Last summer I launched the #sendateacher initiative to raise money that would be used to support sending a teacher to the SHAPE America national conference in Boston in March. Through the sales of clothing, designed by health and PE teachers, from the #sendateacher website, 100% of the profits would go towards the goal of raising $1000.

The initiative was more successful than I could ever imagine! Through the kind support of teachers across America and beyond, teachers have purchased t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies, or have donated money via the Pay Pal button, and we successfully reached our goal amount in just 6 months! For that, I am eternally grateful to all who raised awareness, bought the items and tweeted images.

With #SHAPEBoston just a few months away, any further money raised will be rolled over to support sending a teacher to #SHAPENashville in 2018…and we are already 20% towards that goal.

Having worked closely with the Health and Wellness Department of Boston Public Schools I can now announce the names of the TWO teachers who will receive #sendateacher support!

Leah Lipschitz is a first year high school Wellness teacher at The Community Academy of Science and Health (C.A.S.H) where she teaches wellness classes that combine elements of both physical education and wellness. Additionally she is the assistant girls varsity basketball coach and one of two wellness champions at C.A.S.H. Leah also started an extracurricular program called the Girls Club for Empowerment and Wellness (G.C.E.W.) and is one of two site coordinators for Sole Train, a non-competitive, after-school running/walking club.

I have heard amazing things about the SHAPE conference from several friends who are P.E. teachers who have attended in the past.   I am so excited about the potential to attend as I am certain that participating in workshops, talking to other wellness educators, being exposed to new and different ideas/equipment and involving myself in everything else that the conference has to offer would help me grow exponentially as an educator, coach, mentor and individual.  I know, undoubtedly, that attending the SHAPE conference would be an amazing experience. – Leah

Without #sendateacher support Leah would not be able to attend the national conference due to a limited professional development budget at her school. Her school has given her permission to attend multiple days and as such she will be hoping to take away new ideas, standards-based activities and ways to create an environment in which all of her students can feel successful.

Nikki McMaster is in her second year of teaching physical education at Blackstone Innovation School, a Boston Public elementary school. Nikki is a MAHPERD member and has volunteered at the conference. She was awarded their ‘Outstanding Future Professional’ award in 2014 and now serves as the VP for Physical Education. After winning the MAHPERD award Nikki was awarded the SHAPE America Eastern District ‘Outstanding Future Professional’ award..but unfortunately due to a lack of financial support she was not able to attend the national convention that year to receive the award.

I would love to attend this convention in order to bring new, innovative ideas back to my team. Some sessions I would be looking to attend would be behavior management, unit planning and social and emotional learning in physical education. I have already taken a look at the schedule and there are numerous sessions that caught my eye such as: Planning Elementary School Lessons using National Standards and Grade level out comes at 2:30 on Friday and Exercise and Emotional Regulation with Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Thursday at 12:45. – Nikki

Again, Nikki’s school has granted her multiple days release from school and so with the #sendateacher support she will be able to attend her first national conference.

Please continue supporting the initiative by visiting www.sendateacher.com and checking out the latest designs. If you own one of the items it would be great if you could share an image of you wearing it on social media. Remember, 100% of the profits go towards helping a teacher attend the national conference. This year, #SHAPEBoston will be over St. Patrick’s day, so remember to pack something GREEN!