Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation And Dance (IAHPERD)
State of Iowa
Legislature Alert
Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year- 2005
Shira Gebel
From left to right: Dr. Carol Phillips (2005 president, IAHPERD), Shira Gebel (Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year),
Shira Gebel is assigned to work with students in 22 school districts within AEA 267. She has demonstrated the ability to plan individual adapted PE programs for students with a large range of needs. She not only works effectively with students of various needs utilizing a large scope of teaching strategies and innovative plans, But also trains teachers serving these students to use the strategies and plans.
This is a quote from one of the letters of recommendations:
For my special needs students, Shira has provided creative ideas on ways that I can include her into the regular Physical Education program. Things that can be implemented and used successfully without bringing added attention to her disability. Often times she will drop off equipment that has been adapted so that my special needs students can use it to participate in the activity that the other students are doing. This makes her feel part of the group, and not an outsider, in turn building her self-esteem. When I have needed help with an inclusion idea, I have sent my lesson plans to Shira. She will write down ideas for me to try during the unit. She is truly a valuable resource.
Shira Gebel always strives to go the extra mile for students and teachers. She is professional, highly organized, knowledgeable, understanding, a great role model to every PE teacher, and dedicated to making sure students succeed in both the regular and adapted PE settings.
Ladies and Gentlemen: The 2006 Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year…. Shira Gebel.