Reflections from Catherine Sanderson’s SHAPE America 2026 Keynote
The 2026 SHAPE America National Convention in Kansas City opened with an energizing keynote from psychologist and author Dr. Catherine A. Sanderson, titled “Finding Happiness: 10 Science-Backed Strategies for Educators.” Her message resonated with health and physical education professionals navigating increasing demands on their time and energy.
Catherine grounded her talk in decades of psychological research. She invited attendees to challenge common assumptions about happiness and offered practical ways educators can thrive both in and out of school.
What We Usually Pursue Doesn’t Lead to Happiness
Catherine emphasized a core finding from happiness research: people tend to overestimate the impact of achievement, recognition, and productivity on long-term well-being. While these things can feel rewarding in the moment, they matter far less over time than we’d expect.
Instead, research consistently points to relationships, a sense of purpose, and daily habits as the strongest predictors of happiness.
Reflective prompt:
- What goals or pressures currently take up the most time and energy in your work?
- Which parts of your job leave you feeling fulfilled?
Why Educators’ Well-Being Matters
One of the most powerful takeaways from the keynote was that happiness is not just personal; it’s professional. Educators’ well-being shapes classroom climate, collaboration, and student experience. Catherine framed happiness as a resource for sustaining impact, not something separate from the work itself.
This message is particularly relevant for health and physical educators, whose work centers on whole-child wellness and lifelong healthy habits.
Reflective prompt:
- How does your own stress or satisfaction show up in your classroom or program?
- What signals do students receive about well-being from the adults around them?
Small Shifts Can Make a Big Difference
Rather than advocating for major life overhauls, Catherine focused on small, repeatable behaviors that research shows can improve happiness over time, like building and maintaining relationships, giving to others, and focusing on the good in our lives.
For educators, this might look like savoring moments of student connection, prioritizing spending time with supportive colleagues, or reconnecting with the “why” behind the profession.
Reflective prompt:
- What is one small, achievable habit that could support your well-being?
- Who at your school helps you feel supported and encouraged?
As the convention unfolded, the keynote served as a fun and positive kick off, and a shared anchor. Catherine’s research-based message offered both insights and practical tips on cultivating happiness, personally and professionally.
Interested in bringing science-based strategies like these into your health education courses? Catherine Sanderson is also the author of G-W’s Health Skills for Middle School and Health Skills for High School, which provide health education knowledge that can contribute to a lifetime of wellness. Free Previews are available! Contact your local G-W Educational Consultant to learn more.
Let’s work together to encourage healthy living!
Photo Credits:
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