In the summer of 2016 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, hoodies and coffee mugs, or have donated money via the Pay Pal button, and in that first year we were able to support TWO teachers from Boston Public Schools! 

With #SHAPENashville just a few months away, I can announce that we have identified TWO teachers from Metro Nashville Public Schools who will receive #sendateacher support to attend their first national conference.

Kevin Terry has taught at both the High School and Elementary level and is currently in his 6th year teaching physical education at Whitsitt Elementary School. Kevin has served in many different leadership roles including the leader of all security, fire, and tornado drills, hosting an after-school soccer program, representing the Related Arts team on the school’s leadership committee, and participating in the Coordinated School Health team. Kevin has led fundraisers, attracted grant funding for the school and was Teacher of the Year at Whitsitt in 2015.

At the convention, I look forward to learning from the best in the business. I always feel encouraged and motivated when I leave physical education conferences because I am surrounded by people with the same interests in helping children be active and health, whereas, at school, I am surrounded by 40-50 teachers, but only two with the same interest in health and wellness.  I look forward to learning new ideas and techniques in teaching children how to continue their healthy lifestyle.

Although Kevin has regularly attending the TAHPERD convention he was unable to attend this year due to a lack of professional development funds. This of course meant that attending #SHAPENashville was out of the question. As a result of receiving support from #sendateacher Kevin’s Principal has confirmed that he will able to attend for all 4 days.

Jennifer Melton is in her 24^th year of teaching Physical Education to elementary students.  She has taught at Kittrell Elementary for the last 11 years where she is the only P.E. teacher at this Title I school.  Jennifer has been involved in both the NFLPLAY60 program and Jump Rope for Heart. In 2014 she was chosen as Kittrell’s Teacher of the Year.

I am always looking for new ideas and ways to introduce skills to my students.  I never want my students bored from the time they enter to the time they leave my class. I want to continue to improve and bring new things into my classroom and lessons. I would be truly grateful to receive the “Sendateacher” grant, and I will commit to taking what information I receive to better my lessons and the lives of Kittrell students.

Jennifer’s school receives 15 professional development days that are distributed among the faculty. This means that attendance at #SHAPENashville would have been impossible. Kittrell’s Principal was able to cover the costs of two days of substitute teaching and so #sendateacher matched this in addition to covering Jennifer’s conference registration meaning that she will be able to attend #SHAPENashville for the full 4 days.

It is always difficult to select the recipients of #sendateacher support as there are so many great teachers who would benefit from such assistance. My thanks go out to TAHPERD who worked in conjunction with MNPS to identify teachers to consider.

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. Our latest designs (see below) are perfect for the conference!

To hear more about the #sendateacher initiative check out this ConnectedPE blog post or listen to the associated podcast.

If you plan on attending the conference in Nashville, early bird registration ends on February 7th.  I look forward to seeing you there!