Who Are the National APE TOYs?

Authors

  • Ann-Catherine Sullivan Norfolk State University
  • Cindy K. Piletic Western Illinois University
  • Linda Hilgenbrinck

Keywords:

Adapted Physical Education, teachers of the year, culture, awards

Abstract

This Who are the National APE TOYs? article is a continuation to the Adapted Physical Education National Teacher of the Year Award article In Palaestra Volume 37, Issue 2. This second article highlights the individuals who have been selected as the National Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teachers of the Year (TOY) over the last 25+ years. Previous research exploring the qualities of the national APE TOYs revealed a level of professionalism and an APE TOY Culture shared by all of these professionals. Through the passion for their jobs and their students, engagement with professional organizations, professional publications and presentations as well as advocating for the students and families within their community, the APE TOY Culture became even further evident. As this article celebrates the APE TOYs, individual collective biographies are provided and the values of the APE TOY culture becomes even more apparent.

Author Biographies

Ann-Catherine Sullivan, Norfolk State University

Dr. Ann-Catherine Sullivan, CAPE, COI, is a professor in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Exercise Science at Norfolk State University. She served as the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) Historian (2021-2023 & 2017-2019) and Secretary from (2013-2016). She is a Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) and has been engaged in Adapted Physical Activity since the 1970’s and professionally in Adapted Physical Education for 27 years. 

Cindy K. Piletic, Western Illinois University

Dr. Cindy K. Piletic, CAPE, is a professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration at Western Illinois University. She has been an active member of NCPEID for 25 years, serving on the Executive committee for 14 years in the roles of Secretary, Vice President, and Treasurer. She has been a Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) since 2016. Cindy is the Director of the Adapted Activities for All Program.

Linda Hilgenbrinck

Dr. Linda Hilgenbrinck, CAPE, was an Adapted Physical Education Specialist for Denton Independent School District, but she retired in May 2023. She has received the following recognitions during over 30 years teaching: Texas AHPERD, Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year (2011); the Southern District AHPERD Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year (2012); the National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year, AAHPERD/AAPAR/ NASPE (2012); Texas Woman’s University Distinguished Alumni (2015).

References

NCPEID. (2022, September 29). The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities. https://ncpeid.memberclicks. net/.

Piletic, C. K., Sullivan, A. C., & Hilgenbrinck, L. C. (2021a, July). The national APE TOYS: The call for a “community” within NCPEID. Panel Presentation, synchronous online forum, 2021 National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.

Piletic, C. K., Sullivan, A. C., & Hilgenbrinck, L. C. (2021b, July). Uncovering the APE TOY Culture. Panel Presentation, synchronous online forum, 2021 National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.

Piletic, C. K., Sullivan, A. C., & Hilgenbrinck, L. C. (2022, July). National APE TOYs Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice. Presentation, synchronous online forum, at the 2022 National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities.

Piletic, C. K., Sullivan, A. C., & Hilgenbrinck, L. C. (2023). What is an APE TOY?. PALAESTRA, 37(2), 46–49.

SHAPE America: Society for Health and Physical Educators. (2022). Teacher of the Year Awards. https://www.shapeamerica.org/recogni- tion/awards/toy.aspx

SHAPE America: Society for Health and Physical Educators. (2023). 2023 National Teachers of the Year. https://www.shapeamerica.org/recogni- tion/awards/2023/National_Teacher_of_the_Year.aspx?hkey=a6ed3f9 6-e02d-4066-b3a7-709da1c03fde.

Wetzel, S. (2007). A national survey of adapted physical education teacher certification. [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Wisconsin-LA Crosse.

Wiseman, R., & Kudlacek, M. (2000, Spring). APAC Claudine Sherrill Awards Breakfast. NCPEID Advocate, 28(3),3. https://www.ncpeid. org/assets/docs/adv_2000sp.pdf.

Published

2023-12-06

Issue

Section

Feature Articles