Winter 2026: OAHPERD Journal 
President's Message
A Message from the 2025-2026 OAHPERD President, Dee Gerlach
Dear OAHPERD Community,
Serving as the President of OAHPERD, I’m honored to support an organization that continues to grow as a vital resource for professionals in health, physical education, recreation, dance, athletics, research, and exercise science. As we move into the winter season, I’m looking forward to a year where we strive for meaningful progress as we continue advancing OAHPERD’s mission to promote healthy, active lifestyles across Oklahoma.
Our organization is excited to look ahead to our upcoming state convention, which will offer inspiring sessions, opportunities to connect, and a chance to celebrate our achievements while exploring new strategies for the future. Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission; together, we will continue to inspire collaboration, growth, and a healthier Oklahoma as we KeepMovingForward#2026.
Dee Gerlach, OAHPERD President
OAHPERD News and Events
|
OAHPERD News OAHPERD's Board and Council are working diligently on the 2026 Convention! Now, we need your help to celebrate the amazing work going on in Oklahoma. In the below section, please nominate colleagues for the Teacher of the Year awards or choose to present a session or two at convention to highlight your expertise. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 99th Annual OAHPERD Convention in October!
Call for Presenters for the 2026 OAHPERD Convention are now open!!OAHPERD is excited to announce that the Call for Presenters for our 2026 Convention is now open! We invite educators, professionals, and experts in the fields of health, physical education, recreation, and dance to share their knowledge, innovative ideas, and best practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to inspire and collaborate with fellow professionals. Submit your proposal today! Submissions due June 2026. |
Teacher of the Year Nominations are now open!!Do you know a teacher who excels in what they do in the health, physical education, and/or adapted physical education classroom? Nominate them (or yourself) for one of the Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Teacher of the Year awards by clicking on the form below. This form will remain open until March 18, 2026. 2026 OAHPERD Teacher of the Year Nomination Form |
|
OAHPERD's Lunch & Learn Join us on February 24 at 12:00 pm for a Virtual Lunch and Learn Session with Laura Holloway, who works at Pryor Public Schools. She will be discussing before and after school programs including physical activity opportunities. Register here to get updates regarding this Lunch and Learn. Submit questions for Laura Holloway at the Lunch & Learn We understand that not everyone is able to attend the Virtual Lunch & Learn each month. To ensure all teachers and health professionals can still benefit, we offer the opportunity to submit questions in advance for the featured subject matter expert. These questions will be addressed during the session, allowing you to watch the recording later and still receive meaningful, relevant answers on your schedule. Click on this link to submit questions to OAHPERD’s Lunch & Learn. Spring 2026 Lunch & Learn Topics Sessions are held virtually via Zoom, fostering statewide collaboration and accessibility. Schedule The Lunch & Learn series meets on the last Tuesday of each month, allowing participants to build relationships, deepen learning, and apply strategies over time. |
Interested in being an OAHPERD Sponsor or ExhibitorOAHPERD is looking for those companies and businesses that have an interest in becoming a Sponsor and/or being an Exhibitor for the 99th Annual OAHPERD Convention in October 2026. For those interested in being a Sponsor, check out the different Sponsorship Levels and benefits you can receive based on your contribution by clicking here. Please complete the form(s) below if you are and our Exhibits Manager, Katie Barton, will be getting in touch to discuss the opportunity further. Sponsor Interest Form Exhibitor Interest Form |
National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy Resources
Check out the NAHPL's Events & Resources |
|
SHAPE America Resources
|
|
|
SHAPE America'a Resources & Convention Winter Issue of Momentum Just Published! |
|
Oklahoma's Physical Education Resources
OSDE Micro-Credential: Skills-Based Health Education
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is offering a free professional learning opportunity for physical education and health teachers across the state. The Skills-Based Health Education micro-credential is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of how to deliver engaging, student-centered health lessons that promote health literacy.
Hosted on OSDE Connect, the department’s online learning platform, this self-paced micro-credential includes seven interactive modules.
Teachers can expect to spend up to 15 hours completing the modules and associated activities. Upon successful completion of a final competency-based assessment, educators will earn a Credly digital badge, a portable credential that recognizes their expertise and commitment to quality physical education.
Whether you're new to the field or a veteran teacher looking to enhance your practice, this micro-credential offers practical strategies and resources to support more engaging and impactful health education.
|
Fitness Challenge Calendar
S & S Blog's February 2026 Fitness Challenge Calendar is ready for you!
Use this printable calendar as a resource to share with your students and encourage them to also participate in the challenge at home with their family. For your PE class or classroom, you can use the Fitness Challenge indoor or outdoors as a fun way to get kids moving and active.
The Alliance For A Healthier Generation created this fitness calendar for the month of February 2026. Here is the link to the download:
Printable Fitness Challenge Calendar February 2026
Journal and/or Peer Reviewed Articles
The purpose of this article was to demonstrate how recreation centers provide essential opportunities for physical activity
Read more.
Convention Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors for their generous support and commitment. Your contributions have been instrumental in making the convention a remarkable and successful event.
Your partnership helped in organizing a seamless and engaging experience but also demonstrated your dedication to our community. We truly appreciate your investment and belief in our vision.
Thank you for being an essential part of our organization. We look forward to continuing this valuable relationship and achieving even greater successes together in the future.
