Elementary Teacher of the Year Award
The Teacher of the Year Award provides a means through which INSHAPE recognizes the work of an outstanding elementary physical education teacher. An elementary physical education teacher is defined for the purpose of this award as an individual whose primary responsibility (50% or more) is teaching physical education in kindergarten through sixth grades for a specific school corporation.
Eligibility
Any elementary physical education teacher who meets the eligibility requirements and exemplifies the criteria below may be nominated for this award.
- Current membership in INSHAPE.
- Minimum of five years of teaching experience.
- Degree and certification in teaching.
- Full time teaching at time of application submission and selection.
- Minimum of 50% of total job responsibilities is teaching physical education at the elementary level.
Award Criteria
The applicant must be a teacher who:
- Conducts a comprehensive and diverse physical education (health or adapted) program that utilizes Essential Components and Physical Literacy (or Health Literacy) as reflected in SHAPE America Standards and Guidelines for K-12 physical education programs.
- Utilizes various teaching methodologies and appropriate instructional practices.
- Plans and implements innovative and diverse experiences to meet the needs of all students.
- Describe your utilization of Student Assessment, one of the essential components of physical education.
- Advocates for the profession, participates in professional development opportunities (such as, but not limited to: service through leadership, presentations, and/or writing).
Complete online application according to deadline on main Awards page.
Application requires one (1) letter of recommendation from applicant’s principal or colleague. The letter should be directly related to the award criteria.
Selection and Recognition Process
- The Awards Committee will select one award recipient from the pool of qualified applicants.
- Applicants will be notified by early fall.
- The award will be presented at the State Conference in November.
- Award recipient is expected to present a session at the State Conference the following year.
Previous Award Recipients
2023 Alyssa Jackson
2022 Garrett Stephens
2021 Kristy Cobbs
2020 Molly Crawn
2019 Ryan Macy
2018 Chris Berg
2017 Andrea Bornino
2016 Zach Kelley
2015 Kristi Serra
2014 Kyle Yoder
2013 Steven Zinselmeier
2011 Regina Nowak
2010 JoEllen Earhart
2009 Kim Ward
2008 Elise Studer-Smith
2007 Pamela Hasting
2006 Roberta Sipe
2005 Steve Govorko
2004 Cindy Huffman
2003 Catherine Caldwell
2002 Joni Ann Lawler
2000 Bill Bishop
1999 Steve Gorvorko
1998 Dale Berry
1996 Jan Miller
1994 Sally Rickets
1993 Delane Diller
1992 Della Hall
1991 Noel Bewley
1990 Mary Weitzel
1989 Sylvia Fleck
1987 Harry Mosher
1986 Delores Wilson