The Charter School of Wilmington is proud to announce that Mrs. Colleen Degnan has been named the SHAPE America Eastern District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors in the field of physical education. She was selected from educators across more than 10 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Only four teachers nationwide receive this distinction each year, highlighting the significance of this achievement.
Mrs. Degnan has been involved with the SHAPE organization for more than 20 years and credits much of her professional growth to the educators and mentors she has encountered through the organization. She shared that receiving this award is both humbling and deeply meaningful, as it recognizes her belief that physical education plays a vital role in shaping students’ lives beyond the classroom. Her passion lies in helping students discover the joy of movement while building lifelong habits centered on health and fitness.
At CSW, Degnan’s teaching philosophy focuses on creating an inclusive and adaptable physical education environment that meets students at their individual skill levels. She emphasizes confidence-building, personal growth, and enjoyment, while also encouraging students to challenge themselves. Alongside Mr. Robinson, she fosters a classroom culture where mistakes are welcomed as part of the learning process, reinforcing that growth comes from perseverance and effort.
Degnan hopes this recognition helps elevate the importance of physical education within the broader educational landscape, both at CSW and beyond. She and the physical education department continue to advocate for expanded opportunities and coursework for students, emphasizing that quality physical education supports student well-being and complements CSW’s commitment to excellence across all disciplines, not just math and science, but the whole student experience.