Congratulations are in order! Win-E-Mac physical education teacher Heather Burd recently won the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award in elementary physical education. She is now eligible for the Central District Teacher of the Year, which is a region of nine central states. If she were to be so honored to become the Central District winner, she would be eligible for the national award of Teacher of the Year in Elementary Physical Education.
When asked about the nomination and award process, here is what Heather had to say:
I was nominated, though we do not know by whom, and then there is an application process to “accept” the nomination. I had to write a letter as to why I accepted the nomination and what sets me apart from other physical education teachers. I had to send in this letter along with my curriculum vitae and professional appearances. I also had to send in letters of recommendation from colleagues that I felt have made the most impact in my professional life. Without them, I would not be the teacher that I am today. You know who you are; thank you.
I received the news on August 11, 2021 that I got the award! I went down to Lakeville, MN to the annual convention to receive the award and speak on behalf of Elementary Physical Education. I also was elected to the MNSHAPE board to represent Elementary PE. During my time at the convention, I have been asked to speak about my Elementary PE program to several regional colleges. They will get to see what we do at Win-E-Mac Elementary!
Heather’s favorite part of teaching kids is helping them discover their true potential. She doesn’t have any favorite games, just favorite days when kids smile and sweat. She finds the most joy in seeing kids reach their goals in all that they do. She loves to coach kids to accomplish what they want to and need to do! All in all, she believes that she was always called to be a PE teacher because she loves to help people, promote healthy living and healthy choices.
Once again, congratulations Heather! You deserve it!
The Win-E-Mac Patriot Press intends to include this article in its October 2021 Issue. However, because of busy student reporter and advisor schedules, we have not quite finished putting it together. It will be out sometime this week. I didn’t want to sit on this article any longer, however, so I decided to publish it separately. Thanks for your patience!