The SDA-HPERA has three opportunities to recognize its members who have contributed to their profession. Two awards are for individuals who have served in our profession for 30 or more years. However, the third award ("Teacher of the Year") is intended to recognize individuals who have made important contributions to their school and profession for at least 5 years. Please review the three Awards with their eligibility criteria and their nomination processes to recognize someone you believe is worthy of consideration.

Service Award

Criteria

Individuals considered for this award should meet the following criteria:

  1. Consistent, active support of the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Association.
  2. A minimum of 30 years of service in Seventh-day Adventist education (or in the area of health, physical education, recreation, or related professions).
  3. Contributions to one’s employing institution through leadership in campus activities such as committees, administrative responsibilities, faculty senate, etc.
  4. Contributions to one’s community and church.
  5. Nominated to the committee for consideration from within the profession.

Honor Award

Criteria

Individuals considered for this award should meet the following criteria:

  1. Consistent, active participation and outstanding leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Association.
  2. A minimum of 30 years of service in Seventh-day Adventist education (or in the area of health, physical education, recreation, or related professions).
  3. A commendable record of scholarly productivity as evidenced by:
    1. publications in professional and denominational literature;
    2. presentations at national, regional, or state conventions/conferences (e.g.: SHAPE, ACSM, NAPEHE, SDA-HPERA);
    3. participation in professional workshops, panels, and symposia.
  4. Outstanding service as evidenced by membership in national, regional, state, and local professional organizations, committee membership, governing boards, and offices held, including but not limited to SDA organizations.
  5. Significant contributions to one’s employing institution through leadership in campus activities such as committees, administrative responsibilities, faculty senate, etc.
  6. Contributions to one’s community and church.
  7. Nominated to the committee for consideration from within the profession.
Download nomination form

Teacher of the Year

Criteria

Individuals considered for this award should meet the following criteria:

  1. The award is to be for an outstanding individual teaching physical education classes to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.
  2. Member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
  3. Holds a degree in physical education.
  4. Holds SDA denominational credential/certification in physical education.
  5. Holds valid state or province licensure/certification in teaching physical education.
  6. Five or more years of teaching.

Additional Criteria “considered,” but not absolutely necessary:

  1. Current member of one or more of the following: state, district or national physical education (or other health-related) professional organization.
  2. Holds a graduate degree, is on track towards a graduate degree, or stays current with new innovations in the field of physical education by regularly attending physical education workshops and conferences.

Nomination Process

  1. The outstanding teacher is to be nominated by a principal, teacher, pastor, parent, or student by December 15 with the following:
    1. First and last name of the teacher being nominated
    2. Name of school where the teacher is working
    3. School’s address, state, zip code
    4. School’s office phone
    5. The teacher’s phone & email address
    6. Number of years teacher has taught
  2. SDA-HPERA executive committee requests the following from the nominee:
    1. documentation of current SDA teacher certification
    2. documentation of current state teacher certification
    3. a reference letter from a principal or other appropriate individual
      The reference letter may discuss creative ways the teacher has developed the curricular offerings, and share how the school is a better place because of this teacher. Possible topics might include:
      1. impact on children – spiritually, healthy role model, sportsmanship, etc.
      2. impact on school staff – getting them involved in faculty fitness, intramurals, extracurricular physical activities
      3. impact on community – school programs that show-case what children are doing in physical education, intramurals, fitness development, etc. – getting community fitness going etc.
  3. Nominee submits the requested information from step 2 to the SDA-HPERA executive committee.
  4. The SDA-HPERA Executive Committee reviews all candidates and makes the final selection for the recipient of the Award.
Download nomination form

Submit nominations to: Matthew Lee, Executive Director (mlee[at]pucprep[dot]org)