Hans Van Der Mars

Hans Van der Mars is an Emeritus Professor at Arizona State University and is actively involved in the undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in physical education teacher education-sport pedagogy. Professor Van der Mars held a faculty appointment at Oregon State University for 15 years after previously holding faculty positions at Arizona State University (Tempe) and the University of Maine-Orono. He has been an active researcher in sports pedagogy/physical education teacher education for more than 30 years.

Professor Van der Mars (co-) authored more than 100 published research papers, professional papers, book chapters, proceedings papers, and three textbooks. He has delivered 215 invited keynote, research and professional presentations at international, national regional and state level conferences. Professor Van der Mars regularly hosts workshops for K-12 teachers in physical education. He served as co-editor of the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE) from 1998 to 2002.

Professor Van der Mars is a research fellow in the Society of Physical and Health Educators of America (SHAPE America) and was inducted as an active fellow in the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education (AAKPE) in 2006. He received the 2023 Luther Halsey Gulick Award at the Society of Health and Physical Educators, or SHAPE, America National Convention and Expo. The Gulick Award honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards in accomplishment, innovation and leadership. He also served as a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sport and Nutrition Science Board for a three-year term

Professor Van der Mars' research focuses on determining factors that facilitate physical activity among secondary school students. Schools are viewed as a primary venue for influencing physical activity habits of children and youth, so it is important to determine which variables affect students' physical activity opportunities. This is especially important for those students who are not part of their school's interscholastic athletics program.