Learning: DisneyHand Teacher Awards: The 2004 Honorees
Sue Stinson
Elementary: Wellness & Sports - Elementary Physical Education

Sue Stinson
Apache Elementary School
Overland Park, KS

"In 1st grade we drew pictures of what we wanted to be when we grew up. I knew then that I was going to be a teacher. It took me a few more years to realize I was going to be a Physical Education teacher but I knew that before I was in high school. I never even considered becoming a comedienne although my students will all tell you how funny I am. Humor is the gateway to my classroom. I firmly believe that if you are having fun, you are learning for a lifetime. Everyday people choose to participate in activities, which they enjoy, while avoiding activities that they consider unpleasant. I make moving a fun experience for my students so that they will choose to lead a physically active lifestyle."

-- Sue

"Sue Stinson is an amazing teacher!! She has an extraordinary gift of being able to make each child believe in his or her own ability. Her love of her job and the children of the school is very clear to see. It is amazing to me how a teacher can touch the lives of so many children and expect nothing in return. I feel blessed to have Sue Stinson as my child's teacher."

-- Beverly Baker, parent of a current student

There is something special about the gymnasium at Apache Elementary with its unique, fun, educational and motivational paint job. The entire gym is painted and used in games to help students integrate reading, math and spelling into Sue's classes. Physical Education activities extend beyond the use of traditional equipment. Cans, feathers, balloons, scarves, stuffed animals are just of a few of the creative learning tools students use in this physical education class. Also, characters painted on the walls reinforce the school's values. Humor plays a large part of Sue's teaching. Sue believes that children are more attentive to the activities when they are enjoying it, so she strives to make learning a fun process. Skills are taught using a variety of manipulatives to keep students actively engaged and challenged. In Sue's PE class, students are encouraged to reach beyond themselves to excel.

Other Highlights:

  • Grants Chair, KAHPERD Council, 2002-present
  • Member, KAHPERD Council, 2001-present
  • Vice President, Apache School PTA, 2002-present
  • Member, Apache School PTA, 1998-present
  • Member, S.M. School District Curriculum Council, 1998-present
  • Member, KAHPERD, 1998-present; Member, AAHPERD, 1987-present
  • Intramurals: Team/Individual Sports, Cup Stacking, Ice Skating, Running Club, Juggling, Bowling, 1996-present
  • Cultural Arts Night Presentations, Cup Stacking, Lunastix, Yo-Yo, Juggling, and Parachute 1996-present
  • Teacher Walking Program, 2001-present
  • PE Central Challenge,2000-present
  • Fit the Deck All School Game,2003-2004
  • Fit for Life Challenge, 2003-2004
  • Running and Reading Marathon, 2003
  • Fit-opoly All School Game, 2002-2003
  • Coast to Coast Race, 2002; Junior Marathon, 2000
  • Home-WORK-out Challenge, 2001-2002
  • Jump Rope Challenge, 2001-2002
  • Lunastix grant from KAHPERD, 2003
  • $10,000 for Apache School from CBA, 2001
  • AAHPERD convention, New Games, 1989; MAHPERD convention, New Games, 1988
  • Freshman Volleyball Coach, Notre Dame de Sion High School, Kansas City, MO, 1996
  • Junior High Softball Coach, Hommocks Middle School, Mamaroneck, NY, 1994
  • Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach, Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, NY, 1993
  • The Ursuline School, New Rochelle, NY, Varsity Volleyball Coach, 1990-1992; Junior Varsity Softball Coach, 1991; Junior High Basketball Coach, 1990-1991; Junior High Volleyball Coach, 1990
  • Lifetime PTA Membership Award, Apache School, 2004
  • KAHPERD Model Merit School Award Winner, 2003
  • Outstanding Employee Apache School (Shawnee Mission Schools), 1999