INSHAPE 2026: Full Schedule

8:00am EST

Bulldog Approved: Elementary PE Activities That Just Work

Thursday November 5, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Join two Elementary Teachers of the Year for an active session filled with low-prep, high-engagement PE activities designed for K–5 students. Participants will experience elementary-tested games, cooperative challenges, and instant activities that maximize movement, build teamwork, and keep students engaged. Attendees will leave with practical ideas, modifications, and ready-to-use activities for their own elementary PE programs.

Speakers

Tyler Staup

PE Teacher, Brownsburg Community School Corporation -Lincoln Elementary

Zach Kelley

Physical Education Teacher, Crossroads Elementary

Zach Kelley is an elementary physical education teacher in his 26th year of teaching and the 2016 INSHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year recipient. He is passionate about creating engaging movement experiences for students and leads a highly successful school juggling program that... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Turf A

Elementary, Session #16

10:30am EST

Mrs. Teacher to Mrs. Gym - Transitioning from Classroom Teacher to Teaching an the Gym

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST

Keynote

Join in on an interactive discussion session focused on the unique journey of transitioning from a traditional classroom teacher into the role of a PE teacher. Drawing from my 3 years of teaching 5th grade and then transitioning to my 15 year of teaching Physical Education, I will present key topics on how to navigate the shift, adapt behavior management for larger spaces, and introduce unique programs that build a library of physical literacy skills. This session is designed to be highly collaborative, providing an open forum to field questions, share real-world challenges, and collaborate with other physical educators on how to successfully pivot into the gym while continuing to provide the best experiences for our students.

Speakers

Andrea Bornino

Lecturer and Klondike Elementary PE Teacher, Tippecanoe School Corporation

Andrea Bornino is a former VP of The INSHAPE Elementary PE Council, currently serves on the INSHAPE Grants Council, has taught PE for over 15+ years, is a Lecturer at Purdue and was the 2017 INSHAPE Elementary PE TOY.

AWARD: INSHAPE Elementary TOY 2017 Teacher of the Year... Read More →

Thursday November 5, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST
Keynote

Elementary, Session #24

12:45pm EST

Making Every Minute Count: Strategies for Increasing MVPA in PE

Thursday November 5, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EST

Turf B

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) is an essential component of quality PE. This session will share practical, evidence-based strategies to increase MVPA throughout your PE classes. Activities will showcase effective techniques for class management, differentiated instruction and modifying traditional sports to maximize movement and minimize downtime. Walk away with tools you can use right away to boost student fitness levels and inspire a lifelong passion for physical activity!

Speakers

Jeff Mushkin

Content Development Manager, SPARK

Thursday November 5, 2026 12:45pm - 1:30pm EST
Turf B

Elementary, Session #6

2:45pm EST

Anatomical Action- Bodies in Motion

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EST

Court 2

HEAD over to this active session to keep an EYE out for new ideas! You will get a LEG up on how to integrate science into elementary physical education. You won't have to give up an ARM and a LEG to help your students explore the impact of movement on the HUMAN body! Make no BONES about it, you'll leave able to create engaging lessons from the HEART!

Speakers

Dan HIll

Teacher, Physical Education, KY

NBCT, OPEN National Trainer, KY Elementary TOY 2014

Thursday November 5, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm EST
Court 2

Elementary, Session #4

8:00am EST

Jump Rope: Ingredients for A Successful Unit!

Friday November 6, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Court 1

Teachers will discover effective strategies to deconstruct jump rope skills, offer progressions that enhance students’ confidence, and introduce engaging games to keep students motivated throughout a successful unit! Our focus will be on single rope techniques and games that can be adapted for students of all ages and skill levels.

Speakers

Nick Woodard

Learnin' the Ropes

Nick Woodard is a professional jump rope athlete who has won 14 world championships. He travels around the world promoting the sport through workshops, shows, and competitions. Nick and his wife own Learnin The Ropes where they strive to inspire, educate and serve others by providing... Read More →

Friday November 6, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Court 1

Elementary, Session #40

10:30am EST

Balloons, Noodles, and Teamwork...Oh My!

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST

Court 2

During this activity session, participants will engage in a variety of cooperative physical activities utilizing easily accessible materials and equipment (lots of use of noodles and balloons). Session participants will explore various ways to manipulate noodles, balloons, and foam coated balls through cooperative learning physical activities. Presented activities are designed to be delivered in a way that is very friendly to learners of various abilities. For example, use of visual aids and brief verbal instructions to help make learning more comprehensible for multilingual learners. Aspects of the meaningful physical education framework will be explored by seeking out the appropriate level of challenge for certain activities. Formative assessment and reflection opportunities via Kagan learning structures will demonstrate how to provide all students to simultaneously engage in meaningful use of listening and speaking skills. All presented activities will be aligned to the 2024 national physical education standards.

Speakers

Derek Picha

Physical Education/DAPE Teacher, Sumner Elementary School

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST
Court 2

Elementary, Session #2

10:30am EST

Holidays in Motion: PE Fun for Every Season

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST

Turf A

This activity-based session will explore active and inclusive activities for PE that can be used to celebrate holidays! Discover fun ways to promote movement, cultural appreciation, and community spirit in your gym or classroom through joyful, seasonal play! Learn to incorporate holidays into PE supporting physical development while fostering a welcoming environment for all students.

Speakers

Brian Devore

Professional Development Director, OPEN

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 →

Friday November 6, 2026 10:30am - 11:15am EST
Turf A

Elementary, Session #13

12:30pm EST

Vigorous Visuals: AI-Generated Instructional Aids in PE

Friday November 6, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EST

Court 2

Move beyond the "stick-figure-on-a-whiteboard" era and explore how Various AI tools can create high-quality, customized instructional aids in seconds. Whether you need a step-by-step visual of a skill or a modified activity diagram for inclusive PE, AI is your new teacher assistant. Participants are encouraged to bring a mobile device.

Speakers

Dan HIll

Teacher, Physical Education, KY

NBCT, OPEN National Trainer, KY Elementary TOY 2014

Friday November 6, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm EST
Court 2

Elementary, Session #5

2:30pm EST

Elementary #PhysEd Faves

Friday November 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Court 2

Come one, come all! Let’s dive into a variety of student favorite physical education activities designed to maximize engagement in movement and minimize verbal instruction. Throughout this session, participants will engage in physical activities that engage the body and mind through cross-curricular content. Participants will also engage in small group discussions in the form of Kagan learning structures.

Speakers