When I play, I remember.
We are proud of our innovative approach and enjoy sharing good news about the work we do.
Smart Moves Academy values physical activity and has built an approach that reverses the negative effects of schools removing opportunities for movement while maximizing movement’s positive effects on learning. In fact, the Academy’s approach accelerates learning. Learn more below about the impact of this innovative work.
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SMA Founder, Dr. Gretchen Stewart publishes chapter in new book on Teacher Preparation
February 1, 2024
Embodied Equity: Integrating Movement in a Teacher Education Practicum for Diverse Learners was released by IGI Global as a part of a new series: Autism, Neurodiversity, and Equity in Professional Preparation Programs. This chapter describes a teacher education practicum integrating findings from neuroscience that evidence movement as an accessible, inclusive neurodevelopmental lever and pathway for diverse learners to thrive. Dr. Stewart posits embedding embodied practices in teacher preparation programs have the potential to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable learning opportunities while developing strong equity stances in teacher candidates.
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New Tampa-area school earns grant, fellowships for movement-based, inclusive instruction
May 24, 2022
A national new school fellowship program has awarded a $10,000 grant and three fellowship seats to an innovative school opening its doors in 2026 to families in the Tampa Bay area. Smart Moves Academy—a public charter school for kindergarten through eighth grades —announced last week that its director, a teacher, and an advisory board member will become fellows at High Tech Highs New School Creation Fellowship for a two year experience from 2022-2024 . The fellowship is a program of the Graduate School of Education at High Tech High in San Diego, CA.
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Podcast for Parents: The Thinking Brain and Body Movement, with guest Dr. Gretchen Stewart
December 6, 2021
Dr. Stewart—a parent, teacher, researcher and the founder of Smart Moves Academy—shares her knowledge and experience with parents. As a parent of two children with learning differences, her understanding of providing for individual learning needs is highlighted.
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Podcast: Expanding Inclusive Learning Environments, with guest Dr. Gretchen Stewart
November 18, 2021
A long-time public school teacher, instructional coach and teacher educator, Dr. Gretchen Stewart shares insights from her dissertation research which involves working with worldwide experts in brain development, learning, cognition, and movement. This led to the identification of 27 elements …
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Podcast for Teachers: Smart Moves for Learning, with guest Dr. Gretchen Stewart
November 16, 2021
What are researchers finding out about the natural collaboration of the thinking brain and the moving body? How can teachers use this knowledge to maximize learning opportunities for all students? Dr. Gretchen Stewart is an experienced teacher with a background in working with students with different learning needs. She completed a worldwide study with leading experts …
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Camp Move! ready to 'ignite minds through movement'
June 25, 2021
Registration is open for our 2021 Camp Move!, a pilot program of Smart Moves Academy in Tampa. The camp will ….
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Doctoral student receives national fellowship from Drexel Fund to launch inclusive private school
March 9, 2021
University of South Florida (USF) doctoral student Gretchen L. Stewart was awarded a fellowship by The Drexel Fund to help launch a new private school in the Tampa Bay area….
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Launch of Smart Moves Academy announced during keynote at university's leadership symposium
Oct. 2, 2020
The Women in Leadership & Philanthropy at Univ. of South Florida celebrated its 2020 Community Leadership Award winners, including Gretchen Stewart, who shared her inspiration and vision for Smart Moves Academy. (Dr. Stewart is introduced and begins her keynote address around 36:45 into the video.)
