The Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, otherwise known as TAHFERD (tay-ferd,) held its 84th annual convention was at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Galveston, Texas. Nearly 3,000 PE teachers, student PE majors and college kinesiology professors came to soak up the mild late November sunshine and to catch up on their professional enrichment.
The Texas Bicycle Coalition (TBC) staff, Teacher Education Program Director Brenda Chuleewah and Mark Stine, set up a booth in the exposition hall. Attendees learned how they could become certified in the SuperCyclist Curriculum through the 6-hour training offered throughout Texas. The convention is a means for making contact with interested teachers who are willing to host a class by providing a classroom and gym (or outdoor parking lot). TBC provides the highly-qualified field instructors, all the materials necessary to teach the lessons in an organized curriculum binder and a healthy continental breakfast. TAHPERD awards six continuing-education credits to teachers completing the course.
At the TAHPERD Convention, the teachers were able to look through the curriculum and receive samples the lifesaving bicycle safety handouts available through TBC. Samples of the ever popular “From A-Z by Bike,” a comprehensive guide to safe bicycling for kids and adults were available.
The A-Z is a great handout for rodeos, bike safety events, school classes or PTA meetings. Thanks to TxDOT and TBC, this fun and informative guide can be ordered through TBC for FREE by calling or emailing Brenda or Fernando at 512-476-7433 or emailing brenda@biketexas.org and specifying the number needed. “Share the Road” bookmarks are also available.
TBC staff enjoyed meeting old friends and supporters as well as talking to other PE teachers who are interested in the safety of their students. Many of the teachers expressed the importance of teaching their students bicycle safety. TBC is working to provide the materials and experience so that children have the opportunity to learn these lifesaving skills.
