Healthy Teacher Network
The Healthy Teacher Network (HTN) is a group of educators from across Chicago learning from experts how to promote healthy eating and physical activity in their school and classroom.
The goals of the Healthy Teacher Network are to:
- Provide tools and resources for teachers interested in promoting healthy lifestyles
- Support teachers currently advocating for healthy lifestyle programs, curriculum, and policies in their schools
- Promote healthy lifestyles for students and highlight the unique role of schools
- Share cutting edge topics and practices in obesity prevention as it relates to schools
Free professional development workshops are offered in the fall and spring to provide hands-on training opportunities for HTN members. HTN workshops generally include a resource fair, keynote presentation on a "hot topic," break-out sessions, dinner, and networking. The presentations and content changes at each workshop so attendees never have the same experience twice.
Teachers who participate in Healthy Teacher Network workshops:
- Earn up to 3 professional development credits (1 CPDU per hour of workshop)
- Network with other teachers to share ideas, knowledge and resources
- Meet and connect with healthy eating and physical activity service-providers that offer free or low-cost programs to Chicago schools
- Become role models for other educators looking to address obesity prevention in their school
How to Join
The Healthy Teacher Network is designed to meet the needs of classroom instructors and support staff. All applications will be screened to ensure applicants meet the required criteria. Join in one of the following ways:
- Complete the Healthy Teacher Network Application.
- Register to attend a Healthy Teacher Network Workshop
- Sign up to receive Healthy Teacher Network monthly emails
If you have friends or colleagues who may be interested in joining, please pass along the Healthy Teacher Network informational flyer and the Healthy Teacher Network Application.
How to Get Involved
We are always looking for new ideas, topics and themes for future workshops. If you or your organization has a program or resource that you would like to share with schools, here are a few ways to participate:
- Join the School Systems Working Group, comprised of numerous organizations from across the city, that serve as the planning committee for the Healthy Teacher Network
- Review the proposal guidelines and consider leading a break-out session at a future workshop
- Share materials about your program, services, or grant opportunities at future workshop Resource Fairs
Please note: There is an application process for agencies interested in leading break-out session and participating in the Resource Fair. Applications for the fall workshop will be available in August and spring workshops in January.
Upcoming Events
Healthy Teacher Network Workshop #2
March 23, 2010, 3:45 - 7:00 pm
Humboldt Park Field House, 1400 N. Sacramento Drive, Chicago
The agenda includes a Resource Fair (featuring healthy eating and physical activity program providers), a panel presentation entitled Promoting Healthy Food in Schools, interactive breakout sessions, and a healthy meal demonstration and tasting at the end of the event. Raffle prizes and 3 CPDU credits will be awarded to all participants at the end of the workshop.
RSVPs are required for all attendees. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Anna Barnes, abarnes@childrensmemorial.org or 312-573-7766.
Past Events
Healthy Teacher Network Kick-Off Workshop
November 10, 2009, 3:30 – 7:00 pm
Douglas Park Cultural Center, 1400 S. Douglas Boulevard, Chicago
The agenda included a Resource Fair, keynote presentation by Dr. Adam Becker on Linking Obesity Prevention in Schools and four interactive break-out sessions including:
- Workshop 1: Engaging Students as Champions of Health: The Students Taking Charge Program - for grades 6-12, presented by Angela Forfia, Action for Healthy Kids
- Workshop 2: 5-4-3-2-1 Go! Games and Activities to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity - for grades K-8, presented by Anna Barnes, CLOCC
- Workshop 3: Healthy Kids Learn Better: Integrating Physical Activity and Nutrition Education into Physical Education and Classroom Lessons – for grades 2 -12, presented by Miriam Merrill and Amy Skeen, Girls in the Game
- Workshop 4: Got Dirt: Growing Healthy Kids Through Gardens, for grades K-12, presented by Nancy Preng, IL Nutrition Education and Training Program
- Healthy Meal: Simple kid-friendly recipes, presented by Amazing Edibles Catering
The results from the evaluation showed success and satisfaction from participants. For example:
- All workshops received a rating of 4.5/5 or higher, indicating that participants found the workshops
very useful - Teachers reported learning "how to incorporate small amounts of exercise in a students' day,"
and "a variety of interactive games and activities” - Many participants raved about the healthy meal demonstration
- 93% of attendees said that they would return for future Healthy Teacher Network events
