeacherDirect is to provide a way to share new instructional resources created by VDOE staff as well as make teachers aware of professional development and grant opportunities, and other information of special interest to teachers and their students. Subscribe to TeacherDirect.
Masterclass Professional Learning Series
These modules are designed to be used by groups of teachers engaged in collaborative learning. Groups may span multiple grade levels or consist of a single grade level or professional learning community. Modules may be facilitated by administrators, health and physical education supervisors, or any member of the learning community.
Focus on Health Education
Adapting and Modifying Health Education to Meet the Needs of All Learners Part I
This training introduces the concept of Adapted Health and clarifies the difference between adaptations and modifications in health education. Presenters Emily Clowser and Liz Metz share their journey in developing accessible resources, offering practical strategies, visuals, and tools to support students with diverse cognitive and developmental needs.
Adapting and Modifying Health Education to Meet the Needs of All Learners Part II
This session highlights practical strategies for collaborating with PE teachers, case managers, paraprofessionals, and special educators to deliver differentiated health instruction that supports students’ cognitive and physical needs.
Focus on Health and Physical Education
Respect, Relationships, Results: Engaging Paras in Physical Education: Part I
This session introduces practical strategies for building strong partnerships with paraeducators in physical education settings. It focuses on setting expectations, fostering mutual respect, enhancing student independence, and effective communication. The session also includes examples of training practices, equipment modification, and behavior supports.
Respect, Relationships, Results: Engaging Paras in Physical Education: Part II
This session builds upon Part I and explores advanced strategies to effectively engage paraeducators in physical education. Key focuses include data collection tools, strategies to promote student independence, appropriate behavior and professionalism, and motivational techniques for paraeducators.