Slate Hill. Teacher Theresa Uhelsky named ‘Adapted Physical Education & Sports Section Amazing Person’

Monroe resident and Minisink Valley Physical Education teacher Theresa Uhelsky was recently honored as the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s “2020 Adapted Physical Education & Sports Section Amazing Person” recipient.

The award presentation was delayed 18 months to the pandemic, but finally resented her in late November during the organization’s annual convention.

“The Adapted Physical Education Section is honored to recognize Theresa Uhelsky as their Amazing Person,” said Margaret Robelee, NYSAHPERD co-zone section president, during Uhelsky’s introduction. “Theresa has introduced a number of exciting initiatives including technology using Chromebooks, snow shoeing, bicycling and snow tubing into the adapted physical education program. She also developed interdisciplinary lessons and units for both the general physical education and adapted physical education programs.

“As an active member in her school,” Robelee added, “she created and presented several health and wellness professional development programs for her colleagues. She is incredibly devoted to her students, always advocating for them to receive the adapted physical education services they need.”

Adapted physical education is physical education which has been adapted or modified, so that it is as appropriate for the person with a disability as it is for a person without a disability. The intent is to instruct and give students the skills necessary for a lifetime of rich leisure, recreation, and sport experiences to enhance physical fitness and wellness.

At Minisink Valley, Uhelsky’s adaptive physical education work includes students in classes across the entire campus involving Minisink Valley students with different needs.

NYSAHPERD has asked Ms. Uhelsky to work with the group to produce a video on the Minisink Valley campus in Spring 2022 about adapted physical education. Its intent will be to spotlight what takes place at Minisink Valley while promoting the organization’s adaptive physical education mission.

The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance is an organization of health education, physical education, recreation and dance teachers along with youth coaches who are interested in promoting health, physical education, recreation, and dance in the Kindergarten through higher education settings, throughout New York State.