By Mindy Ayala-Diaz
Norfolk, Virginia – The Darden College of Education & Professional Studies is proud to announce that Ms. Katelyn Makovec, Senior Lecturer of Health and Physical Education (HPE) in the Department of Human Movement Sciences, has been named the 2023 College/University Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (VAHPERD). Makovec's outstanding contributions to the field of physical education and her dedication to her students have earned her this prestigious award.
Makovec, who has been with ODU since 2017, has been a driving force in the Department of Human Movement Sciences. Her commitment to teaching, professional development, and community engagement has set her apart as an exemplary educator and mentor. Her passion for physical education and her unwavering dedication to her students have made her a shining star in the field.
“I am honored to be recognized by Virginia AHPERD for this award,” shared Makovec. “ It is a testament to the students at Old Dominion and the passion they bring each day to become the best future teachers they can be and to my colleagues who support me day in and day out. They make teaching fun and an adventure every day. Congratulations to all of the other winners this year as you all are making a difference!”
Makovec's nomination for this prestigious award was supported by her Department Chair, Xihe Zhu, who highlighted her exceptional contributions to the field of physical education. “Ms. Makovec has provided dedicated teaching and services to our students and our program, and she has served as a role model for many current and future Health and Physical Education teachers in Virginia, both in the classroom and in the gymnasium. This award is a true testament to our strong commitment to a quality Health and Physical Education program at ODU and adds to the many accolades that our faculty have received.”
In addition to her teaching excellence, Ms. Makovec has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. She has served as a positive image for the profession, working with local schools and ODU's Child Study Center to provide quality physical education lessons to underserved students, while also giving ODU’s health and physical education students opportunities to work directly with school-aged children on site. She has been a devoted member of VAHPERD and SHAPE America, has participated in the CAEP/SPA review organized by SHAPE, and recently served as a reviewer for Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) revision. She has also been heavily engaged in the promotion of field hockey athletics, officiating for NCAA Collegiate Field Hockey events and coaching field hockey.
To be considered for this award, educators must demonstrate a wide range of skills while proving to be effective in their teaching. The award winner must also promote the significance of physical and health education, be professional in their work and serve the students as an upstanding example, among other requirements. They must be an active member of the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (VAHPERD).