FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation Names Brenda Bowman Central District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Reston, VA, March 9, 2010 – Brenda Bowman, adapted physical education specialist with Wichita Public Schools in Kansas, has been named the Central District's Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Bowman will be honored at a breakfast on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the Annual Convention for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) in Indianapolis, Ind. 

One of five adapted physical educators in the Wichita Public Schools, Bowman works with 43 students among seven schools. She also consults with five additional schools. After serving four years as an elementary school physical education teacher, she became an adapted specialist ten years ago. 

The breakfast is hosted by the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR), a national association of AAHPERD, and sponsored by School Specialty, formerly Sportime, an equipment distributor for sport and game equipment. AAPAR's Adapted Physical Activity Council administers the award in recognition of America's top adapted physical educators. Bowman's dedication to her students and passion for the profession exemplifies what this prestigious national award represents. 

Part of her work is with children ages 10 to 13 with severe multiple disorders at the Levy Special Education Center. The center doesn't have a physical education component but Bowman collaborates with the teachers to develop her own physical education curriculum to match the academic lesson. She is also a Special Olympics coach and was on the advisory committee to help the state of Kansas build its first Boundless Playground, designed for children and adults of all abilities. 

Bowman believes that "in order for our students to have a lifelong desire to physical activity, we must teach them that it is fun." Consequently, she takes her students who will soon graduate to swim at the local YMCA, skate at the rink, play disc golf in the park, bowl, and walk at the zoo. These activities, she says, will encourage them to stay involved in community activities. 

Bowman's colleagues and parents of her students laud her efforts as "tireless." She has also been described as an "extremely dedicated teacher who is very passionate about her profession."  

Presented annually, the Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year (TOY) Award has been offered since 1995. In 2000 Sportime International, now owned by School Specialty, joined AAPAR to co-sponsor the award and add amenities to the honor, including a complimentary year's extension of their AAPAR membership, a subscription to Palaestra, a warm-up suit, and a seat on the company's advisory board.

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Contact:
AAPAR Communications Coordinator
AAPAR@aahperd.org
703-476-3430

School Specialty is a leading source of educational supplies for teachers, including products that enhance physical education. For more information, visit School Specialty at www.schoolspecialty.com.

AAPAR, one of 5 national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), serves more than 8,600 professors, teachers, trainers, and community leaders who promote meaningful physical activity and recreation across the lifespan. AAPAR advocates fitness and fun for every body, with a focus on inclusive community based programs.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.