Steamboat Springs PE Teacher Erin Early Named SHAPE Colorado Elementary Teacher of the Year

The Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) Colorado has named Erin Early, of Soda Creek Elementary School, the recipient of the 2026–2027 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. The statewide honor recognizes educators who make exceptional contributions to health, physical education, and dance.

SHAPE board member Bryson Davis submitted the nomination after visiting Early’s class in Steamboat Springs last spring to observe her teaching methods firsthand.

Walk into Early’s gymnasium on any given day, and you will find a structured, high-energy environment designed to get every student moving. Wearing a headset microphone so her voice carries clearly over the gym noise, Early begins each class with a warm-up, then gathers students in a circle for a "question of the day." She outlines the objective, demonstrates the technique, and moves directly into whole-class activities.

Her curriculum is organized around distinct movement themes. During a recent "striking" unit, students worked on pickleball skills through a series of fast-paced games. The lesson's impact extended beyond the school doors; one student noted that learning the sport in class meant he could finally join his dad, who plays regularly, on the courts in town.

At the end of every period, Early brings the class together to publicly recognize a few students who stood out for their hard work, progress, or positive attitude.

Reflecting on the award, Early credited the supportive network of physical educators across the Steamboat Springs School District.

"It's a true honor, and I'm beyond grateful to have been nominated," Early said. "I cannot thank the amazing team of PE teachers in our district who have mentored me, advised me, assisted me, laughed with me, and got creative with me. I have the best team ever, and I view this award as me being a representative of an incredible PE team here at SSSD."

Early is currently making plans to attend the official SHAPE Colorado recognition ceremony later this school year.