Delia Thibodeaux
Delia Thibodeaux is one of only three teachers from across the nation to be so honored
A veteran educator with more than a decade of service to HISD students has been named one of three finalists for the national Health Education Teacher of the Year award by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America).
Delia Thibodeaux, who teaches at Westside High School, advanced to the national round of the competition after being named SHAPE’s 2015 Health Education Teacher of the Year for the Southern District, which encompasses 13 states from Virginia to Texas.
The award is given out annually in recognition of outstanding teaching performance in school health and the ability to motivate youth to make healthy choices for a lifetime, and Thibodeaux was chosen in part for the enthusiasm she brings to the classroom.
“Delia is the epitome of an effective health educator,” said Sydne Marshall, a trainer with HISD’s Professional Development Services department. “She is known for bringing innovative health education to her students and ensures that health and physical education remain top priorities in Houston schools.”
In HISD, Thibodeaux serves as a lead teacher, a key teacher, a PowerUp lead teacher, and the Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool-Center for Disease Control (HECAT) lead. She helped develop the health education curriculum for the district (including an end-of-course exam), and also serves as the Fuel Up to 60 program advisor.
Thibodeaux received a bachelor’s degree in health education from Texas Southern University and a master’s degree in elementary/secondary mid-management from Prairie View A&M University. She is a member of both SHAPE America and its Texas affiliate, the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (TAHPERD).
The national winner will be announced during SHAPE America’s 130th National Convention & Expo, March 17–21.