The AAHPERD’s founding goes back to November 27, 1885 when a young medical school graduate named William Gilbert Anderson met with several other physical trainers in order to review the physical health field. The organization slowly grew and today the AAHPERD has 26,000 members. Reston, Virginia plays home to the AAHPERD’s headquarters and serves as a central hub to the six national associations and six districts that are part of the AAHPERD.

American Association for Health Education (AAHE)

The AAHE seeks to improve the nation’s overall standard of education regarding all health related matters. This is done via the publishing of various periodicals which include the American Journal of Health Education, International Electronic Journal of Health Education, HEXtra, HIV Prevention, and CSHE Project Brief. The AAHE also publishes research study findings and other health education related information that can be found in some of its more well know past publications which include National Health Education Standards, Standards for the Preparation of Graduate-Level Educators, Service-Learning in Health Education, Health Education and Promotion Terminology, and Responsibilities and Competence for Teachers of Young Adolescents.

National Dance Association (NDA)

The NDA was founded in 1932 by the American Physical Education Association in order to promote physical health and creative expression through the art of dance. After the creation of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (AAHPER) was created, the NDA became an official division in 1965 which caused the name change that morphed the AAHPER into the AAHPERD. The NDA now supports 2,000 members and dance instructors.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE)

The NASPE has several awards programs designed to reward those who are of great benefit to the physical education community. STARS is one such program that highlights K through 12 school programs which continually exude excellence in physical education. Another award program is Project Inspiration which allows NASPE participants to nominate an individual who is felt to have exemplified the qualities associated with an ambassador of physical education. A $45 nomination fee is required and the winner receives an official NASPE Certificate of Recognition.