Arizona Teacher of the Year Winners
AzAHPERD Middle School
Physical Education
Teacher of the Year
Gabe Romero
Richard B. Wilson K-8 School
Amphitheater School District
Tucson, Arizona
Gabe has created a curriculum that matches the needs of the emerging adolescent. As an effective veteran teacher, Gabe participated in a study, TAAG, that focused on the declining activity levels found in middle school girls. He considered the data and research and reconstructed his program to more efficiently use every moment of class to increase activity levels for all students. At a staff meeting Gabe announced, "You can teach an old dog new tricks." Being a veteran teacher means students drive his decision, taking a good PE department and making it become a great one. He is accommodating and challenges all students from the star athlete to the physically challenged.
Gabe's impact on students is lasting; they often return to visit him after they have left Wilson and completed their studies. Parents remember his ability to create a positive atmosphere for children through encouragement that inspires students to excel beyond their expectations. Gabe is a lifelong learner, a caring and reflective practitioner that always places the needs of his students first. Gabe Romero is a teacher that makes an impact on students’ lives whether he is teachering, coaching or visiting with students during the day.
AzAHPERD High School
Physical Education
Teacher of the Year
Kim Westerman
Mountain View High School
Marana School District
Marana, Arizona
Kim Westerman is extremely passionate about teaching Physical Education, health and fitness. She has taken her students from not thinking they can do what she asks of them to realizing success. She encourages her students to think forward about life and fitness and provides a structured and positive environment for them to succeed. Kim runs with her students; she participates in various activities when applicable, and she has lessons prepared for their personal well-being. She holds her students accountable to make the effort to be the best they can be. Kim is an excellent role model for fitness and healthy living. She possesses the characteristics that make an excellent instructor.
Professional excellence and service are attributes that Kim Westerman has modeled for others while teaching at Mountain View High School. She has been active as a teacher leader. She has developed that capacity in those that have served on various committees with her. She has been the "go to" person in her department. Her peers see her as a leader. Kim is considered a vital and learned member of the teaching community. Kim Westerman is a dedicated Physical Education teacher. She is dedicated to her students, her department, and her discipline.
AzAHPERD Adaptive
Physical Education
Teacher of the Year
Lynn Monroy
Tucson Unified School District
Lynn, or Miss Lynn as her students refer to her, is an itinerant adaptive Physical Education teacher who teaches many students at various schools. She brings fun into the classroom on a weekly basis. The students wait in anticipation for her arrival. There is a surge of adrenaline when she arrives. Many questions are asked and she patiently answers them all. Parents and students love to listen to her singing and the little ditties that she comes up with to teach new vocabulary to the students. Lynn does a wonderful job "mixing up" her activities and strives to meet the individual needs of all kids. Her kindness and dedication to children combine with a strong work ethic and a flair for organization make for a very powerful influence in all of her students.
Lynn works side by side with all of the teachers of her students. She is a true team member as well as a leader; she makes any team better. She understands what makes APE unique and is a willing resource to teachers, administrators and future professionals as she shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with everyone. She builds relationships even as she moves from school to school and deals with multiple principals, department heads, teachers and district administrators. Lynn Monroy is a wonderful example of what a "Teacher of the Year" should look like!
AzAHPERD Administrators Recognition Awards
Dr. Sue Habkirk
Program Director
Comprehensive Health Education
Tucson Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona
Dr. Sue Habkirk has devoted much of her professional career toward improving the quality of School Health and Physical Education. She has served at the state level in the Department of Education and is currently in the Tucson Unified School District. She is a strong proponent of the Coordinated School Health Model and has facilitated training and shared this model with many schools and at conferences throughout the state of Arizona. With her understanding of the need for healthier schools, she was vital to the development of her districts Wellness Policy and is Co-Wellness Policy Chair for Tucson Unified, as well as a contributor to the Catalina Foothills School District Wellness Policy. Dr. Sue Habkirk is a dedicated leader, a model of a healthy lifestyle and an activist for improving wellness through Coordinated School Health.
AzAHPERD Administrators Recognition Awards
Robert Miranda
Lauffer Middle School
Sunnyside Unified School District
Tucson, Arizona
Bob Miranda has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to developing the whole child. He is extremely supportive of the health and wellness of students and staff at Lauffer Middle School. He shows his enthusiasm and support for physical activity by being visible to students and offering suggestions for their personal performances. Bob has fostered positive working relationships with the UofA Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition, UofA College of Education and the YMCA. Bob has allowed his schools, students and staff to participate in research studies, a multi-unit PEP Grant, host student teachers, invite observers, and attend workshops to improve health and wellness. Through his commitment to quality Physical Education for all children, his interaction with students and adults at school and in his own active lifestyle, Bob Miranda is a remarkable administrator.
AzAHPERD Administrators Recognition Awards
Gail Gorry
Frontier Elementary School
Payson Unified School District
Payson, Arizona
Gail Gorry is an advocate of Physical Education and Lifelong Physical Fitness. When the Payson School District announced plans to cut Physical Education for all elementary schools, Gail got to work. She wrote a PEP grant with funding for a Physical Educator, an assistant and equipment so her school would continue to have a quality Physical Education program. Although the task was enormous, she persevered and was awarded the PEP Grant. Later Payson voters approved funding for elementary Physical Education; and Gail went on to apply for another PEP Grant on behalf of the whole district. She supports healthy active lifestyles for students and staff by encouraging everyone to earn Lifestyle Fitness Awards through the President's Council on Physical Fitness. Gail Gorry is a wonderful administrator who promotes Physical Education and Wellness.
AzAHPERD Administrators Recognition Awards
Jeanne Sorci
David Crockett Elementary School
Balsz Elementary School District
Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Jeanne Sorci took the lead and found a business partner to support physical activity and wellness. Her school received a Wellness Grant from St. Joseph's Hospital. Students are able to benefit from physical activity, nutrition and wellness lessons every week. After a health survey raised Dr. Sorci's awareness of the risk of obesity and diabetes of middles school students she took action at the elementary level and started to make a change in those statistics. She is an example of a proactive administrator making a difference for children.
AzAHPERD Administrators Recognition Awards
The following Administrators were nominated by the AzAHPERD Board for their support and commitment to increasing physical activity in their schools through the Arizona Department of Education, Health and Nutrition Services PE Pilot Program. We recognize these administrators for supporting a structured Physical Education program totaling at least 150 minutes each week which could include a combination of Physical Education programs and additional physical activities, such as activity breaks and physical activity integrated into curriculum. These administrators are commended for their support of physical activity, Physical Education and our AzAHPERD members.
Ron Aguallo
Elfrida Elementary School
Elfrida Elementary School District
Elfrida, Arizona
Jerry Wood
Acacia Elementary School
Vail School District
Vail, Arizona
Dr. Michael Cowan
Associate Superintendent
Mesa Public Schools
Mesa, Arizona
Cort Monroe
Guerrero Elementary School Educational Services
Mesa Unified School District
Mesa, Arizona
Evelyn Michell
Kyrene de las Lomas School
Kyrene Elementary School District
Tempe, Arizona