Teacher at Anderson Elementary School in St. Charles Receives Regional Honor for Physical Education Instruction; Eligible for National Title

Erin L. Washkuhn, a teacher at in St. Charles, has been named the Midwest District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

Washkuhn, of Aurora will receive the honor at NASPE’s national convention in San Diego, CA, March 29 through April 2.The Midwest district for NASPE represents six states.

The honor is being presented to Washkuhn, a physical education teacher for 10 years, for her outstanding teaching performance at the elementary level and the ability to motivate children to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.

Washkuhn said she focuses on teaching concepts and skills that give students tools to be fit, healthy and well-adjusted into the 21st century.

 “The use of technology helps capture students’ interest and extends learning beyond the traditional physical educational setting,” she said. “ I use pedometers, PowerPoint presentations, and the Internet to take what they’re learning one step further.”

Washkuhn and five other district winners will compete for the National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, which is sponsored by NASPE and Sportime, a company that provides equipment and services to physical education instructors.
 
The overall national winner will be announced April 1 at the NASPE Hall of Fame Banquet, which will include the induction of professional golfer Annika Sörenstam into the NASPE Hall of Fame.  

Jeff Hildreth, Anderson Elementary School principal, said Washkuhn has made an impact while teaching at Anderson for eight years.

“During that time I have received so many letters of appreciation from parents expressing how their child has grown in his or her abilities, confidence, and enjoyment in physical activities,” Hildreth said. “The reason is (Washkuhn’s) dedication to her students. She is the most committed physical education teacher I have ever worked with.”

Washkuhn has also been named the 2009 Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She also holds National Board Certification for Early to Middle Childhood Physical Education.

Washkuhn received a bachelor’s degree in physical education/kindergarten through 12th grades from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in teacher leadership from Roosevelt University.