FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact: Adam Howell | 810-343-6058 | oregonshape@gmail.com 

OREGON’S TODD STODDARD NAMED 2020 NATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Lakeridge Middle School teacher recognized as the nation’s best middle school physical education teacher

LAKE OSWEGO, OR, May 7th, 2020 – Todd Stoddard, a physical education and health teacher at Lakeridge Middle School in Lake Oswego, Oregon was named the 2020 National Middle School Teacher of the Year on Thursday by the Society of Health and Physical Educators of America (SHAPE America).

Stoddard was awarded the state of Oregon’s Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2018 by the Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators (Oregon SHAPE). In 2020, Todd was recognized as the, “Western District Teacher of the Year” by SHAPE America. SHAPE America’s Western District is composed of Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. Stoddard was recognized as National Teacher of the Year from among five finalists representing the different SHAPE America District’s in the United States.

SHAPE America’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers in physical education, health education, and dance education. He was originally nominated to be Oregon’s state Teacher of the Year by colleague, Hayley Vause. “I nominated Todd because of his time and dedication to his craft, his steadfast efforts in making our physical education program standards-based, and his passion and enthusiasm for providing a fitness-focused program here at Lakeridge Middle School,” Vause said. Stoddard has been teaching for 8 years, the last 4 at Lakeridge Middle School. Said Stoddard in 2018, “I have been blessed with a great team of teachers to collaborate with, administrators who support our program and an outstanding community that I can always count on. This has allowed us to turn physical education at Lakeridge Middle School into an experience that is educational, fun, and safe for all our students.”

About Oregon SHAPE

Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Association promotes healthy, active lifestyles for all Oregon school-age children and youth through professional development opportunities and advocacy. Oregon SHAPE is committed to fulfilling this mission through fostering a climate of mutual respect and cooperation among members and constituent associations in order to realize mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Oregon SHAPE is an organization consisting of leaders from schools, community and public agencies, higher education, and private businesses who promote and support health education, physical education, and health promotion in school settings. We are dedicated to the health and fitness of Oregonians through quality programs in health education, physical education, dance, and athletics. For more information visit, www.oregonshape.org. Follow @OregonSHAPE on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.

###