It is my mission to improve the health, well-being, and academic performance of our youth by training teachers to provide quality, skills-based health and physical education. 

Trained, skilled teachers are paramount to student learning. An approved (MADESE) initial licensure program in Health and Family & Consumer Science, such as provided by Cambrige College, provides that training. Also, targeted professional development in health and physical education increases the knowledge and skill of the inservice educator. New this summer, Cambridge College is offering two new online graduate certificates, one in skills-based health and the other in physical education. http://www.cambridgecollege.edu/

After many years of teaching undergraduate and graduate health courses and health education in public schools, I have witnessed how health education improves the lives of our youth and prepares them to be productive members of our society.

As a public school health education director and teacher, superivised programs, teachers, and engaged students in skills-based instruction. Seeing skills-based teaching in learning in action is seeing youth gain confidence and efficacy over thier own health.

In collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Seconday Education, I  designed and implement HEAP assessment training across the Commonwealth. Observing inservice teachers see the benefits of skills-based instruction and becoming excited about their teachiing and student learning was very satisfying.

When the National Health Education Standards were being revised, I applied for and was accepted to serve on the committee. As a result, I understand the value of  

• current national standards from which states can update or revise their standards;
• partnerships to implement standards;
• equal access and equity of resources for health education;
• assessment in improving teaching and learning.

 The publication of the second edition of Skills-Based Health Education by Jones and Bartlett aligns skills-based health education with social emotional learning. Readers enjoy the updated information on curriculum, instruction, and assessessments along withgrade span units. The new edition contains worksheets for each chapter that engage the candidate, the in-service learner, and the students in the classroom.

Work, as volunteer, continues with SHAPE America and include SHAPE America Twitter Chats and webinars in Backward Design, Formative Assessment, and Appropriate Practices Assessment. I have also served on SHAPE America committees: Appropriate Practices in Health Education, Skills-Based Assessment items for the Exchange, Revision of the National Health Education Teacher Education Standards, and the HEAP Assessment committee. SHAPE approved a Social Emotional Learning Task force that will begin in late spring or early summer. We will be looking for members. Check out SHAPE's website for details. https://www.shapeamerica.org//

I am also a very proud member of the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and serve as the Vice-President of Health Education. As vice president and in collaboration with the Board, we have organized and implemented the National Health Education Conference, held in Salem, Massachusetts. Presenters from across the country are scheduled to present in August, 2018. Check out the details on the MAHPERD website: http://www.ma-hperd.org/.  Join us! 

With is local, state, and natioanl experience, I am pleased to offer my expertise to your district to improve your health, physical education, or wellness program.

Second edition is available 9/2018

 Mary Connolly, BS, MEd, CHES- Author, Program Chair of the Skills-Based Health/Social Emotional Learning Department at Cambridge College, professor, and health education consultant.

Mary Connolly is an accomplished health education professional whose career spans nearly four decades and includes teaching and administration in public schools and higher education.

Mary presents at numerous state and national conferences and is a member of SHAPE America, ASCD, and MAAHPERD. She is currently serving as Vice-President  of the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

In Mary's consulting business, she provides custom professional development for health and physical education teachers.

Mary lives in Weymouth, MA, with her husband and enjoys a life rich in travelling, ballroom dancing, cycling, cooking, and gardening. She delights in spending time with her two children, their spouses, five grandsons, other family, and numerous friends.