NFL Network drafts Berkmar Middle PE Teacher

Berkmar Middle School physical education teacher Dana Griffith was named the NFL Network’s PE Teacher of the Year, Gwinnett County Public Schools announced in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

The network awarded Griffith as part of its “Keep Gym in School” mission, which honors educators who promote active and healthy living. Griffith, the Gwinnett Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2006, and the school each received $10,000 as part of the award. The money will be used to add a track at the school.

Griffith has initiated programs to teach students and their families about a healthy lifestyle, some of which is incorporated in the “Fitness Connections” curriculum used by many Georgia middle schools.

She also has developed curriculum for the CDC and contributed to the Georgia Performance Standards for Physical Education. She also has promoted several programs at Berkmar Middle.

Her impact on students was reflected in their letter of recognition for the honor: “She makes learning fun,” the letter read. “She also knows how to get students to participate in activities. She knows a lot about how to stay fit and healthy. She encourages us to keep going even when we want to give up.”