There are some ground-breaking initiatives going on in classrooms across Canada. Technology is becoming more prevalent in the classroom and phys-ed and health teachers are using this platform and integrating it into their teachings. They are going above and beyond by offering solid physical education pedagogy and are teaching children and youth fundamental movement skills, fostering an inclusive environment, and nurturing the best practices for living a healthy lifestyle. And not least of which, they are imparting the joy of getting out and moving. 

Right now, we have a call out for nominations for several different awards that will recognize and celebrate the efforts of individuals who have made positive contributions to the health and physical education field. I encourage you to take the time to recognize and thank a colleague, educator, mentor, community leader or organization for their hard work and dedication.

Perhaps you are a teacher who offers an exceptional physical education program, or a parent who witnesses first-hand the positive influence a teacher or community member has had on your child. Maybe you are someone who has experienced first-hand the experience of having a great phys-ed teacher or role model. Increasingly, attention is being turned to the critical role that physical activity and health education play towards creating a healthy lifestyle in children and youth all across Canada. We also know that childhood obesity and lack of physical inactivity levels are increasing at an alarming rate. We need to celebrate and highlight all of the advances that have been made to bring attention to these areas and underline the steps that need to be taken to prevent childhood obesity and inactivity. And to do that, we need to celebrate the people who have made it possible.

New this year, we’ve introduced two new awards, the Healthy Schools Champion Award and the Health Educator Award, both of which will be presented at our upcoming National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Our Healthy Schools Champion Award recognizes an individual, group or organization who have made an exemplary contribution to the development, promotion and/or implementation of activities that enable children and youth to enhance their health, develop to their fullest potential, and establish productive and satisfying relationships in their present and future lives.

The Health Educator Award honours an individual for their work to further the importance of health education in Canada and/or who has served as a champion in promoting the importance of health promoting schools at the local, regional, provincial or federal level.

Additional awards to check out include:

• Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award (PETE)
• R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour
• North American Society Fellowship Award

Nominations for all of these awards are due January 31. I encourage you to think of the people you know in the health and physical education field who have made an impact, and to take a moment to research the awards available. Many people don’t seek out recognition for themselves; please consider preparing a nomination that recognizes the achievement of someone making a difference.