purpose

The Maryland Health Education Instructional Leader Program recognizes exemplary Health education teachers across the state and encourages visits to these sites by other health educators. By doing this, innovative programs and good practices are shared and promoted statewide.

Eligibility

Any Maryland certified health educator may apply for recognition under the program. This is done by completing and submitting the application, which is linked below.

organization

All applications will be reviewed by at least three people. Finalists will receive a site visitation. A three-person team will visit the finalists. This visitation will be announced in advance and planned in coordination with your system-level supervisor and administration.

Program term 

​The teacher is designated as a Maryland Health Education Instructional Leader for a period of two years after which the teacher may apply for a second term. Teachers seeking a third term are eligible for Honor Roll status.

Responsibilities of Instructional Leaders

Health Education Instructional leaders are encouraged to make presentations at the annual SHAPE MD Convention. Instructional Leaders will be invited to the SHAPE MD Awards Banquet, at which time they will receive their award. For a two-year period Health Education Instructional Leaders can expect to be invited to make presentations and/or provide professional learning opportunities throughout the state. In addition, Instructional Leaders should expect and welcome classroom visitation. Visitation is a primary goal of the Health Education Instructional Leader program. These visitations will be scheduled in advance.

​APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE

Role/Responsibility of Teacher
The teacher is responsible for submitting a completed application form and all supporting documents within the timeline given. Please contact a Program Director with any questions on how to complete the application package. Completed award application folders should be shared via gmail with shape.md.awards@gmail.com.
Applications for 2020 cohort are DUE: January 28, 2020.
Review of Applications and Identification of Site Visit Dates
Following a review of applications, those teachers selected for an on-site visit by a School Visitation Team will be notified. Notification will begin in March.
Preparing for the On-Site Visit
Once a date (and rain/snow date) has been agreed on, the teacher will have at least two weeks to prepare for the site visit. Visitations teams will include 3 members. A program director, a supervisor/coordinator/teacher specialist from a neighboring county, and one additional member.
What to Expect During the On-Site Visit
The School Visitation Team will be looking for evidence to support the application. The visitation team will utilize the Appropriate Instruction Checklist from the SHAPE America Health Education Program Checklist during their classroom observation. They may want to speak with students, other staff members, and/or administration. Onsite visits for finalists will take place from March - May.
Announcement of Award Recipients
Award recipients will be notified by June 1st, 2020. School banners will be provided.
Individual plaques will be awarded at the 2020 SHAPE MD awards banquet.

Partnerships

Society of Health And Physical Education Maryland (SHAPE MD)
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
National Teach to Lead Program
Local School Systems of Maryland