Kathy Hoerup, Teacher of the Year

Kathleen M. Hoerup, a physical education teacher at the Goshen Intermediate School, was named this year’s recipient of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYPHERD) Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award. Only one elementary-level physical education teacher in the state of New York is awarded this honor each year.

Goshen Central School District Athletics and Physical Education Director Robert Siracuse nominated Mrs. Hoerup for the award in 2003, and although she didn’t win that year, her application was kept active for two years. This year, Hoerup received the call that she was the 2005 Teacher of the Year.
“I’m very honored,” said Mrs. Hoerup. “It was a wonderful surprise.”

Mrs. Hoerup began teaching physical education 33 years ago in Peru, New York. After a year, she joined the Goshen Central School District, where she has worked as a teacher, junior varsity and varsity girls’ soccer coach and varsity volleyball coach, and served as second vice-president of the Goshen Teachers’ Association. She also served as chairperson of the New York State United Teachers, and is involved in the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; and the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

“Throughout my 32-year career at Goshen, I’ve had the opportunity to work in each school building with children of all ages,” said Mrs. Hoerup. “My favorite part about physical education is being able to teach children how to stay fit and healthy for the rest of their lives – and have fun doing it.”

“This award wouldn’t be possible without the support and camaraderie of the people I work with, and all the positive feedback from throughout the years from principals, administrators, and parents,” she said.
Besides teaching, Mrs. Hoerup enjoys reading, cross word puzzles, biking, gardening, and traveling – especially to Virginia Beach to visit her granddaughter.

Mrs. Hoerup, along with family and friends, attended the state conference in Rochester on Nov. 11, where she received her award.