Three San Diego County physical education teachers recently won state and regional Teacher of the Year awards.
Robbie DePerro and Ben Upham were named the state's Teachers of the Year at the 2024 California Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD) State Conference. Austin Olsen has been named the 2024 SHAPE America West Regional Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the American Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America.
“It's great to see San Diego educators recognized for their work and impact,” said Paige Metz, Health and Physical Education Coordinator for the San Diego County Department of Education (SDCOE). “Our schools and children have faced challenges over the past few years, but we have gotten through this thanks to the leadership and innovation of our dedicated educators.”
About the winners
robbie depero (San Diego Unified School District, Perry Elementary School) has been named the 2024 California Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD). His program at Perry is regularly used as a model for others as it positively contributes to a positive school culture. His reach is considerable as he regularly creates and shares resources, provides professional learning and is an active member of the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Leadership Executive.
Ben Upham (Valhalla High School, Grossmont Union High School District) has been named the 2024 California High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by CAHPERD. His classes focus on personalized and meaningful experiences for students and are designed to ensure that all students (regardless of background, gender, or experience) feel valued and enjoy physical activity. I am. Ben regularly contributes to the profession by providing professional development to other teachers, actively participates in the district's efforts to update his 9th grade physical education program, and leads the award-winning Valhalla school. He is an essential contributor to the athletic department.
austin olson (San Dieguito Union High School District, Pacific Trails Middle School) has been named the 2024 SHAPE America West Regional Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the American Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America. Previously, he was named the 2023 California Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by CAHPERD and was also named a finalist for the 2024 SHAPE American National Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Austin offers students the option to dress or not, which increases student autonomy while optimizing class time. His classes regularly engage students with important social and emotional learning concepts and positively influence student behaviors regarding sleep, nutrition, and health. He regularly shares resources and provides professional learning to promote quality physical education experiences for students. Austin is an active member of the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Leadership Executive.
