OPEN On-Demand Courses

Enhance your physical education teaching skills with OPEN’s on-demand professional development. Our courses offer flexible, evidence-based instruction to improve teacher effectiveness and drive student success. Become a certified OPEN educator and learn how to implement engaging and inclusive physical education programs. All training course videos and accompanying documents are in English.

Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with 20% off all VU courses. Use promo code: MHM26 at checkout to receive a discount.

Become an OPEN Certified Teacher

Featuring: Aaron Hart, Nick Kline, Nichole Wilder, Vic Ramsey, Elyse Loughlin, Shannon Maly, Will Potter, Dan Tennessen, Brian Devore, Trent Suzuki, Tia Moore, Brandy Lynch, Eileen Tirado and Bethany Chapple.

Completing OPEN’s certification process is a rewarding professional development experience that you can fulfill on-demand or as a hybrid option by attending an OPEN Empowerment Workshop.

Look for the OPEN and US Games booth at your local, regional, and state conferences to receive a discount code!

OPEN Certified Teachers have completed 6 hours of professional learning and have demonstrated content knowledge in the following areas:

  • OPEN 101: Organizational Background & Basic Navigation
  • Lesson Building Blocks: OPEN’s Priority Outcomes & Backward Design
  • Class Management: Building a Safe Learning Environment for All
  • Mind & Body: Integrating Proactive Mental Health into PE with BIY
  • Best Practices: Unlock Best Practices for Elementary & Secondary
  • Academic Language: Empower Students with Content-based Vocabulary
  • Depth of Knowledge: Assessing and Extending Student Understanding
  • Universal Design in PE: Eliminating Instructional Barriers for all Students

All OPEN Certified Teachers join a community of educators focused on exceptional teaching and professional growth. Everyone earning certification will receive:

  • A certificate of completion stating 6 professional development hours endorsed by Sterling College
  • An OPEN Certified Teacher Banner to display proudly in your classroom, gym or office
  • Access to exclusive quarterly Zoom gatherings hosted by the OPEN National Training Team
  • Look for additional benefits as this program continues to evolve and grow

AI for Educators 101: Quick Wins in Lesson Planning & Assessment

Featuring: Aaron Hart

This introductory session removes the intimidation of AI with a focus on practical, immediate applications.

This course is available for all educators who are want to learn how to incorporate Chat GPT into lesson planning. Educators will learn how to personalize ChatGPT, generate lesson plans in minutes, and create assessments that save time without sacrificing quality.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will personalize ChatGPT to reflect their teaching style and classroom needs.
  • Participants will create lesson plans and assessments in under 10 minutes using AI.
  • Participants will apply prompt basics to get clear, classroom-ready outputs.

AI for Educators 102: Building Programs with Prompts and Projects

Featuring: Aaron Hart

Discover ways to use ChatGPT Projects and Meta Prompting to optimize planning.

This module builds on the basics by helping educators collaborate with ChatGPT on more advanced uses. Educators will learn how to refine prompts, adapt lessons for different learners, and create shared projects to support curriculum development and instructional planning.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will refine prompts to generate more accurate and differentiated outputs.
  • Participants will collaborate with ChatGPT on projects to streamline curriculum planning.
  • Participants will  apply AI tools to support diverse student needs and learning goals.

AI for Educators 103: Integrating AI for Long-Term Success

Featuring: Aaron Hart

Discover ways to integrate ChatGPT with existing tools for teaching and professional growth.

The final module helps educators establish sustainable AI practices for teaching and professional growth. Educators will explore how to integrate ChatGPT with existing tools, build professional resources, and navigate ethical considerations for long-term success.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants will integrate AI into daily teaching routines and professional workflows.
  • Participants will design professional development and student activities using ChatGPT.
  • Participants will apply best practices for responsible AI use, including content accuracy and privacy.

Stronger Together: PE Teachers and Paraprofessionals in Action

Featuring: Brian Devore, Bethany Chapple, and Amber Sladecek

This professional development equips physical education teachers and paraprofessionals with the skills for engaging PE classes.

Through six focused topics, participants learn practical strategies for behavior management, safety protocols, inclusive practices, activity setup, effective communication, and instructional support.

Course Includes:

  • Quick-reference handouts
  • Clear guidance with hands-on activities
  • Emphasis on teamwork with lead teachers, proactive supervision, and creating positive experiences for all students

Ready, Set, Teach: Effective Planning and Preparation for Physical Education

Featuring: Nichole Wilder, Auburn Cain, and Doug Halberg

This professional development equips physical education teachers with the strategies for effective planning and preparation in physical education.

Through this course, participants learn practical strategies for curriculum mapping, lesson planning, daily routines, teacher reflection, and more.

Course Includes:

  • Quick-reference handouts
  • Clear guidance with hands-on activities
  • Emphasis on the essentials of planning and preparation
  • 1 hour of professional development endorsed by Sterling College

Setting the Tone: Creating a Positive and Effective PE Classroom Environment

Featuring: Nichole Wilder, Luis Ramos, and Beth Uhlman

This professional development equips physical education teachers with strategies for a positive classroom environment.

Through this course, participants learn practical strategies for curriculum mapping, lesson planning, daily routines, teacher reflection, and more.

Course Includes:

  • Quick-reference handouts
  • Clear guidance with hands-on activities
  • Emphasis on the essentials of classroom management
  • 1 hour of professional development endorsed by Sterling College

Teaching for Every Learner: Effective Instructional Strategies in Physical Education

Featuring: Nichole Wilder, LaDonda Porter, and Dan Tennessen

This professional development equips physical education teachers with strategies for a positive classroom environment.

Through this course, participants learn practical strategies for curriculum mapping, lesson planning, daily routines, teacher reflection, and more.

Course Includes:

  • Quick-reference handouts
  • Clear guidance with hands-on activities
  • Emphasis on the essentials of effective instruction
  • 1 hour of professional development endorsed by Sterling College