Monday, August 21, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Recognizes Missouri Teacher of the Year
ST. PETERS–Gov. Matt Blunt today honored physical education teacher Girard “Jerry” Thornton as Missouri’s Teacher of the Year for 2005-2006.
“I applaud Mr. Thornton for his commitment and dedication to his students and for the positive example he has set for them,” Blunt said. “The education of young Missourians is now the top priority of state government and my administration has been intently focused on getting dollars to classrooms like Mr. Thornton’s where they clearly do the most good.”
Thornton specializes in physical education and teaches at Warren Elementary School in the Francis Howell R-III School District. He has been in the profession for 16 years. Thornton uses a physical education curriculum to teach students the importance of character and positive values as well as habits of good health. He is actively engaged in encouraging children to make healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Julia M. Eckstein applauded the selection of a physical education teacher as Teacher of the Year.
“We need good physical education teachers to convince young people in Missouri that physical activity is not only fun, but also vital to their health,” Eckstein said. “Good physical activity habits are often established early in life, and PE teachers can be important role models in our efforts to help kids maintain healthy lifestyles.”
More than 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight. More than 30 serious medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer, are associated with obesity. Last year, Gov. Blunt announced the Healthy Missourians Initiative. The plan promotes healthy eating and regular physical activity as keys to preventing and reducing obesity.
Today, the governor also recognized teachers in the Francis Howell District who recently received their National Board Certification. The certification requires teachers to undergo a rigorous application and review process and recognizes talented teachers’ outstanding dedication and commitment to education.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education conduct the Teacher of the Year Program and selected Thornton from the 66,000 teachers involved this year.
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