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Red Deer Phys Ed instructor receives national honour for teaching excellence

May 23, 2018 | 10:38 AM

A Red Deer Public Schools teacher has earned the National Award for Teaching Excellence in Physical Education.

Nancy McKeage, who teaches at Ecole Barrie Wilson Elementary, was given the award by Physical and Health Education Canada this past weekend.

McKeage began her teaching career at Eastview Middle School and says the honour is humbling because it could’ve gone to any of her colleagues.

“Phys Ed is one of the most important parts of your day and for that to get recognized speaks to what our school is all about,” she says. “The reason I was nominated for this award is because my principal believes in physical education and physical literacy – not just movement but being able to learn how to move your body properly. He has put me in a position where I get to teach Phys Ed all day.”

Principal Chris Good praised his staff member’s talent and dedication to running a great PE program and creating a culture that values wellness.

“She is constantly looking for new ways to engage and excite students to get active both in and outside of the gym,” Good says. “The PE program she runs is innovative both in terms of the variety of activities and the way she ensures that all students participate in meaningful ways. Nancy’s impact extends outside of the gym as she has found ways for students to get active in the hallways and in classrooms as well.”

McKeage credits her parents for always being supportive of getting her outside to play. She says at a young age, she learned to fish and spent a lot of time in the mountains.

“Not all kids have that, so we try to support that here,” she says. “I’ve always been passionate about movement and people moving properly from skip, jump, gallop to ride a mountain bike down a tough type of terrain. I enjoy helping others become better in their movement as well.”