A state association has named Lauren Beard, an MTSU alumna and teacher in the Murfreesboro City Schools, as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, according to MCS.

Lauren Beard

The award is presented by the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, or TAHPERD, and recognizes one outstanding elementary physical education teacher in Tennessee each year.

Beard is the PE teacher at Northfield Elementary School and has been with the city school system since 2003.

She graduated from MTSU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, and then earned her Master of Education degree in administration and supervision in 2007.

TAHPERD is as an advocacy organization “committed in educating health, physical education, recreation, and dance personnel from around the state as to the need for legislation to maintain and/or update current standards,” according to its website, www.tahperd.us.

TAHPERD said Beard “was selected for the award based on her high standards of excellence in the classroom and in the expectations she has for her students.  She consistently strives to remain current with the trends and pedagogy in the field of physical education. Her physical education program is age- and developmentally appropriate for children.”

“Mrs. Beard is the model of an effective physical education teacher,” added Meri-Leigh Smith of the city schools’ Office of Coordinated School Health.

“Her enthusiasm toward physical education is contagious. She embraces new strategies and is constantly striving to support comprehensive education, active lifestyles and wellness among her students.”

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)