SHAPE America Teacher of the Year Awards

About this program

SHAPE America’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators in adapted physical education, elementary, middle, and high school physical education, and school health education through state, district, and national awards. State Teachers of the Year may apply for the District award, with district recipients advancing to national consideration; applications for the 2027 District awards are due October 15, 2026. Applicants must have at least five years of relevant teaching experience, a teaching degree and certification, and be full-time teachers with at least 50% of their duties in the applicable category. Applicants must be current state Teacher of the Year recipients, meet the program’s employment and residency requirements, and submit verification of teaching, award-criteria responses, and a headshot; SHAPE America membership is not required at the district level.