Led by Annapolis High School dance teacher Jillian Barber, who has been named Dance Teacher of the Year, five county health, physical education, and dance educators have won statewide awards for their work.
Barber, who has taught at Annapolis for nine years, claimed the state’s top award for a dance instructor from the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD). She will receive the award and be honored at the Association’s annual conference on Friday, October 18, 2013, in Hunt Valley.
The award is given annually to a teacher with five years or more experience who, in addition to outstanding teaching skills, is a positive role model and exhibits the qualities of personal health and fitness in his or her daily life.
In addition, the following four teachers will each receive the Simon McNeely Award for outstanding contributions to their profession:
- Tracy Burke, a physical education teacher at Brooklyn Park Elementary
- Jason Fahie, a physical education teacher at Hebron-Harman Elementary
- Chase Haglund, a dance teacher at North County High School
- Vickie Valentine, health and physical education teacher at MacArthur Middle
The McNeely Award is given annually to teachers with five years or more experience who exhibit outstanding teaching and innovation in their field, and educate students as well as colleagues.
“The work that these five outstanding educators do to propel our students forward is just incredible,” said Skip Lee, Coordinator of Health, Physical Education, and Dance for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. “They are literally changing lives in their classrooms and studios, and our students are being afforded countless additional opportunities because of the passion, talent, and dedication of these teachers.”
MAHPERD’s vision is to become a leading organization that promotes and supports healthier, more creative, and more active Maryland citizens by advocating and promoting personal wellness and healthier lifestyles through educational and community programs.