FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation Names Carrie Paterson Midwest District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Reston, VA, March 9, 2010 – Carrie Paterson, adapted physical educator in the Milwaukee Public Schools, has been named the Midwest District's Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Paterson 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. 

For a total of 25 years, Paterson has taught a combination of physical education, adapted physical education, and aquatics at Milwaukee's Gaenslen School. She has contributed to books on life guard training and aquatics, and consults on adapting activities such as swimming, camping, and wall climbing for children with special physical needs.   

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. Paterson's dedication to her students and passion for the profession exemplifies what this prestigious national award represents. 

Paterson also works with adapted physical education students at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, mentoring up-and-coming physical educators, some of whom go on to teach in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Her colleagues describe her as a "most dedicated and selfless professional" whose respect from students and peers alike is unmatched. Some of her innovative lessons include incorporating literacy and math skills into swim lessons. She even taught her students to improve their typing skills while in the pool—using old computer keyboards—while  simultaneously working on their breath-holding skills. In 2005 Aquatics International named her aquatics program "Best of the Year" in aquatic programming for schools. 

"I want the best program for all my students and have found unique and innovative ways to make the learning environment a place of wonder and success," Paterson says. And her students inspire her. "Over the years my students have made me try harder, expect, more, and believe in the impossible."  

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.