By Amanda Mlekush
NC Shape, a statewide organization representing athletics, health, physical education, recreation, dance and sport management professionals, has named Dr. Brooke Towner its 2024 college/university physical education teacher of the year.
Towner, who is program director for App State’s homeschool physical education program and assistant professor of physical education, received the award at the NC Shape conference held in Winston-Salem in December.
According to NC Shape, being named its teacher of the year is one of the profession’s highest honors. To be eligible, a college faculty must spend at least 50 percent of their time teaching at a North Carolina university, have at least five years’ experience, show demonstrated excellence in teaching and dedication to the mission of NC Shape.
“This award recognizes what Brooke has done in the classroom as well as her commitment to service, research, and improving the field of physical education,” said Dr. Jill Juris, interim chair of Recreation Management and Physical Education. “It’s an honor to have Brooke in our department, and to have her leadership in a profession that is shaping the next generation of physical education teachers and creating a love of physical activity for students who participate in our programs and outreach.”
About App State’s Homeschool PE Program and Graduate Certificate
App State’s homeschool physical education program offers low-cost physical activity programming for homeschooled students in the region. The program, which began in 1994, serves about 30 - 40 families and 60 - 75 children each year. Undergraduate students majoring in Physical Education from App State help deliver and plan curriculum with Towner’s supervision. (Image above shows homeschool physical education participants led in a session in Varsity Gym with Towner.)
“As the director, I’m especially proud of the Homeschool PE Program. We provide quality PE classes for local elementary kids twice a week, giving App State students hands-on teaching experience. It’s a win-win that showcases the power of service learning,” she said.
Towner recently became the director of the Health and Physical Education Graduate Certificate program, where she revamped coursework to serve graduate students working within the residency license model. All of her work inside and outside the classroom reflects Towner’s passion for promoting lifelong physical activity.
“Lifelong physical activity offers so many benefits, from better physical and mental health to improved social connections and quality of life. Starting in childhood is key—it’s when kids develop the skills, confidence, and habits they need to stay active throughout their lives,” she said. “As both a parent and an educator, I focus on helping kids become physically literate—competent and confident movers who enjoy being active. Whether it’s through fun games, teaching fundamental skills, or encouraging family hikes, I aim to show that physical activity isn’t just good for you—it’s something to love and carry with you for life.”
About Towner’s Teaching Philosophy
“My teaching philosophy is all about meeting students where they are and guiding them to where they want to be and creating a positive, respectful environment where every student feels valued and supported,” she said. “I make it a point to use flexible assignments, interactive activities, and real-world applications to keep students engaged and motivated.”
Towner shares a few key takeaways for her students:
Be passionate about teaching - it’s contagious
Understand the nuts and bolts of quality physical education
Set high standards, but support students to meet them
Always act like a professional - your character matters
Stay organized, communicate clearly, and embrace feedback
Woman stands outside in front of a tree
Dr. Brooke Towner