Dell Rapids Elementary physical education teacher Shannon Tjaden has won the 2017-2018 SHAPE (Society for Health And Physical Educators) South Dakota Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. Tjaden will be formally recognized at the SHAPE SD Conference on Friday, January 26th at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The conference runs from January 25th through January 27th.
“It’s a big honor, and honestly it’s well deserved. He does a ton with our students at the elementary. He has our 3rd graders playing cricket. It’s not roll the ball out and watch them play by any means. He’s always active with them. It’s very, very well deserved,” said Dell Rapids Elementary School Principal Jay Nelson during the Dell Rapids School Board regular meeting on Monday, January 8th.
Administrators, other teachers, students, or parents submit nominations for the award. The nomination form is found on the SHAPE SD website at http://shapesd.org.
The award criteria states the applicant mus be a physical education teacher who conducts a quality physical education program as refelcted in NASPE standards and guidelines for K-12 Physical Education programs, utilizes various teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students, serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship, and sensitivity to the needs of students, participates in professional development opportunities, and provides service to the profession through leadership, presentations, and/or writing.
Tjaden also currently serves on the SHAPE South Dakota Board as Past President.