District and National Teacher of the Year (TOY) Award Criteria 

Eligibility Requirements

Physical educators who meet the eligibility requirements and exemplify the criteria for this award may apply or be nominated by a colleague.  A "physical educator" is an individual whose primary teaching responsibility is physical education in one or more grades, K-12, of a specific school or school district. 

Eligibility requirements include:

1. Current membership in NASPE/AAHPERD for District and National selection;

2. Certification as a physical education teacher;

3. Minimum of five years teaching experience in physical education;

4. Full-time teaching contract, current at the time of nomination and selection at the highest level;

5. Minimum of 60% of total teaching responsibility is teaching physical education classes.

Please Note: Current members of the NASPE Board or Directors and the Physical Education Steering Committee; members of the NASPE Teacher of the Year Awards Committee within the last three years; members of the ES, MS, HS PE TOY Selection Committees at the national level within the last three years; and former district or national NASPE physical education Teachers of the Year are not eligible to apply for the National Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. 

Levels

Teachers may have responsibility for teaching grades that cross the different levels, but applications can be submitted for one level only.  Teachers should apply for the level which represents 50% or more of their physical education teaching assignment.

Elementary - Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
Middle School - Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
High School - Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade

Award Criteria

The applicant must be a teacher who:

1. Conducts a quality physical education program as reflected in NASPE standards and guidelines for K-12 Physical Education programs;

2. Utilizes various teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students;

3. Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship, and sensitivity to the needs of students;

4. Participates in professional development opportunities;

5. Provides service to the profession through leadership, presentations, and/or writing.