SRU hosts annual SRUAHPERD Mini-Convention March 27
Slippery Rock University will host the 49th annual SRUAHPERD Mini-Convention, a professional development expo for teachers and students in the wellness and physical and health education fields.
March 13, 2019
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - Advocacy is the theme of the 49th annual Slippery Rock University Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Mini-Convention that will take place March 27 at Morrow Field House. The Mini-Convention is hosted by the Physical and Health Education Department and organized by the School Wellness Education Council, SRU's student-run health and wellness professional development organization previously known as SRUAHPERD.
Organizers consider advocacy as "speaking on behalf of a whole, with that whole's interests and ideals at heart." "The whole," as it relates to SRUAHPERD Mini-Convention, is physical and health education teachers and their students.
"It can be invigorating to be around like-minded people and learn something you can use and take back with you to your school," said Joanne Leight, professor of physical and health education and department chair. "(This convention) is a way to stay passionate and energized about the profession."
Speakers at the event will look to inspire attendees to share the benefits of their programs with their colleagues and administrators.
More than 200 professionals from the region and college students from SRU, Pitt-Bradford, Edinboro University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania are expected to attend. In addition to earning per-session credits for Act 48, a state-mandated continuing professional education requirement for educators holding Pennsylvania public school certification, the Mini-Convention is an opportunity for professionals and students to learn from pioneers and innovators in the health and physical education field through break-out sessions, programs, demonstrations and a keynote address. This year's keynote speaker is Brian Devore, a former Georgia AHPERD and SHAPE America District Teacher of the Year who is now a health and physical education presenter and consultant.
"For professionals, this is a great opportunity for professional development because it's an option that's close by and inexpensive compared to national, regional or state conferences," Leight said. "This is also a wonderful opportunity for our students to plan a professional development event on our campus. They have really embraced the opportunity and are taking pride in organizing an event that's beneficial for them as attendees and allows them to interact with professionals in the field, including our alumni."
Registration for the Mini-Convention is from 7:15-8:30 a.m., during which time there will be an opportunity for a group workout in the Morrow Field House and an alumni breakfast in the Collaboration Room. Opening remarks will begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by hourly presentations, the keynote at 11 a.m. and lunch at noon. The afternoon will include additional presentations and an awards and scholarship ceremony before the event concludes at 3:30 p.m. Teachers are also encouraged to bring prospective students as there will be programs organized throughout the day for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in learning more about attending SRU.
Registration for the Mini-Convention is $25 for professionals and $12 for students. People can register on the day of the event or by completing an online form, by clicking here. For more information about the Mini-Convention, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu