Press release for physical education

How do you recruit support for physical education and physical educators? 

One way is to educate the public, including your fellow teachers and tax-paying citizens, of the value of what you do.

The following press release has been prepared for submission to your local media (television, newspapers, journals, tabloids, podcasts, magazines, bloggers, influencers, ezines, etc.) for publication and promotion.

Simply search for the editors of local media, copy the press release, add your name to it and address the release to them and email or snail mail it.  Invite them to join you in your classes to observe what you do, why you do it, and how it’s done.

There are over 36,000 physical education specialists the U. S., each one a respected influencer in their own space, if everyone would speak with one voice with a singular message this may create an understanding and demand for more P. E., more respect for the profession and potentially more support from parents, administrators, and officials who manage and make decisions on how education is delivered.

If you copy this and send it out, please report the success and response. You can be the catalyst to launch a trend of support and demand for physical education in schools.  Feel free to add your thoughts if you wish.

 

Dear (select one: editor, administrator, principal, senator, congressperson, president)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [Your Name] [Your Title/Organization] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

Exercise is for Every Body: Why Physical Education is the Key to Reversing the Youth Health Crisis

[CITY, State] — While the national conversation often focuses on the "obesity crisis," [Your Name/Organization] is issuing a vital reminder to the [Local Area] community: Every child needs movement to thrive, regardless of the number on the scale. The health of America’s children has reached a critical tipping point. Current projections suggest this generation may be the first in U.S. history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents. To combat this, [Your Name] is calling for a commitment to provide one hour of fun, functional exercise every day for every student in every school.

Moving Beyond the Scale

"We’ve messaged the 'obesity crisis' for decades, yet rates continue to climb. It’s time to change the conversation," says [Your Name], [Your Position]. "Physical education isn't just about weight management; it’s about brain health, emotional resilience, and academic success. Skinny kids need exercise just as much as anyone else to build bone density, manage stress, and fuel their minds."

The "Free" Academic Advantage

Research indicates that daily physical activity can improve a child’s academic achievement by as much as 40%. At a time when districts spend billions to move the needle on test scores, a powerful, cost-effective solution is already sitting in our gymnasiums.

Beyond the classroom, the benefits of a daily "Power Hour" of movement include:

  • Mental Health: Significant reductions in symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

  • Social Safety: Improved self-esteem that makes children less likely to be involved in bullying—either as a victim or a perpetrator.

  • Physical Longevity: Better sleep, fewer injuries in youth sports, and lower long-term medical costs.

Schools as the Solution

With the majority of American children spending their weekdays in a classroom, schools are the most logical and equitable place to implement this lifestyle change. By utilizing existing facilities and trained physical education experts, schools can provide the structure students need to become healthy, productive citizens.

"We are asking parents, teachers, and local leaders to prioritize the 'whole child,'" says [Your Name]. "Daily exercise isn't a luxury or a break from learning—it is the foundation of learning. It’s time to give the next generation of Americans the tools they need to outlive us."

About [Your Organization/School Name]:

[Provide a brief 1-2 sentence description of your role or your school’s PE program and your mission to improve local youth fitness.]

# # #

A Quick Tip for Success:

When you send this to local reporters, try to include a local "hero" stat or a quote from a student about how PE makes them feel. Media outlets love a "human interest" angle to go along with the broader advocacy.

Does your specific school have a new program or a "fun" exercise you're currently implementing that we could mention?

Ambassador of youth fitness emblem