Leading Laterally: Empowering HPE Teachers to Influence and Inspire Without a Title

Leadership in education doesn’t always come with a formal title. Health and physical education (HPE) teachers have unique opportunities to influence peers, shape instruction, and advocate for high-quality programming -- even without a supervisory role. This session explores the concept of “leading laterally,” giving educators practical strategies to inspire colleagues, foster collaboration, and drive instructional improvement within their schools or districts.

Participants will learn how to leverage their expertise, relationships, and credibility to model best practices, facilitate peer learning, and align efforts with school and district priorities. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and scenario-based problem-solving, attendees will develop the confidence and skills to lead from where they are. Whether you’re the only HPE teacher in your building or part of a larger team, you’ll leave with actionable tools to strengthen your professional impact -- no title required.