TOP TEN(ISH) FREE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Finding professional learning opportunities that match your goals, suit your schedule and don’t break the bank can be a daunting task. The good news is we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and compiled a list of our top ten(ish) FREE professional learning opportunities. Being who we are, each of these opportunities has a focus on health, physical activity, and well-being. Being well is for everyone!

1. 1. Ever Active Schools YouTube – Did you know EAS has a YouTube channel? It’s filled with great content, like pre-recorded professional development sessions (yes, really), instructional game and activity videos, project recaps (handy if you’re implementing a similar project) and more.

1. 1. The Wellness Sandbox – Billed as a “comprehensive support system for workplace wellness champions in the public education sector in Alberta,” The Sandbox is one professional learning portal you don’t want to skip. Created by the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) and their provincial partners, The Sandbox provides a place for health championto connect, have single-source access to wellness resources, get inspired by shared stories and have a space to hear about local wellness events.

1. 1. Physical Activity 101: Understanding Physical Activity for After-School Programs in Alberta – This free online training module brings you up to speed with the Provincial Activity Guidelines for After-School Programs in Alberta and how you can add them to your program. It also gives handy tips and tricks for adding physical activity to your program, including easy games with minimal equipment.

1. 1. The Podclass – Looking for easy listening on health, education and well-being all in one place? Look no further than The Podclass! This podcast focuses on health and wellness topics as they relate to schools and the education system. The best part: this kind of learning is portable! Take The Podclass with you next time you’re going for a walk, cooking a meal or driving somewhere.

1. 1. Jumpstart Coaching Resources – Jumpstart has created resources and learning modules to support those working in youth sport. Ranging from a panel discussion on mental health challenges faced by youth as they return to sport, online resources for activity leaders to create inclusive sporting environments, and an interactive module for helping coaches and activity leaders create safe environments for female athletes, you’re sure to gain new ideas.

1. 1. CSH Hub – Are you teaching, learning and/or researching comprehensive school health at the post-secondary level? Sign up for the CSH Hub! Your free membership gives you access to resources for grades K-12 and post-secondary, centred around the components of comprehensive school health. There’s also a free online course that dives into well-being in the context of education settings.

1. 1. GBA+ – Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is a process that assesses how different people may experience different programs, policies and initiatives. Although the focus of this website and course are around federal government initiatives, the concepts are applicable to any programs or initiatives that a teacher, coordinator or system leader might put in place.

1. 1. Indigenous Canada Course – This MOOC (massive open online course) from the University  of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies explores Indigenous histories and key issues facing Indigenous peoples today. The course includes video lectures, course notes, and required and recommended readings.

1. 1. Brain Story Certification – Provided by the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) and the Palix Foundation, this certification course dives into brain development and the impacts it has on health throughout the lifespan. This course is for individuals in a variety of fields, including education, health care and child care.

1. 1. TeachNutrition.ca – Don’t know where to start, or looking to add some spice to your nutrition lessons? Be sure to check out this website! Whether you are looking for educational activities, printables, games, or workshops, a world of fun resources awaits! The best part? It’s free for K-12 teachers.

1. 1. SPARCing Positive Youth Development – This free learning opportunity, created by SPARC Alberta, supports coaches, leaders, volunteers and anyone else working with children and youth in community sport programs. Get tips, tools and strategies to create positive sport experiences for the children and youth you work with.

1. Mindful Movement Online Course – Experience a variety of yoga and mindfulness techniques throughout this e-module. Using self-exploration and observation, learn to match techniques to respond to your current internal and external environments. This course teaches leaders how to deliver techniques from the Be Fit for Life Network Yoga Techniques & Zen Me resources, developed by Ever Active Communities – Be Fit for Life Medicine Hat.  All registrants will receive a link to the electronic versions of the Yoga Techniques and Zen Me resources. Access the course for FREE, for a limited time, thanks to support from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund.