University of Northern Colorado Unveils a New Online Master’s Program to Prepare Leaders of School-Wide Physical Activity

Schools have been charged to take a whole-of-school approach to promote daily physical activity participation among school-aged youth. A comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) is a guiding model (see figure) for the provision of daily opportunities for students to accumulate 60 minutes or more of physical activity across five components: a) quality physical education, b) physical activity during school, c) physical activity before/after school, d) staff involvement, and e) family/community engagement. Many CSPAP resources, tools and training materials are available through Let’s Move! Active Schools (www.letsmoveschools.org) to support school professionals in leading CSPAP efforts. Learning experiences are now also being offered within university curricula to help prepare the next generation of school professionals for their role as leaders and supporters of school-wide physical activity promotion.

The Sport and Exercise Science faculty (see table) at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) have answered the call for CSPAP-enhanced teacher preparation programs by reshaping their Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program. The M.A.T in Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership at UNC is one of the first of its kind dedicated to preparing, supporting, and mentoring school champions to effectively implement prolonged CSPAP efforts in and around schools. The two year program is conducted in a convenient hybrid format for working professionals; online courses occur during the fall and spring semesters, and an on-campus two-week summer institute during the summer. The program advances candidates’ knowledge in physical education, while educating them on how to promote school-wide physical activity, coordinate before and after school physical activity opportunities, and increase staff, family, and community involvement. Applications for the first cohort are now being accepted at www.UNCActiveSchools.com. Physical educators, classroom teachers, and district or school administrators are encouraged to apply. Summer travel scholarships ($1,500 each) are available to nearly all accepted candidates.

Student Perspectives:

“This innovative MAT program will offer you a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical applications of comprehensive school physical activity program promotion. In this two year, 30-credit master’s degree you will learn how to encourage individuals to make positive lifestyle choices and have an opportunity to gain hands on experience during the two week session at the UNC campus-and enjoy a little Colorado summer! The expert faculty at UNC are leaders and practitioners in the fields of CSPAP. As a graduate student at UNC, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside them.” Hillary Franks, PhD student

“As a graduate student, being able to learn about the newly established methods and frameworks to implement such in-demand school-wide plans, along with obtaining cutting-edge credentials that are attractive to employers is of high value. UNC is addressing the needs of students who would like to take on and excel in this broader role within their schools as school-wide leaders of physical activity. UNC has also managed to make the program incredibly accessible for nontraditional students and working professionals, as it is primarily an online program, with an excuse to visit the UNC campus during the summer.” Ann C. Pulling Kuhn, incoming PhD student