Sara Russell, Tahoma Junior High School physical education and health teacher, was honored as the Northwest District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators at its 131st National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis, April 5-9.
SHAPE America’s Northwest District represents five states from Idaho to Alaska. The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance at the high school level and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.
Russell will vie with four other district winners for the distinguished honor of National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
The National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year award recipient will be announced later today at the SHAPE America Hall of Fame Banquet
Russell’s goal for her students is for them to find an activity or sport they enjoy and can see themselves continuing as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.
“I stress to students that success is not about being the best at a sport or activity; rather it is about doing their own personal best,” Russell said. “I do my best to use various teaching strategies to engage my students and allow each and every one of them to be successful.”
One of the ways Russell does this is by allowing students at times to choose from a variety of fitness activities or ways to modify an activity.
“People look to Sara for ideas on how to build better and stronger curriculums and how to help students understand the need to be both physically and mentally healthy,” says Rhonda Ham, assistant principal of Tahoma Junior High School. “She not only works with people regarding these areas, but she also focuses her own life on healthy living.”
In 2014, Russell was named High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE Washington. Her professional affiliations include SHAPE America, SHAPE Washington, Washington Education Association, and National Education Association.
For more information about SHAPE America’s National Convention & Expo, visit the website at www.shapeamerica.org/events/convention2016 and follow #SHAPEMinneapolis.
