Ms. Debbie Settle has been named the 2009 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.  Ms. Settle is a physical education teacher at Town Creek and Green Holly Elementary Schools.

Settle is a Nationally Board Certified educator and is recognized for her work at the county and state level.  She has participated in curriculum writing workshops, helping align instructional units within St. Mary’s County to the State Curriculum, and the development of end-of-course assessments.  Ms. Settle has been a presenter during county in-services, the MAHPERD Convention, and the Maryland Wellness Summit.

In 2007 and again in 2009, Town Creek Elementary School was named a Maryland Demonstration School for Physical Education.  In addition to running an outstanding physical education program, Ms. Settle has organized fundraisers for the American Heart Association (Jump Rope for Heart); annual field days for all students; fitness fun runs; clubs; and Family Fitness nights supported by students, their parents/guardians, and local health-related businesses and agencies.  She has been involved in new teacher orientation and continues to mentor teachers new to the county.

Settle will receive this outstanding award at the MAHPERD Annual Convention in Towson, Maryland on Friday, October 16, 2009.