The Central District represents nine states from Colorado to Minnesota. The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance in school health education and the ability to motivate youth to make healthy choices for a lifetime.

Titterington, a health and physical education teacher at Tonganoxie for the past nine years, vied with three other district winners for the distinguished honor of National Health Education Teacher of the Year. A health teacher from Indiana was named the national teacher of the year on April 4 at the AAHPERD Hall of Fame Banquet. Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee was also inducted into the AAHPERD Hall of Fame that evening.

“I am an energetic person with a deep passion and love for my students and health education,” Titterington said. “I strive to make my lessons relevant, innovative and as hands on as possible.”

Titterington uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students, such as nutrition stations, trivia games and simulated experiences related to a host of health conditions. She was also part of the committee responsible for earning a PEP grant, helping to invigorate PE and health education programs across the district.

“Diane is inspirational in how she works with students,” said Tammie George, TES principal. “She goes beyond teaching basic nutrition and wellness. She explores other health-related and safety topics that are integral for students to be up to date on, such as bike safety, family plans for fire evacuations and other real life scenarios.”