USD Professor Knutson Named South Dakota SHAPE Teacher of the Year

Kelly Knutson has been named the SHAPE South Dakota University Teacher of the Year, usd.edu reported.

The recognition honors the University of South Dakota physical education instructor for her work in preparing future educators and promoting active lifestyles. This award comes as Knutson continues to integrate practical, real-world application into her curriculum, ensuring her students are ready for the complexities of modern physical education classrooms.

“Receiving the South Dakota SHAPE Higher Education Teacher of the Year award is truly an honor, and I am incredibly grateful,” Knutson told usd.edu. “I get to work alongside amazing colleagues at USD and throughout the Vermillion community, whose support and collaboration make what I do possible every day.”

The award highlights a specific pedagogical approach that moves beyond textbook theory. Recently, Knutson brought several USD physical education students to the 2026 SHAPE South Dakota Convention to show them the profession in practice.

This wasn’t merely a field trip. At the convention, Knutson and her students led an interactive session titled “Inclusion in Action: Practical APE Strategies for Every Teacher.” The presentation focused on Adaptive Physical Education (APE), offering attendees concrete methods to modify equipment, tasks, and instructional spaces.

For the students involved, the convention served as a professional proving ground. By presenting to practicing educators, they were able to share their emerging expertise while building the self-confidence necessary for their future careers.

“I am also grateful for the opportunity to bring students along to experience the professional association that has continually inspired me to grow as an educator, stay current in my profession, and connect with fellow teachers across the state,” Knutson told usd.edu.

The focus on inclusion is a critical component of modern physical education. As school districts across the country face increasing requirements to serve diverse student populations, the ability to implement effective APE strategies has become a vital skill for new teachers.

Knutson’s session addressed the practicalities of creating meaningful opportunities for students of all abilities. This includes the tactical adaptation of instruction and physical environments to ensure no student is sidelined during physical activity.

“This recognition reflects the wonderful people I am fortunate to work alongside and the students I have the privilege of teaching,” Knutson said, according to usd.edu.

The intersection of high-level teaching and hands-on professional development remains a cornerstone of the USD physical education program, emphasizing the link between academic preparation and the readiness of the next generation of educators.

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