March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 45 F

AACPS wins 2 of 3 Physical Education Teacher of the Year Awards

Anne Arundel County Public Schools is widely regarded as having one of the best Health, Physical Education, and Dance programs in the state, and with educators like Bryan Godfrey and Kimberly Collins, it’s not hard to see why.

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Godfrey, who teaches at Magothy River Middle School, has been named the 2017 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year and Collins, who teaches at Chesapeake High School, earned the high school award from the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD).

Collins and GodfreyThe awards are given annually to teachers who, in addition to possessing outstanding teaching skills, are positive role models and exhibit the qualities of personal health and fitness their daily lives.

Godfrey has taught at Magothy River School for six years. He also is an assistant girls coach at Broadneck High School, and has taught classes at Anne Arundel County Evening High Schools.

“With so many great physical educators around Anne Arundel County and Maryland, I am humbled to receive this award,” Godfrey said. “Throughout my career, my goal has been to educate the full child – physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. I can only hope that I have made the same positive impact on my students and players that they have made on me.”

Godfrey leads the health, physical education and dance department as well as the PBIS team and the canned food drive. He has been an important leader in various community programs such as the Polar Bear Plunge, Relay for Life, and Great Strides Walk.

“Bryan is such an amazing leader not only at Magothy but also throughout the county,” said Christiana Walsh, AACPS’ Coordinator of Health, Physical Education, and Dance. “He is always looking for ways to engage students in physical activity, whether it be through the annual student-teacher basketball game or by incorporating brain boosts in the general education classroom. He also is very willing to lend a hand and lead professional learning for his colleagues to ensure all students are up to date with innovative activities that support physical literacy.”

Collins has taught in Anne Arundel County Public Schools for 13 years, and at Chesapeake for the last 11.

“I am honored to receive this award and so thankful to work with such amazing and dedicated colleagues at Chesapeake High School and across our county,” Collins said. “As teachers, we build relationships with our students that can have an impact throughout their lifetime. My hope and goal as a physical educator is to build those relationships, inspire my students, and give them the tools they need to make health and wellness a priority in their lives.”

Collins is an active member of the Chesapeake High School community. She teaches both health and physical education, is the school’s assistant athletic director, has coached boys and girls soccer, and plays a major role in the success of the HPED department.

“Mrs. Collins is an outstanding teacher and a tremendous asset to Chesapeake High School” Chesapeake Principal Steve Gorski said. “Her selection for this honor reaffirms what we have known for years: that she is a dedicated professional who engages her students in meaningful conversations about the important aspects of the health and PE curriculum.  We are honored to have Mrs. Collins as a member of the Chesapeake faculty.”

4 others earn honors

In addition to Godfrey and Collins, four other AACPS educators earned prestigious awards from MAHPERD.

Health Education Teacher Specialist Maureen Grizio earned the R. Tait McKenzie Award, given annually to an educator with at least 10 years’ experience who has shown distinctive leadership in the field of physical education, health education, or recreation.

David Kellett of Maryland City Elementary School, Eric West of Windsor Farm Elementary School, and Chad Roberts of Old Mill Middle School North received Simon McNeely awards, given each year to educators who have made outstanding contributions to the profession.

MAHPERD’s vision is to promote and support healthier, more creative, and more active Maryland citizens by advocating and promoting personal wellness and healthier lifestyles through educational and community programs.

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