Valdosta State University’s Dr. Sonya Sanderson is the recipient of the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance’s 2016 College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. The 2016 College/University Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award honors her commitment to teaching, scholarship, professional contributions, service, student advisement, and mentoring.

Sanderson joined the Blazer Nation family in 2005. She currently serves the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education as interim head, an associate professor, a student advisor, and coordinator of the undergraduate program, which leads to a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a major in health and physical education. She earned VSU’s coveted Faculty Excellence in Advising Award in 2014.

“I was excited just to be nominated for this award, but to win it is truly a special honor,” she said. “The Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has an impressive membership of exceptional college and university health and physical education faculty who motivate and inspire me. I feel honored to be named Physical Education Teacher of the Year and to be able to influence the next generation of teachers studying at Valdosta State.”

“… Sonya knows the skills and knowledge that are necessary to pass along to her students so they can be successful in their professional careers,” shared Brian Devore, president of the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. “One of Sonya’s best skills as a teacher is the relationship she builds with her students in the classroom and within the profession. She displays a belief in each student that they can be successful without sacrificing high expectations. I have seen firsthand the light in students’ eyes when Sonya encourages them to achieve a goal.”

The Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Inc. is a nonprofit organization for professionals and students dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Georgians. It supports and promotes effective educational practices, quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, dance, and related fields.

Source: http://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2016/12/sonya-sanderson-named-physical-education-teacher-of-the-year.php