Sunnyside Elementary School physical education teacher Chris Wendorf is the winner of the Wisconsin Health and Physical Education’s Elementary PE Teacher of the Year award.
The award recognizes outstanding teaching in physical education in Wisconsin. According to the WHPE, “ Recipients must conduct a quality physical education program as reflected by standards using various teaching methodologies, serve as a positive role model for the profession, participate in professional development opportunities, and provide professional leadership through presentations, leadership and writing.”
Wendorf has been a teacher for 26 years, the last 22 in the Pulaski Community School District. He followed in the footsteps of his parents. His father, Greg, was a teacher and administrator for 35 years. His mother, Carol, taught physical education for 37 years. Wendorf lives in Ashwaubenon with his wife, Barb; son, Ben; daughter, Anna and dog, Cooper.
Wendorf said he is extremely honored and humbled to receive the award. “ Many of the teachers that have been honored in previous years are people I have admired and tried to model my program after. My elementary school physical education teacher is one who was honored many years ago and to think that I am now joining that special group is pretty amazing. I have always taken great pride in providing my students with extraordinary experiences and to be recognized for my efforts is very satisfying.”
Wendorf earned a bachelor’s degree in PreK-12 physical education with a minor in grade 7-12 health education and adaptive physical education certification from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also earned a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction from Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“Chris does an amazing job both instructionally and as a role model both in and out of the classroom. He is a positive individual whose passion for teaching is demonstrated every day for our students and staff,” said Marc Klawiter, Sunnyside principal. “His global perspective, knowledge base, outside-of-the-box thinking, and creativity continuously provide additional opportunities for our students and families to participate in. We are blessed to have his passion, flexibility, innovation and leadership skills as our Sunnyside physical education teacher but, more importantly, as a teacher within the Pulaski Community School District,” he added.
Wendorf will receive the award during the WHPE Convention Oct. 24 in Wisconsin Dells. He now has the chance to apply for the Midwest Physical Education Teacher of the Year.