SNAP‑Ed Archive Community‑preserved library

Preserving snaped.fns.usda.gov, captured July 30, 2026 · Not affiliated with USDA.

Classroom Energizer Teacher Training Workshop

SNAP-Ed InterventionsMinnesota

Intervention Reach and Adoption

The Classroom Energizers Teacher Training Workshop enables teachers to lead PA breaks for youth in schools, primarily K-5 but also used in middle school and high schools. Settings: Schools Age/Population Group: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Adults Race: All Ethnicity: All

Intervention Components

The Classroom Energizer Teacher Training Workshop includes training and technical assistance for teachers to implement classroom PA breaks. The intervention components equip teachers to identify the impact of the obesity epidemic on children; know the physical, mental, and academic benefits of a physically active child; know the difference between PA, play and physical education; understand the importance of physical education classes; identify internal resources that support active classrooms; understand how to include all students in physical activity; improve focus, time on task, memory, concentration and attention span; have fewer absences from school; have better academic achievement; reduce behavior problems at school; and increase awareness and perceived health.

Intervention Materials

The training module and materials were developed by Mary Caskey, Kathleen Lovett, and Betsy Johnson following a pilot project in 3 Minnesota school districts: The Marketing Brief handout can be used as a guide for discussing the Energizers with potential school partners: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dW1uLmVkdXxjbGFzc3Jvb20tZW5lcmdpemVyc3xneDo3YTg2MzNlMmQwMDhhMjUy The Training Logistics for EEs handout is an internal document that serves as a guide to the process of marketing, recruiting schools, contracting for training and [school] ordering of Energizers books: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dW1uLmVkdXxjbGFzc3Jvb20tZW5lcmdpemVyc3xneDoxOTQ4Yjk2MzdhNTJjZWRi The Classroom Energizers Training PowerPoint can be used to guide the training session: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dW1uLmVkdXxjbGFzc3Jvb20tZW5lcmdpemVyc3xneDozNmVhM2FjMjE0MWQ2NjQ

Evidence Summary

Two post-workshop surveys (one at close of workshop and one at 90-days post workshop) were administered to participating teachers. After one, two-hour, workshop teachers are using PA and report increased student focus on academic tasks. A post-workshop survey was conducted with 432 teachers in 11 school districts to evaluate how effective the workshop was for training teachers to implement PA breaks in the classroom. Results include: 67% of teachers use Energizers 2-5 days per week 77% of teachers use energizers for 4-10 minutes per day 65% of teachers indicated they were confident to use PA in their classroom. To evaluate if teachers perceived that classroom PA breaks increase students' concentration, a 90-day post workshop online survey was sent to 268 workshop participants who indicated willingness to participate. Completed surveys were received from 90 teachers with the following results: 73% of teachers reported that students had improved learning. 97% of teachers reported that PA breaks helped students refocus on academics. Evidence Base: Practice-tested

Evaluation Indicators

Based on the SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework, the following outcome indicators can be used to evaluate intervention progress and success.   Readiness and Capacity - Short Term (ST) Changes - Medium Term (MT) Effectiveness and Maintenance - Long Term (LT) Population Results (R) Individual ST3 MT3     Environmental Settings       Sectors of Influence

Evaluation Materials

The Training Feedback Survey is administered at the close of the training session: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dW1uLmVkdXxjbGFzc3Jvb20tZW5lcmdpemVyc3xneDozNmE2MTJmNzZlMDBiYTY3

Additional Information

Website: The Minnesota Classroom Energizers Teacher Training Workshop website is currently being updated. Please contact Jimmie Johnson for training materials. Contact Person: Jimmie Johnson University of Minnesota Extension 763-219-7783 Email: joh12982@umn.edu      *Updated as of August 20, 2023

Details

Resource Type
SNAP-Ed Interventions
Settings
Schools
Age/Population Group
Middle School, High School, Elementary School, Adults
Intervention Target Behavior
Physical Activity and Reducing Screen Time
Evaluation Framework Indicators
ST3 MT3
Intervention Outcome Levels
Individual
SNAP-Ed Strategies
PSE Change
Evidence Base
Practice-based
State(s)
Minnesota
Language
English
Race
All
Ethnicity
All

Preserved from snaped.fns.usda.gov/library/intervention/classroom-energizer-teacher-training-workshop, captured July 30, 2026.