IAHPERD
Convention

This year’s theme is We Are VITAL! I have shared through various meetings and articles that being VITAL means that what we do every day is Value-added & Visionary, Innovative & Inclusive, Trendsetting & Time tested, Adaptable and Assessment-based and delivered by professionals who are Lifelong Learners. There has never been a better time for this message as we have pivoted from traditional face-to-face learning to distance learning in a matter of days since we met last convention. It has been heartening to watch all the examples of professionals in our field who have continued to provide meaningful, high quality health and physical education experiences for our K-12 students across the state.

This year’s convention, while anything but conventional, will be exciting and full of VITAL sessions, discussions, networking, exhibitors and social events. I encourage you to take part in as many sessions as possible to gain valuable tools for implementing health, physical education, recreation and dance with K-12 students of all ability levels and in a variety of settings.

Be sure to visit the virtual Exhibitor’s Hall where you can interact with vendors and all they have to offer. Attend a virtual social event and catch up with friends and colleagues from the past and make new friends and connections that can enhance your professional development. Avail yourself of as many sessions as possible to see the latest trends in our profession and to interact with experts in our fields.

Remember, your students are counting on you and the VITAL content and learning experiences you provide daily. Try new things, reflect on how what you learn through convention aligns with learning standards and can enhance learning for your students. Find out about advocacy and policy issues that will affect your profession. Connect with others who are doing innovative things and share the incredible things you are doing too!

Please remember to take the survey about the sessions you attend this year and the overall convention experience. Don’t forget to log your Professional Development Hours for sessions attended!

Thank you for attending this year’s IAHPERD Virtual Convention and remember that together we can and will continue to be VITAL!

Mary Henninger, IAHPERD President

mlhenni49@gmail.com