SHAPE America

06/10/2026

NEW UnLock Research - “It’s Gonna Take Time”: Enacting Culturally Relevant Physical Education in Urban Schools

"Using culturally relevant physical education (CRPE), this study examined how one elementary physical education teacher implemented strategies that bridged cultural distance between their own background and lived experiences and those of their culturally and ethnically diverse (CED) students. Additionally, the study explored factors that support school-wide initiatives reflecting cultural knowledge."

Read now:https://www.shapeamerica.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/document_manager/prodev/research/2026/Unlock-Research_06-2026.pdf

06/09/2026

Access to high-quality, standards-aligned physical education resources is critical for student success.

That’s why SHAPE America and USA Baseball collaborated to update the Fun At Bat K-5 curriculum, now aligned with the 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards and available free to educators.

Schools interest in the full Fun At Bat program can also access equipment, professional learning and additional resources through USA Baseball.

Download the curriculum: https://www.shapeamerica.org/ItemDetails?iProductCode=FABCK-5

Learn more about the full program: https://www.usabaseball.com/fun-at-bat/about

An engaging three-day event you won't want to miss.

06/09/2026

NEW JOPERD Column: Introducing “Preservice Pipeline”—Why This Column, Why Now by Bob Knipe

"Preservice teachers are the lifeblood and the future of health education and physical education. In a world that often tells those seeking the next step in life to shy away from a career in education, the stewards of the field—including those operating in universities, professional organizations, and in K-12 schools— are recruiting the next generation into the best profession there is. Once hooked, it is then up to the field to not just retain preservice teachers but to anoint them as ambassadors of the field. This process needs a clear pipeline of formal preparation programs, but it also requires agents and opportunities outside of the curriculum that open preservice teachers’ hearts and spirits to fully commit to the profession, their future students, and the field as a whole."

Read more:https://www.shapeamerica.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/document_manager/publications/joperd/2026/joperd_2026_05_preservice-pipeline.pdf

06/04/2026

New Blog Post: How Our PE Fundraiser Became a Community Legacy Project by Sadie Stark

"In previous years, I told students who we were fundraising for — but what would happen if I let them tell me what was important for them to support? And how much good could we do if we kept the money in our community (which was not where our money had been going)?

Here are the steps I took to give the students voice in our fundraising."

Read more: https://blog.shapeamerica.org/2026/06/how-our-pe-fundraiser-became-a-community-legacy-project/

06/04/2026

FUNDRAISER: SHAPE America's Send a Teacher Campaign - Health and Physical Education for EVERY BODY

Help Us Send Teachers to the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo – 100% of the net proceeds cover registration fees! Deadline June 30th

This "Send a Teacher" fundraiser is dedicated to raising funds to send preK-12 health and PE teachers to the 2027 SHAPE America National Convention. This campaign emphasizes the vital role of health and physical education in educating all children while promoting belonging and community. Inspired by 2017 National Health Education Teacher of the Year Andy Milne, our “Health and PE for EVERY BODY” products embody the spirit of this initiative. 100% of net proceeds from every purchase are set aside to cover registration fees for teachers to attend the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo, the nation’s leading convention for health and physical education professionals. Join us in supporting health and physical education teachers and shaping the future of education.

Learn more:

SHAPE America is proud to offer our annual “Send a Teacher” fundraising initiative! This "Send a Teacher" fundraiser is dedicated to raising funds to send preK-12 health and PE teachers to the 2027 SHAPE America National Convention. This campaign emphasizes the vital role of health and physical ...

06/02/2026

🚨 FINAL WEEK TO APPLY 🚨

The NHL STREET Equipment Grant Program closes this Friday!

Up to 100 schools will receive a FREE NHL STREET Starter Kit designed for safe play on blacktops and gym floors.

🏒 Apply before it's too late:
�https://www.shapeamerica.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/document_manager/events/pesportweek/2026/NHL-STREET-Equipment-Grant-Program.pdf

06/01/2026

NEW JOPERD Open Access Article: How Would You Treat a Friend? Part 1: Benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion Within a School Health Curriculum by Val Altieri Jr., Sierra Cordova, Robert Diehl, John McCarthy & Mariah Rooney

"Has someone ever “shown up” in a key moment for you when you were dealing with a difficult challenge? What difference did that person’s presence make for you? When a student, friend, or a loved one is going through difficulties, how do you show up for them? Do you always show up for yourself in the same way that you do for others? Sometimes the answer to that question is “No.” If we know how important it is to show up with a caring presence for others, then why is it that we are reluctant to show up with the same fierce caring for ourselves? How do you think your students would answer that same question?"

Read now: https://www.shapeamerica.org/publications/journals/joperd/joperd-free-access-article.aspx

05/30/2026

Something NEW is coming from SHAPE America...SOON😀

In mid-June, we’ll be launching a new SHAPE America website — designed to simplify how you find, access, and use the information and resources you rely on.

During this transition, our current website will remain available — and we’ll share additional updates as we get closer to launch.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

05/29/2026

Start Planning Now for a Stronger PE and Health Program Next Year

As you begin planning for the next school year, it’s an important time to consider how your health and physical education program can best support student success. SHAPE America offers a variety of standards-based workshops that can strengthen your program and drive meaningful, measurable impact — including customizable training to address specific needs in your school or district.

Learn more: https://issuu.com/shapeamerica/docs/shape_america_workshops

05/28/2026

NEWS: SportsEdTV and SHAPE America Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Physical Education Nationwide

SHAPE America and SportsEdTV have announced a new partnership focused on expanding access to instructional content and educator support resources for school-based health and physical education professionals. Upcoming back-to-school initiatives may feature curated video collections, activity demonstrations, and sport-specific resources designed to enhance physical education instruction.

Learn more: https://shapeamerica.org/pressroom/2026/sportsedtv-shape-america-announce-partnership