Joy of Sports Foundation (JSF) has developed a highly effective staff training program for schools and centers that want to develop the internal capacity to offer our programs on an on-going basis. Trainees participate in many of the program activities and receive valuable suggestions on how to effectively use JSF programs to support the healthy development of the children. Trainees also receive user-friendly instructor’s manuals that include detailed descriptions of dozens of activities, along with in-depth lesson plans. Please visit Our Publications for more information on our manuals.

Teacher Training for Star Power Programs

Adults, like children, learn best by doing. Recognizing this, JSF has created a highly experiential and enjoyable training program for the Star Power Program. The program begins with a workshop for teachers and child-care specialists. Trainees participate in many Star Power activities. They also learn about the philosophy behind Star Power and receive many valuable suggestions on how to most effectively use it with the children they serve.

To ensure that the Star Power Program is effectively implemented, the Joy of Sports Foundation offers extensive ongoing support to teachers. A JSF trainer comes into each classroom, works directly with the children, and provides hands-on coaching to the teachers. Depending on the needs of the center, the trainer is available for follow-up sessions.

About our Trainers

Our trainers, who are the heart and soul of the organization, must love to work with children. All trainers are personally selected, screened and trained by JSF staff. They must be committed to a child’s healthy holistic development as their number one priority as a JSF trainer. The trainer’s athletic prowess, while important, is secondary to their ability to connect and reach the at-risk population we serve. They also must understand and be able to teach life skills first and foremost—the sport is a mechanism to teach life skills in a fun and healthful way. JSF maintains an ethnically diverse training staff to provide positive role models to the children we serve. In addition to our screening process, all trainers undergo Federal background checks. Please visit Get Involved if you would like to volunteer as a coach.