The STEAM Academy’s Jordan Manley is SHAPE America’s Southern District 2023 High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Manley, who is among five finalists from around the country who will compete for the national award, thanked his colleagues for treating him as a professional and offering excellent leadership and growth opportunities. 

SHAPE America (Society of Health And Physical Educators) chose regional finalists from previously recognized state teachers of the year. These honorees will be saluted during the national convention March 28 through April 1 in Seattle, and the overall category winners will be announced March 31.

Manley started teaching in 2015 at STEAM Academy, serving as wellness teacher, elective department chair, and intramural director. “Physical education should contribute to the overall flourishing of a young person’s identity. People move for many reasons, and I’m interested in helping students find those reasons,” he said. “Physical education can support that journey by teaching students how to reflect on the physical activity they experience. Through that process, students can build meaningful connections to physical activity that keep them moving for a lifetime.” At STEAM, Manley makes this possible with his students through a partnership with an up-and-coming tech platform called miMove. 

A native of Lexington, Manley earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion from the University of Kentucky and his master’s degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. He is a Certified Project-Based Learning Teacher and spends his summers consulting for Magnify Learning. 

Posted Jan. 3, 2023