Arundel Middle School teacher Randi Burkhardt was named the Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators of Maryland.
The award is given each year to teachers who have distinguished teaching skills, are positive role models and who take the qualities of personal health and fitness into their own lives, according to a county schools release.
“My goal for teaching is to create an environment where all students can be active learners,” Burkhardt said in the release. “I continue to strive to be a positive role model to my students to help promote their decision to live and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Burkhardt, who has never been a teacher anywhere other than Arundel Middle School, will begin her 13th year as an educator this fall.
She has had a hand in creating a welcoming and engaging classroom environment in her health and physical education classes, according to the release.
She also has helped develop one of the middle school’s newest courses, Unified Physical Education, which aims to provide an opportunity for students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to come together on equal terms through fitness, sports, leadership and wellness activities.
“She [Burkhardt] ensures that inclusion of all students is a priority in her classes, particularly in her work with our Unified Sports program,” Scott Edwards, principal at Arundel Middle School, said in the release.
Society of Health and Physical Educators of Maryland’s mission is to grow and support health and wellness. Along with Burkhardt, the organization honored Anne Arundel County health and physical education teachers with Simon McNeely awards for their contributions to the teaching profession. McNeely was a special education teacher and longtime member of the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and the United States and International Olympic committees.
AACPS recipients of these awards this year are, Austin Eagle, Arundel High School; Tracey Dieringer, Southern Middle School; Marissa Neumann, Glen Burnie High School; and Erin Madden, Davidsonville Elementary School.
They will be recognized in October at the annual SHAPE Maryland Awards Banquet.
“Ms. Burkhardt is an outstanding educator who approaches every day with an attitude of excellence and professionalism,” Edwards said in the release. “She is compassionate, kind, cares deeply for her students and instills in them the value of a healthy living style.
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