Professional Development for Educators & Public Health Leaders

Total of 7 professional development trainings.

*For Texas-based schools, this professional development track meets the Texas Coordinated School Health mandate.

Start Your CATCH Journey: PE Journeys

2-hours virtual or asynchronous, can be combined with Start Your Journey: Health Ed Journeys
Geared for health and physical education professionals who are preparing to implement the CATCH PE Journeys curriculum.

If we want students to make the decision to be active, eat well, and take care of their overall physical and mental well-being, educators must provide them with enjoyable experiences and a school environment that teaches and supports healthy behaviors and mindsets. Participants will learn strategies to integrate health and wellness into their school environment beyond the gym or health education classroom. Additionally, gain competency in using the instructional resources included in the CATCH PE Journeys and/or Health Ed Journeys curriculum, understand how curriculum fits into the Coordinated School Health framework, and begin to develop an individualized implementation plan.
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CATCH PE Principles & Philosophy

Full day in-service, in-person only
Geared for physical education teachers.

This comprehensive professional development training includes three learning objectives:

1. Class Management Strategies to Maximize Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) & Engagement – Articulate the principles of classroom management to boost MVPA among students and implement a high-energy, efficient and effective physical education program.
2. Foundations for Success for All Students – Explore inclusive practices that enable students of all abilities to participate successfully, confidently, and joyfully in physical education.
3. Program Implementation – Design a personal implementation plan through CATCH PE program materials.

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Leveling Up with CATCH PE

Full day in-service, in-person only
Geared for physical education teachers.

Participants will review, learn, and practice a variety of classroom management strategies for engaging large student groups, and implement the grid management system as a way to maximize MVPA by keeping students active and engaged throughout physical education time. Specific learning objectives includes:

• Routines and rituals
• Managing large groups/class sizes
• Grid management system
• Skills progressions

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Reinforcing Health in PE

Half day in-service, in-person, Limited Availability
Geared for physical education teachers.

Participants will make a plan to implement a variety of strategies for integrating health education topics into a physical education class structure while still maintaining a high level of physical activity time. Schools are encouraged to include classroom-based health education instruction beyond a physical education class as part of a well-rounded education as defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
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SEL & PE Integration

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for physical education teachers.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of the CASEL Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) framework and learn practice strategies for embedding SEL into their existing physical education classes and curriculum.
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Physical Activity Inclusion of Youth with Physical & Intellectual Disabilities

Free, a-synchronous only
Geared for individuals who lead physical activity for children and teens.

This professional development training was developed in partnership with The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and is included for free with all CATCH physical activity programs. Participants will receive self-guided training to develop best practices for including students with all disabilities in meaningful physical activity.
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Recess & Free Play Basics

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual, Limited Availability
Geared for school staff and volunteers who plan and/or supervise recess or unstructured play.

Recess is one of the few non-instructional periods during the school day. However, this does not mean that students are not learning. Recess is a prime opportunity for students to practice physical literacy skills, engage in physical activity, and activities that promote social and emotional development. Participants will learn the difference between structured and unstructured physical activity, gain a variety of strategies to facilitate student-led physical activities, and be introduced to recess best practices and organizational tools to make recess a positive, active and seamless part of the school day for all.
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Meaningful Movement & Health in the Classroom – A Foundation for Mental Well-Being

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for educators and school leaders seeking to incorporate physical activity into classroom settings and instructional practices.

Participants will learn how to increase students’ physical activity and mindfulness through movement with two intentional strategies. They include a stress management and self-care strategy with benefits for the physical and mental well-being of all students, and an effective teaching strategy to support learning and community building in the classroom. Effective implementation of these strategies provides educators with a no-cost and effective Tier 1 intervention to promote student well-being.
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Total of 3 professional development trainings.

CATCH Kids Club Principles & Philosophy

Full day in-service, in-person only
Geared for out-of-school time (OST) program staff and administrators.

This comprehensive professional development training includes three learning objectives:

1. Class Management Strategies to Maximize Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) & Engagement – Articulate the principles of classroom management that empowers instructors to boost MVPA among students and implement a high-energy, efficient and effective physical education program.
2. Foundations for Success for All Students – Explore inclusive practices that enable students of all abilities to participate successfully, confidently, and joyfully in physical education.
3. Healthy Habits & Nutrition in OST – Dive into CATCH Kids Club nutrition components.

Note: For schools wishing to apply CATCH principles and philosophy, but not planning to use or implement the Healthy Habits nutrition curriculum, this section can be customized to include a deeper dive and additional practice on the topics covered in parts 1 and 2 of the curriculum.
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CATCH Kids Club Booster Training

Half day in-service, in-person only
Geared for OST program staff and administrators.

Participants will learn and practice a variety of classroom management strategies for engaging large groups and implementing the “grids” strategy as a way to maximize MVPA by keeping students active and engaged throughout physical activity time.
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Physical Activity Inclusion of Youth with Physical & Intellectual Disabilities

Free, a-synchronous only
Geared for individuals who lead physical activity for children and teens.

This professional development training was developed in partnership with The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and is included for free with all CATCH physical activity programs. Participants will receive self-guided training to develop best practices for including students with all disabilities in meaningful physical activity.
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Total of 6 professional development trainings.

*For Texas-based schools, this professional development track meets the Texas Coordinated School Health mandate.

Start Your CATCH Journey: Health Ed Journeys

Half day in-service, in-person or 2-hours virtual or asynchronous, can be combined with Start Your Journey: PE Journeys
Geared for health and physical education professionals who are preparing to implement CATCH Health Ed Journeys curriculum.

If we want students to make the decision to be active, eat well, and take care of their overall physical and mental well-being, educators must provide them with enjoyable experiences and a school environment that teaches and supports healthy behaviors and mindsets. Participants will learn strategies to integrate health and wellness into their school environment beyond the gym or health education classroom. Additionally, gain competency in using the instructional resources included in the CATCH Health Ed Journeys curriculum, understand how curriculum fits into the Coordinated School Health framework, and begin to develop an individualized implementation plan.
Get Started

Meaningful Movement & Health in the Classroom – A Foundation for Mental Well-Being

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for educators and school leaders seeking to incorporate physical activity into classroom settings and instructional practices.

Participants will learn how to increase students’ physical activity and mindfulness throughout the school day as strategies to address stress management, effective teaching, and classroom community building. Ideas presented during this professional development training are easy to implement with or without additional equipment. Effective implementation of these strategies provides educators with a no-cost and effective Tier 1 intervention to promote student well-being.
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Reinforcing Health in PE

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for physical education teachers

Participants will make a plan to implement a variety of strategies for integrating health education topics into a physical education class structure while still maintaining a high level of physical activity time. Schools are encouraged to include classroom-based health education instruction beyond a physical education class as part of a well-rounded education as defined by the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Get Started

Best Practices for Nutrition Education, (Available February 2025)

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for classroom teachers, physical educators, SNAP-Ed educators, and preschool educators.

Participants will learn the basics of culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed nutrition education. This includes key techniques to present scientifically accurate information about food and healthy diets, and acknowledging that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other adversity in individuals lives may contribute to unhealthy dietary habits rather than personal choices as to avoid stigma, shaming, and blaming.
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Oral Health: CATCH Healthy Smiles Implementation

Free, a-synchronous only
Geared for anyone delivering or supporting oral health instruction for children, ages 3-8.

Participants will learn effective strategies on how to help students master essential brushing and flossing skills, and develop positive oral hygiene habits for a lifetime. Curriculum is available for free.
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Sun Safety: Ray and the Sunbeatables® and Be Sunbeatable™ Implementation

Free, a-synchronous only
Geared for anyone working with or delivering sun safety instruction to children, ages 3-8.

Participants will receive self-guided training to learn how to spread sun safety awareness through the implementation of the Ray and the Sunbeatables® and Be Sunbeatable™ programs. Curriculum is available for free.
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Total of 5 professional development trainings.

*For Texas-based schools, this professional development track meets the Texas Coordinated School Health mandate.

Start Your Journey: CATCH Whole Child Leadership

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual or asynchronous
Geared for individuals or teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative. Administrator participation is strongly encouraged.

Participants will learn how to develop and sustain a culture of health and wellness in their school. Strategies will be explored for cultivating a school climate that values and reinforces health and wellness, and effective leadership skills to help achieve buy-in and coordination on a school campus.
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Continue Your Journey: The Language of CATCH

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for individuals or teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative. Administrator participation is strongly encouraged.

High-quality health and physical education for every student is essential toward creating a healthy school environment. However, instruction alone may not lead to healthy behavior adoption. CATCH whole child coordination can increase the impact of high quality physical education or health curriculum through our proven formula: Knowledge building + Skill development + Environmental support = Student success.

Participants will delve into the CATCH framework which introduces a common language for healthy nutrition, physical activity, and social-emotional wellness throughout the school day leading to a culture of health.
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Engage with CATCH: Family & Community Engagement

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for individuals or teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative. Administrator participation is strongly encouraged.

Participants will explore a variety of family and community engagement strategies, and design a blueprint for engagement on their campus. Specific strategies include how to Connect (build positive relationships and raise awareness), Engage (communicate and provide opportunities for participation/input), and Sustain (extend beyond school and home with community activities) family and community engagement.
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Nutrition Services – Getting Coordinated

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual, Limited Availability
Geared for nutrition services staff and teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative.

Participants will explore the role of school nutrition services in order to create a positive, health-promoting environment and help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to make healthy choices about what they eat at school.
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Staff Wellness: MIND-HEART-BODY – A Foundation for Staff & Student Mental Well-Being

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual, Limited Availability
Geared for individuals or teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative. Administrator participation is strongly encouraged.

Participants will gain new ideas and strategies to advocate for a school environment that supports staff social and emotional wellness. Covered strategies include addressing intrapersonal needs such as managing emotions and stress, and interpersonal needs related to building strong relationships and perspective taking. Participants will feel empowered to build upon their own growth in order to address student needs.
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Total of 3 professional development trainings.

CATCH My Breath Implementation

2 hours in-service virtual or asynchronous
Geared for health and education professionals who work with youth in grades 5-12.

This comprehensive professional development training includes three learning objectives:

1. Introduction to the Youth Vaping Epidemic – Explore the harmful effects of nicotine and e-cigarette use among youth, and understand the reasons why teens vape and how to talk to teens about vaping.
2. How Things Got Out of Control? – Analyze the extent and root causes of the youth vaping epidemic.
3. Program Implementation – Understand CATCH My Breath’s evidence-based research, impact, and reach. Explore program components and develop strategies for implementation, including the facilitation of peer-led discussion groups.

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CATCH My Breath Training Academy

2 days train-the-trainer (Day one is 3 hours and day two is 4 hours), virtual
Geared for health and education professionals seeking to provide other adults with strategies for implementing the CATCH My Breath program.

This comprehensive training includes all components of the Implementation Training as well as:

1. Practical instructional strategies for teaching CATCH My Breath and delivering implementation training within your community.
2. Best-practice actions and policies that lead to successful implementation.
3. Best-practices on educating parents through program parent engagement materials.
4. An in-depth look at the CATCH My Breath curriculum including STEM, humanities, self-paced modules, and virtual field trips.
5. Required training session modeling and delivery.
6. Course completion and exam is required for certification.

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Total of 3 professional development trainings.

Start Your CATCH Journey: SEL Journeys

2-hours virtual or asynchronous
Geared for educators who are preparing to implement the CATCH SEL Journeys curriculum.

If we want students to make the decision to be active, eat well, and take care of their overall physical and mental well-being, educators must provide them with enjoyable experiences and a school environment that teaches and supports healthy behaviors and mindsets. Participants will learn strategies to integrate social-emotional learning into their school environment beyond the classroom. Additionally, review foundational knowledge about social-emotional learning, gain competency in using the instructional resources included in the CATCH SEL Journeys curriculum, and begin to develop an individualized implementation plan.
Get Started

MIND-HEART-BODY – A Foundation for Staff & Student Mental Well-Being

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual
Geared for individuals or teams charged with leading a Whole Child initiative. Administrator participation is strongly encouraged.

Participants will gain new ideas and strategies to advocate for a school environment that supports staff social and emotional wellness. Covered strategies include addressing intrapersonal needs such as managing emotions and stress, and interpersonal needs related to building strong relationships and perspective taking. Participants will feel empowered to build upon their own growth in order to address student needs.
Get Started

Total of 3 professional development trainings.

CATCH Early Childhood Principles & Philosophy

Full day in-service, in-person only
Geared for staff and administrators of preschools, daycare, and early learning centers.

This comprehensive professional development training includes three learning objectives:

1. Class Management Strategies to Maximize Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) & Engagement – Articulate the principles of classroom management to boost MVPA among students and implement a high-energy, efficient and effective physical education program.
2. Foundations for Success for All Students – Explore inclusive practices that enable students of all abilities to participate successfully, confidently, and joyfully in physical education.
3. Healthy Habits & Nutrition for Early Childhood – Explore CATCH Early Childhood nutrition and gardening components along with fun, developmentally engaging approaches and hands-on activities, songs and stories.

Note: CATCH can customize this professional development training for participants who prefer to focus on either the physical activity component or the healthy habits and nutrition component respectively.
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Physical Activity Inclusion of Youth with Physical & Intellectual Disabilities

Free, asynchronous only
Geared for individuals who lead physical activity for children and teens.

This professional development training was developed in partnership with The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) and is included for free with all CATCH physical activity programs. Participants will receive self-guided training to develop best practices for including students with all disabilities in meaningful physical activity.
Get Started

Early Childhood Health Promotion: A Coordinated Approach

Half day in-service in-person or 2-hours virtual, in-person or virtual
Geared for staff and administrators of preschools, daycare, and early learning centers.

Participants will explore strategies for cultivating a culture and climate that values and reinforces health and wellness in age-appropriate ways, and gain effective leadership skills to achieve buy-in from staff, parents and caregivers, and other essential stakeholders.
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