Award Eligibility: 

A member of KAHPERD (has been an active member for at least three years prior to nomination and membership remains active throughout the award process - continues for the year as an award recipient)

Has taught for a minimum of five years within the dance education profession

Is currently practicing as evidenced by:

• Degree/certification in teaching 
• Full-time teaching contract (current or at the time of nomination)
• Minimum of 50% of total job responsibility teaching dance education

This award is not intended to be an award for those individuals including dance education opportunities within their general curriculum/lesson plans but rather as a designated class for such. 

Award Criteria: 

Criteria #1: Teaches creatively and utilizes various methodologies that intentionally honors the needs of all students.

Criteria #2: Presents a balanced and sequential curriculum based on the developmental, social, and psychological needs of students.

Criteria #3: Emphasizes the significance of dance as an integral cultural component that enables students to understand their own cultural heritage as well as that of others.

Criteria #4: Promotes an understanding of dance as a creative art where students and their life experiences are affirmed. Students are encouraged to be creative, discover new ideas and perspectives through participation, observation, and discussion of creative works.

Criteria #5: Advocates for and supports the profession, as evidenced through partnerships, participation in professional organizations and professional learning opportunities. 

Award Recipient Responsibilities: 

Award recipients will be responsible for presenting at the following year’s KAHPERD conference and submitting an article for the KAHPERD journal/newsletter.

KAHPERD award recipients may be required to become a member of SHAPE America before candidacy for a Central District/SHAPE America award is considered (based on SHAPE America Central District protocol).