FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation Names Ann Hughes National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Reston, VA, March 3, 2010 – Ann Hughes, adapted physical educator in North Carolina's New Hanover County Schools, has been named National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Hughes 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. 

Hughes travels to many different schools throughout the county to teach physical education to disabled students in grades K-12. Many of her students have multiple handicaps and all of her lessons are adapted to meet the needs of the students' differing skills and cognitive abilities. Her students learn fundamental skills in various physical activities, participate in fitness testing, and learn individual and team sports skills through lead-up games. 

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

As a teacher, Hughes has won other numerous awards, including being named 2009's Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina AAHPERD. Hughes is praised by school administrators and colleagues alike for undying dedication. She developed an integrated system that allows students with disabilities to access the North Carolina Healthful Living Curriculum. With the help of a colleague, she also developed an online resource for teachers to learn more about adapted physical education and how to request assistance for their students. In addition, Hughes has created adapted activities for autistic and nonverbal students who require visual learning strategies. 

Hughes also volunteers her time for a number of organizations. She is an assistant coach for Girls on the Run, a program that encourages pre-teen girls to develop healthy lifestyles and self-respect through running; a volunteer for Top Soccer, which provides soccer playing opportunities for children with disabilities; and an event director with the New Hanover County Special Olympics. She has also coached Special Olympians in basketball, soccer, and swimming and is certified through AAPAR as a Master Teacher of adapted aquatics, in which she teachers other instructors how to teach aquatics to people with disabilities. Hughes was co-founder of the Challenger Baseball League of Greensboro, NC, which offers the chance for people with disabilities to play baseball. 

Hughes says she is always "seeking to promote and advocate for the extreme importance of providing quality physical education to all students," and "developing to the fullest potential every child with disabilities." Her passion to make sure special needs students can participate in school assemblies, dances, and other activities is evident. With the help of a parent, she once assisted a wheelchair-bound young lady out of her chair so the student could do the "Electric Slide" and "Twist" at the high school prom with her peers. "The smiles and laughter she exhibited while dancing were both exciting and gratifying for everyone," Hughes said.  

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
706-476-3430

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.