Peeples Elementary’s Butch Soles was named the Georgia Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (GAHPERD).
The award recognizes outstanding teaching performance at the elementary school level and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity. As a state winner, Soles is eligible to apply for SHAPE America’s Southern District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award.
Soles has dedicated 30 years to physical education at the elementary level and currently serves as the Lead Elementary Physical Education teacher for Fayette County Public Schools.
“Outside of the classroom, Butch is a tireless advocate for his community. His volunteer work and extracurricular initiatives have significantly enhanced the local perception of physical activity,” says coworker Sawyer Dennis. “Butch embodies humility while taking immense pride in his physical education program, which has proven to be one of the best in the state.”
Butch is passionate about his program, believing that physical activity is crucial for physical, mental, and social well-being. He believes in creating a challenging yet developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes motor skills, social development, physical fitness, and cognitive awareness.
The mission of GAHPERD is to improve the quality of life for all Georgians by supporting and promoting effective educational practices, quality curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the areas of healthy, physical education, recreation, dance, and related fields. For more information, visit www.gahperd.org.
Posted 11/14/2024
