Melissa Bragg, a physical education educator from Bryant, Arkansas, has been honored as the 2023 High School Physical Education  Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Photo Credit: SHAPE

In today’s world of high technology, sometimes it is difficult to get young people involved in physical fitness activities. Melissa Bragg, an exemplary junior high school physical education teacher from Arkansas, is working hard to change that.

Melissa teaches in Bryant, Arkansas. This exceptional educator, whose career in the Bryant School District spans 18 years, has been honored with the title of 2023 High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Arkansas. This recognition recognizes her outstanding teaching skills, her innovative methods, and her steadfast commitment to her students’ physical and mental well-being.

Melissa’s classroom is a place where students learn about physical fitness, in addition to teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. Her commitment to promoting these important values is evident in her daily interactions with her students. She instills in them a strong sense of responsibility and respect for one another, creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Since the organization was founded in 1885, the SHAPE organization has advanced the cause of excellence in school-based health education and physical education.  The organization collaboratively developed National Health Education Standards physical education programs, which provide the framework for effective skills-based health education instruction for all K-12 students. To read more about the organization, click on this link to SHAPE.