Preparing Preservice Teachers for Whole School Physical Activity Leadership: Small Changes in PETE Lend Big Outcomes

The Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a whole-of-school approach aimed at increasing youth physical activity (PA) throughout the school day. Within this model, physical educators and classroom teachers serve as physical activity leaders (PALs) by initiating and supporting expanded PA opportunities. However, their ability to take on these roles often depends on receiving appropriate PAL training, which is a key factor in their involvement. Evidence shows that more physical education teacher education (PETE) programs include PAL and CSPAP training, and preservice teachers value opportunities to lead school-based PA initiatives. Broader adoption across PETE programs is needed especially with upcoming PETE standards revisions. In the face of ongoing challenges in public education, preparing future educators to be PALs is one important strategy to promote the value of physical education in schools. This presentation highlights one PETE program’s approach to integrating sequential PAL leadership experiences that lead to meaningful outcomes.