Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education & Dance > Awards & Grants > KAHPERD Awards > Professional Awards > Kathy Ermler Technology AwardKathy Ermler Technology Award
Dr. Kathy Ermler has had a major impact on health and physical education in the state of Kansas and across the nation. Dr. Ermler served as KAHPERD president and Journal Editor, assisting in establishing an electronic journal for the organization as well as creating the KAHPERD webpage, serving as the initial webmaster. She was also instrumental (as a part of the team of Emporia State University personnel) in implementing the first on-line master's degree program in HPER for the United States.
Dr. Ermler served as Chair of the NASPE Public Relations Committee from 2007-2010, during which time the NASPE Teacher Toolbox was established. A product of this toolbox was the activity calendar which continues to be a popular inclusion in many school curriculums.
Dr. Ermler was one of the key authors of the Physical Dimensions, Physical Focus, and Physical Essentials curriculums which are widely used by school districts in the state of Kansas. She also established KanDo for KAHPERD, a project that gave health and physical education teachers an opportunity to apply for funds needed to purchase equipment for special interest projects.
In 2002, Dr. Ermler began her tenure as Chair of the Emporia State University’s HPER Department leading as a visionary and with creativity. She continued to remain actively involved in all aspects of the department, continued with teaching responsibilities, served as the graduate advisor of approximately 150 students (a growth that nearly tripled the number of students, during her tenure as chair), and assisted with providing numerous grant and research opportunities for faculty, while maintaining the duties as chair.
In 2010, Dr. Ermler left the HPER department to become Dean of Graduate Studies and Distance Learning, continuing to lead with innovation while creating scholarship opportunities, updating policies, and introducing various venue opportunities for students and faculty to share research, recognition, and professional contributions. She established forums for graduate faculty to voice concerns and initiated an external evaluation of the graduate and distance programs.
Dr. Ermler has authored numerous books and journal articles and has provided her expertise in more than 150 presentations at state, regional, and national conferences. She has also been inducted into the Emporia State University’s HPER Hall of Honor.
Dr. Ermler has been recognized as a visionary and leader in the profession. This award honors her legacy and provides the opportunity to honor KAHPERD members that exemplify these same leadership qualities in the areas of technology and teaching.
Award Eligibility:
An active member of KAHPERD (membership remains active throughout the award process - initial enrollment date is prior to nomination and continues for the year as an award recipient)
Award Criteria:
Criteria #1: Demonstrates exemplary leadership in utilizing best practices through a unique use of technology (examples: new instructional techniques or traditional technology in an innovative and creative manner)
Criteria #2: Provides exemplary leadership in promoting and implementing improvements in student learning through assessment and the use of technology
Criteria #3: Actively serves as a role model for students and colleagues (across all disciplines) in creating, promoting, and sustaining a culture of creativity with the use of technology (examples: presentations, in-service, community involvement, special events/projects, participation in professional organizations as relating to the disciplines of KAHPERD)
Criteria #4: Demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities in motivating student learning and interest using technology
Award Recipient Requirements:
Award recipients will be responsible for presenting at the following year’s KAHPERD conference and submitting an article for the KAHPERD journal/newsletter.