Written by: Wendy Siskin

Today marks a milestone for the Wellness in the Schools Coach for Kids program. Three years ago, in collaboration with Exos and the NYC Public School Office of School Wellness Programs, we expanded our reach to serve as an accredited resource, providing tailored professional development specifically designed for physical and health educators. In this expansion, we are now reaching over 200 NYC PE teachers, together serving approximately 100,000 children.

Complementing our in-school Coach for Kids Flagship model, these trainings bring NYC teachers together for two distinct offsite experiences: three borough-specific CoachCamp trainings for intimate collaboration, and one Annual Coach Summit for large-scale, city-wide professional development.

This initiative reaches beyond curriculum support; it invests in the educators themselves – equipping PE teachers/coaches with the tools to excel in their classrooms, competition fields, and playgrounds; empowering them as coaches and humans; and restoring the spark that drew them to this profession in the first place.

Our partnerships with both Exos and the NYC Public School Office of School Wellness Programs ensure comprehensive resources and professional credit that consistently deliver a thoughtful approach. It has garnered the attention of teachers across the city, prompting them to reserve their spot for the upcoming opportunity for the “sold-out” training events.

On the heels of just completing this year’s annual summit, we are left floating with excitement at how very powerful these events have become, and also realizing how much more we can accomplish together. It is incredible to gather 100 of the best PE teachers in NYC to teach and learn skills, to share common goals, to perfect their crafts, and to inspire each. The enthusiasm in the room was infectious. Whether it is a CoachCamp or the Annual Coach Summit, it is always a day full of pride, humility, teamwork, connection, and empowerment.

We look forward to growing this initiative to reach our markets nationwide.