SHAPE America

SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) is a professional association in the United States that represents health and physical education professionals. The organization is dedicated to advancing professional practice and promoting research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance, and sport.

History

SHAPE America was founded in 1885 as the Association for the Advancement of Physical Education. Over the years, the organization underwent several name changes, including the American Association for the Advancement of Physical Education (AAAPE), the American Physical Education Association (APEA), and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). In 2014, the organization rebranded itself as SHAPE America.

Mission and Vision

The mission of SHAPE America is to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs, and to provide them with the resources and support they need to help all students lead healthy and physically active lives. The vision of SHAPE America is "Healthy People – Physically Educated and Physically Active!"

Programs and Initiatives

SHAPE America offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at improving health and physical education. These include:

• Standards and Guidelines: SHAPE America develops national standards for K-12 physical education, health education, and coaching.
• Professional Development: The organization provides workshops, webinars, and conferences for educators to enhance their professional skills.
• Advocacy: SHAPE America advocates for policies that support quality health and physical education programs in schools.
• Research: The organization promotes research in the fields of health and physical education and disseminates findings through its publications.

Publications

SHAPE America publishes several journals and magazines, including:

• Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (JOPERD)
• American Journal of Health Education (AJHE)
• Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (RQES)
• Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators

Membership

Membership in SHAPE America is open to individuals and institutions involved in health and physical education. Members receive access to professional development resources, publications, and networking opportunities.

Annual Convention

SHAPE America hosts an annual national convention and exposition, which is one of the largest gatherings of health and physical education professionals in the United States. The convention features keynote speakers, educational sessions, and an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services in the field.

Awards and Recognition

SHAPE America recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of health and physical education through various awards and honors, including:

• Teacher of the Year Awards
• Honor Awards
• Distinguished Service Awards

See Also

• Physical education
• Health education
• National standards for physical education
• Professional development
• Advocacy