Wilson Middle school teacher Billy Sanders was recently named the 2019-2020 Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD) Teacher of the Year.

Sanders is the head coach for football and an assistant coach for basketball. Recently, he became the activities director for Wilson middle school. Sanders currently teaches PE to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and has worked for the Council Bluffs community school district since 2014.

There were three awards total, all going to a physical education teacher at an elementary, middle, or high school.

IAHPERD Teacher of the Year has many criteria for selection. Teachers are awarded when they have extensive content knowledge of physical education and run a diverse class with opportunities for a variety of students to succeed. The teacher also has to use various teaching methods and show leadership and service within their school.

“I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of students, from the athletes in the building to students with challenging behaviors to students with significant disabilities,” Sanders explained in an interview with the Daily Nonpareil, “This opportunity has pushed me to think outside the box. It has pushed me to look at the curriculum and truly understand what skill is being focused on and what that might look like for this wide variety of students.”

Sanders wasn’t expecting to win his award but was honored nonetheless. He explained, “It’s pretty neat to win recognition, especially when it’s something you are passionate about and do every day for your job.”

“He’s a great teacher,” said Rilynn Kreft, an 8th-grade student at Wilson. “I had him last year for PE. He always made sure everyone could participate in the activities.”

Many students here at TJ had Sanders for a PE teacher. He made an impact on everyone he taught, most students remember fond memories from his class.

“Billy makes sure his lessons are fun, engaging and able to be attempted by all students,” Michael Naughton, Principal of Wilson Middle School, said.  “Through his engagement and constant movement students have developed their ability to exhibit responsible behaviors in his classes and show their creativity during units where they are able to design games and exercises.”

Many of Sander’s current students, as well as past students here at TJ, agree that Sanders is well-deserving of this award.  From the newspaper team, we just want to say congratulations and keep up the good work at Wilson!