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.
Ongoing professional learning helps health and physical education teachers stay up to date with changing standards, evidence-based practices, and emerging health topics that affect student well-being. Continuous growth enables educators to create engaging, inclusive, and skills-focused instruction that promotes lifelong wellness and equips students to make informed, healthy choices.
Professional Organizations
- Virginia Association of Health and Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Va AHPERD)
- Southern District SHAPE America
- Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America
- The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID)
- 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
- The Adapted Physical Education Content Teaching Academy (CTA) at James Madison University
- Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (Va AHPERD) Annual Convention
- SHAPE America National Convention
- 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.
Respect, Relationships, Results: Engaging Paras in Physical Education: Part I
This session introduces practical strategies for building strong partnerships with para-educators 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.