Professional Development by Mark Housel

About the Workshop
Based on our book What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?, this dynamic workshop is designed to inspire educators of all levels and backgrounds. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, this experience will challenge you to reflect deeply on your teaching identity and more importantly, empower you to take ACTION toward becoming the educator you aspire to be.

Through an energizing blend of hands-on activities, powerful quotes, real-world stories, and meaningful conversations, we’ll explore the "why" behind our work and reconnect with the passion that brought us into education. We have used this workshop as a keynote session, for new teacher orientation and for related arts teacher inservices. 

Participants will walk away with:

• Practical strategies for building authentic connections with students and among students.
• Creative ideas to incorporate purposeful movement into any classroom environment.
• Approaches to classroom management that emphasize everyday skills, student engagement, and helping every child feel seen and valued.

Physical Education Workshops with Mark Housel
Mark Housel, a former New Jersey PE Teacher of the Year and finalist for the SHAPE America National PE Teacher of the Year, brings his passion for teaching and Physical Education into every movement-filled, standards-aligned session. These highly engaging workshops are rooted in real-world experience, packed with practical takeaways, and designed to re-energize educators at every level.

Current Workshop Topics Include:

• What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?
  Based on the book of the same name, this session is designed for health and PE future professionals, veteran educators, and everyone in between. Through a blend of activities, reflection, and discussion, participants will be inspired to identify the kind of teacher they want to be and take action to become it. 
• Keeping It Young at Heart
  Many professional development sessions focus on older students, leaving early childhood educators looking for more. This workshop is packed with tried-and-true activities for kindergarten through 2nd grade, plus classroom-tested strategies every new (and seasoned!) teacher will wish they had learned years ago.
• 25 Years in the Making
  This is the “greatest hits” collection of activities gathered, adapted, and created over Mark’s 25-year teaching journey. From equipment-free games to top picks in throwing, catching, rhythm, teamwork, and more—this workshop covers the activities my students have loved most over the years.
• Anywhere, Anytime, Any Space
  PE teachers know the challenge of being displaced from their gym or usual space. This session turns frustration into opportunity with creative, effective activities that can be done in classrooms, hallways, or wherever space allows. Learn how to stay flexible and keep students engaged no matter where you teach.

Moving Across the Curriculum Workshop
This high-energy workshop is designed for educators of all grade levels, content areas, and experience levels. The focus is on harnessing the power of movement to make learning more engaging, meaningful, and yes—FUNctional. Through easy-to-implement strategies and hands-on activities, teachers will discover how movement can deepen understanding, boost classroom energy, and foster a true love of learning.

Participants will walk away with:

• Creative strategies to teach and review academic content through movement, plus energizing ideas for purposeful movement breaks.
• Practical classroom management techniques that support everyday skills, engagement, and inclusivity.
• Actionable approaches to help every student feel seen, supported, and connected.
• Tools to build stronger relationships with students and promote connections among students.

Reading Instruction That MOVES
Each summer, Housel Fun & Fitness partners with summer reading programs across the Tri-state area to bring books to life—literally! This high-energy workshop shows educators how to integrate movement, games, and dance into popular children’s literature. Whether you're in the classroom, library, or gym, you'll leave with practical ways to energize your reading instruction and engage learners of all ages.

Participants will walk away with:

• Creative strategies to integrate movement into literacy lessons
• Dozens of book-based games and activities tied to children’s favorites 
• Tips for using physical activity to improve engagement 
• Approaches for making reading interactive, memorable, and fun
• Adaptable ideas that work in classrooms, libraries, PE spaces, and beyond

This book invites you to reflect on the kind of teacher you aspire to be and empowers you to take meaningful steps toward becoming that teacher. Filled with practical tips, thoughtful questions, inspiring quotes, and real-life stories, it offers support for every aspect of your teaching journey. Whether you're navigating relationships with students, parents, colleagues, or administrators, or simply striving to stay grounded yourself, this book is here to guide and uplift you. It's designed not only to enrich your professional life, but also to support your well-being beyond the classroom. Now more than ever, educators need inspiration because our students have never needed us more. 

The book is available in paperback and eBook. To buy in bulk for your University or School District, contact us at info@houselfitness.com 

Now more than ever, teachers need encouragement and they deserve it. That’s why we launched our Teacher Thoughts page: to remind educators that what they do matters deeply. Your impact reaches beyond the classroom in powerful, often unseen ways.

This space is dedicated to uplifting and motivating you each month with meaningful reflections, real talk, and a whole lot of heart.

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