Cultivating Physical Activity Leadership in Schools: A Three-tiered Approach to Professional Development

Abstract

Schools are important venues for physical activity (PA) promotion, and many are working to develop and sustain high-quality comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs). Educators interested in serving as PA leaders on school campuses are likely to benefit from continuing professional development (PD) focused on knowledge and skills associated with PA leadership. Over the past decade, a number of national initiatives focused on training PA leaders have been developed and delivered (e.g., DPA certification, PAL Learning System, revised teacher preparation programs). This article reviews some of the PD opportunities available to prospective PA leaders and describes a unique three-tiered approach to PD being offered in Colorado. The approach includes one-day workshops, a one-semester online course, and a two-year master's program focused on PA leadership — all connected via cooperative content development, collaborative evaluation/data sharing, and shared marketing. The model being delivered in Colorado may serve as an example for other states interested in enhancing their PA leadership-development opportunities.