Local 73 PD Day 2025

Jo Sheppard
Associate Teaching Professor, Practicum and Experiential Learning Lead, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation - Academic Programs

My research focuses on exploring how to effectively teach life skills through physical activity and sports. I firmly believe that children should engage in activities that promote holistic development and last throughout their lives. My passion lies in ensuring that our children and youth not only acquire the skills and concepts inherent in sports and games — problem-solving, teamwork, communication, discipline, resilience and leadership — but also understand how these skills and concepts can be applied in their everyday lives, communities and homes.
I aim to contribute to the creation of effective teaching methods that enable educators and coaches to foster character development, emotional intelligence and a sense of community among young learners. It’s my firm belief that nurturing these qualities during childhood and adolescence will have a profound and positive impact on their future as responsible and empathetic citizens.

Session will start in a classroom (TBA) then after the break, continue in the gym.