Chamisa Elementary School Principal Debbie Smith with physical education teacher Justin Black, the 2012 “Teacher of the Year” are surrounded by students this morning. Photo by Debra Snow

LAPS News:

Justin Black, who serves as Chamisa Elementary School physical education teacher, was chosen as the New Mexico Association for Health Physical Education and Dance Elementary Physical Education “Teacher of the Year” for 2012.

Black will receive the award at the Oct. 11 state conference. In accepting the award, Black said, “It’s very cool to represent Chamisa Elementary and the state of New Mexico as Teacher of the Year.”

He went on to share that he was humbled to be recognized by his peers for doing well in the classroom. Black will represent New Mexico at the Southwest PE Conference.

Chamisa Elementary School Principal Debbie Smith noted that Black was “creative, collaborative and a professional who contributes to the physical health of his students.”

Coach Black, as he is known to his students, finds ways to engage students in the importance of being fit and trim. In addition to teaching the traditional playground skills, he incorporates more 21st Century technology, such as Dance Dance Revolution and heart monitors.

In addition, he uses cross-brain research to build wall grids with numbers that students touch in response to math facts or number recognition during his PE classes.

School Superintendent Gene Schmidt also offered his congratulations to Black.

“It is recognition that is well deserved. I have observed his class and appreciate the high quality of instruction that he brings to school every day,” Schmidt said.