2026 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE & SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Conference schedule subject to change

Full Conference Program Coming Soon

INCLUDES: Conference Welcome, Full Session Schedule and Details, Exhibit Sponsors, Award Recipients and Much More…

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Award-winning educator, coach, presenter, and professional leader with nearly 30 years of experience in physical education, curriculum development, teacher training, and student wellness. Currently serving as President and Co-Executive Director of the North Carolina Society of Health and Physical Educators (NC SHAPE), Christopher provides statewide leadership and professional development for educators. He has served as a district lead physical educator and has presented nationally and internationally on effective physical education practices, movement integration, curriculum development, SPARK, Action-Based Learning, and the OPEN curriculum. Christopher is passionate about empowering educators, strengthening physical education programs, and creating meaningful, active learning experiences that positively impact students.

THURSDAY KEYNOTE:

Chris Walker

Hey: I am needed.

Every day, educators have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students, often in ways they may never fully realize. Through personal stories, movement, and reflection, Chris Walker explores the power educators have to build confidence, foster belonging, and inspire students to see what’s possible. Because the way we show up matters—and that’s what makes you a superhero.

Rob Silliman is a father to two daughters, Charley and Ainsley and a husband to his wonderful wife Caitin. Rob has been a Physical Education and Health teacher at Louis Toffolon Elementary School in Plainville, CT where he has also served as the Team Leader for Elementary PE, Instructional Leader for K-12 Health and PE and Head Teacher for Toffolon. Rob was the 2022-2023 Louis Toffolon Elementary School Teacher of the Year and 2024 CTAHPERD Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

FRIDAY KEYNOTE:

Rob Silliman

How We Become Heros- The Long Way

Teaching is amazing, but it’s also hard. As teacher burnout and stress rates continue to climb, and lead all other professions, teachers struggle to balance the love they have for their calling and the toll it takes. Through my own grappling with this narrative, I’ve been persuaded that although there is a lot I cannot control, there are also skills I can build that can shape how I view and move through my work. We create purpose, clarity and belonging through intention and practice. 

2026 INVITED SPEAKERS

We are excited to welcome back a CTAHPERD favorite, Carrie Flint! Carrie is an award-winning PE specialist (general and adapted) from California with more than 25 years of experience. She has taught in numerous private and public schools and districts, all grade levels, and all populations. In addition to teaching, Carrie has always reached out to help physical educators and classroom teachers required to teach PE with ideas and strategies to provide quality physical education for their students.  She helped write the California Physical Education Curriculum Framework and the revision of the California Adapted Physical Education Guidelines. 

Carrie was awarded the Exemplary Adapted Physical Education Program in 2007.  She presents her own PE seminars for the Bureau of Education and Research. Carrie has written 6 PE handbooks and has her own brain break CD “Get’em Up! Moving! And Learning”. Carrie started her journey presenting and sharing her expertise beyond the state of California in 2003 and has now presented in 38 states including 6 National SHAPE America conferences. 

Tessa Massett is a Physical Education educator with 10 years of experience teaching grades 7–12, specializing in integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into secondary movement. By blending SEL directly into physical activity, Tessa Massett helps adolescents build emotional regulation, teamwork, and resilience alongside physical literacy. Passionate about holistic student growth, she creates inclusive environments where movement becomes a powerful tool for lifelong wellness.

Jermar Rountree is a health and physical education teacher at Center City Public Charter School, Brightwood Campus. He also serves as the Athletic Director and the district teacher lead for the physical education and health department. Jermar was named the 2023 Washington DC Teacher of the Year and is the first African American Physical Education and Health teacher to be a finalists for National Teacher of the Year, the 2023 NNSTOY Educators for Equity Fellowship Recipient and was the 2023 National Alliance Public Charter Changemaker. Jermar believes that physical movement can be leveraged to increase academic performance and engagement and learning about mental and emotional health is as important as core subjects. He thrives on connecting his students to the community through partnerships and has established in-school, after-school and weekend partnerships with organizations to help kids grow in all facets of life. Jermar serves as a voice of the community and has relationships with every student and family at Center City PCS, Brightwood. He graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts in history in May 2008 and holds a Master of Arts in elementary education from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Alex Clark is a Health and Physical Education educator at Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, and founder of Prime Ability Youth Cycling Development. His honors include the 2024 SHAPE America National Physical Education Teacher of the Year, 2023 DC State Teacher of the Year, 2023 DCPS Standing Ovation Award for Most Outstanding Teacher, and 2025 NABSE Most Outstanding Teacher Award. Through his innovative approach to physical education, Clark has empowered more than 1,500 young people through movement, mentorship, and community engagement. He is committed to redefining physical education as a powerful tool for student success, lifelong wellness, and meaningful change beyond the classroom.

Scotty Williams is a nationally recognized leader in physical education, the high-energy founder of Camp4Real, and a passionate advocate for healthy, empowered living (with slightly above-average dance moves and a strong belief that adults should play more). Scotty taught elementary PE for 15 years and high school summer PE for six, inspiring thousands of students through movement, mindset, music, and meaningful connection through plenty of high-fives and hugs.

Scotty is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and the U.S. Coordinator for Omnikin, presenting at state and national PE conferences across the country. Known for bringing contagious energy, meaningful connection, and “why is everyone suddenly line dancing?” moments to events, Scotty helps schools, camps, and organizations rediscover the power of play, purpose, and human connection.

Through Camp4Real and his consulting work, Scotty continues to spark transformation in schools, camps, and corporate teams by proving that joy, movement, and community are not extras — they’re the secret sauce.