2026 SHAPE Iowa

Strength training is becoming an essential part of student development, yet many physical education teachers are asked to run a weight room with little background in the strength and conditioning field. Presenting on behalf of the National High School Strength Coaches Association Iowa Chapter, this session will provide real life/practical strategies for integrating strength training into physical education, how to structure a high school weight room class, and building a sustainable culture of strength within Iowa schools. Attendees will leave with simple, real world ideas they can immediately use in their own programs. 💪

By providing choice in the physical education classroom, you can empower your students to become the primary decision-makers on their path to physical literacy.  By attending this session, you will learn how a small school, 9-12 grade PE classroom is structured on a daily-basis.  The presentation features information on the 30+ choices students are provided throughout the period and during our workouts, how the digital platform PLT4M has supported our mission with age-appropriate programming, how we track and celebrate student success stories, and how we scaffold physical literacy for all students in a fully inclusive physical education classroom that uses spaces like a gym, a weightroom and fitness center, a track, and other fields. 

To provide Tips and Tricks to enhance the Adaptive PE classes in Iowa. Finding ways to engage and boost Adaptive PE Programs.

Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a critical yet often overlooked component of quality physical education programming and special education services. This session will explore the role of Adapted Physical Education in supporting the whole child, while outlining school responsibilities related to physical education and individualized education programs (IEPs). Participants will gain a clear understanding of how APE fits within a continuum of services and how inclusive practices can support all learners in physical activity settings.
In addition, this presentation will address the current realities many schools face, including limited access to certified APE professionals, and the resulting reliance on general physical education teachers to deliver specialized instruction. Practical strategies will be shared to help schools build capacity, strengthen collaboration, and improve access to quality physical education for students with disabilities.
Participants will leave with actionable steps to:
Support inclusive and meaningful participation in physical educationEnsure compliance with legal requirementsAdvocate for the involvement of physical education teachers in the IEP process
Adapted Physical Education is not a privilege—it is a right.

​Presentation Link​​​