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Alberta phys-ed teacher Heather Rootsaert shows off her strength after earning a national award at a conference in Newfoundland. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
An Edmonton teacher has won a national award for demonstrating excellence in physical education.
Heather Rootsaert is a physical education and wellness consultant for Edmonton Catholic Schools. The award came as a surprise in May when she was attending a conference of Physical and Health Education Canada in Newfoundland.
“When they announced it I didn’t even really react. I reacted when my friends said ‘Heather, go.’” said Rootsaert, who has been teaching for 19 years.
The award honours Canadian teachers who provide outstanding teaching performance, have an exceptional ability to motivate students to participate in a lifetime of physical activity, and who further physical education in Canada.
The award is typically given every two years to three teachers in the country. The other two winners this year were Rhéal Hébert from New Brunswick and Daren White from Nova Scotia. Since the award’s inception 15 years ago, only eight Albertans have received it.
“I was extremely surprised, and absolutely honoured and humbled,” Rootsaert said. “The people who I know that have received it in Alberta, I hold them in the highest regard.” ❚
