Two LPS P.E. teachers honored with state awards

Two Lincoln Public Schools physical education teachers have been honored as the best in the state.

The Nebraska Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) named Mallory Nutt from Randolph Elementary School the 2020 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The organization named Lis Brenden from Lincoln Southwest High School the 2020 Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

In the award announcement, SHAPE shared this from Nutt’s nomination letter: “Mallory always goes above and beyond for her students and fellow teachers. Her classroom is very energetic, fully inclusive for all students, and she uses a variety of technology to make it fun and engaging. As if her work within her school district weren’t enough, she also led a statewide Twitter chat to help Nebraska teachers get through the shift to e-learning in the spring. Mallory is not only an asset to her school but also the state. She integrates mindfulness and social and emotional wellness into every class. You will see her actively participating alongside her students. She truly leads by example in class and out.”

SHAPE shared this from Brenden’s nomination materials: “Brenden is a true advocate for students with special needs in the classroom, school and community. A couple years ago she volunteered and initiated piloting the first unified physical education class in Lincoln Public Schools. She works closely with the Special Education Department to co-teach this amazing opportunity for students of all abilities...She is always looking at innovative ways to modify equipment to fit her students’ needs so all can fully participate in class. She shares her passion by leading training to assist other teachers who are interested in incorporating a unified P.E. program in their school.”

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