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By Sam Watson
Johnson City Press Education Writer
swatson@johnsoncitypress.com
A Johnson City schoolteacher has een named Southern District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, making her one of six finalists for the national version of the award.
Laura Matney, Woodland Elementary School’s physical education teacher for the past five years, will represent 13 Southern states in the National Association of Sport and Physical Education’s Elementary Teacher of the Year competition.
“She deserves it, and not just because she’s our teacher or from Johnson City,” Woodland Principal Keith Turner said Monday. “The stuff she does on a daily basis is just incredible.”
Matney will receive the district award at the combined NASPE Southern District and National Convention March 30-April 3 in New Orleans. The national award also will be announced at the convention’s conclusion. She was named the state-level recipient in November.
“I’m stunned. I’ve been really speechless,” Matney said. “It is very nice to be recognized by your peers for what you’ve been working on and to know that you’re on the right track.”
Rather than traditional team sports or other competitive activities that could leave some students on the sidelines, Matney’s PE program involves all children in activities that allow them to develop fitness skills, such as wall climbing or using rackets and paddles, with a goal of inspiring lifelong physical activity and healthier lives.
“She tries to reach every kid, because they’re not all into sports,” Turner said, pointing to efforts to combat childhood obesity and other fitness-related health issues. “We have to come up with more ways to keep kids active.”
Since November, Woodland has been an official state PE demonstration site recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The school is open to area administrators, teachers and college students to observe modern physical education methods.
According to the NASPE’s Internet site (www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm), the National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year is one who:
* Conducts a quality physical education program as reflected in NASPE standards and guidelines for K-12 Physical Education programs
* Utilizes various teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students
* Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship and sensitivity to the needs of students
* Participates in professional development opportunities
* Provides service to the profession through leadership, presentations, and/or writing.
In competition for the national award, Matney will submit a teaching video, lesson plan and narrative for evaluation by the NASPE awards committee. During the convention, the panel will interview Matney and other finalists toward selecting the winner.
Matney, who taught in Bristol and Sullivan County prior to coming to Johnson City, completed her undergraduate education at Milligan College and her graduate studies at East Tennessee State University.