SCSU alumnus named MN Elementary Phy Ed Teacher of the Year

St. Cloud State University alumnus Mike Chamberlainhas been selected as the Minnesota Society of Health and Physical Educators' (MNSHAPE) Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award winner.

Chamberlain graduated from SCSU in 2010 with a BS in Physical Education. He said he is a proud alumnus of St. Cloud State, making and maintaining many connections at the University by attending athletics events, getting involved in intramurals and university clubs and participating on the SCSU Women's Basketball "scout team" for two years.

"SCSU made a lasting impression on my life and I am forever grateful I chose it as my college home," Chamberlain said. "I owe my success to the professors. They were professional, approachable and full of integrity."

He especially has fond memories of his movement 2 class with professor Frank Zezoney, which was a difficult class that assessed students across various sports and physical activity.

"This course was grueling, but it kept us accountable for our physical abilities as we would soon be out in the field teaching and assessing students," Chamberlain said. "This course helped with designing and implementing clear and appropriate rubrics."

Chamberlain has now been teaching Elementary Physical Education for 15 years, spending his first 11 years at Twin Cities International Elementary in North Minneapolis. He currently teaches at Diamond Path Elementary School of International Studies in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Chamberlain in his third year as the Coordinator of Elementary Physical Education for ISD 196 Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, which is the third largest school district in Minnesota. He also was recently invited to take the position as Vice President of Physical Education for the MNSHAPE Board of Directors.

As the Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Mike will be able to submit materials to be considered for the Central District Teacher of the Year and then Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) National Teacher of the Year.

The awards celebration will be on Nov. 4 from 12:35-1:30 p.m. in the Lakeville South High School auditorium. For more information on MNSHAPE, go to www.mnshape.org.