USD’s Kelly Knutson Named SHAPE South Dakota’s University Teacher of the Year
Knutson’s recognition honors her commitment to preparing future physical educators and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
“Receiving the South Dakota SHAPE Higher Education Teacher of the Year award is truly an honor, and I am incredibly grateful. 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,” said Knutson. “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. This recognition reflects the wonderful people I am fortunate to work alongside and the students I have the privilege of teaching.”
The recognition was especially fitting as Knutson recently attended the 2026 SHAPE South Dakota Convention with several USD physical education students, extending their learning beyond the classroom and into a statewide professional setting.
At the conference, Knutson and her students presented “Inclusion in Action: Practical APE Strategies for Every Teacher.” The interactive session gave attendees practical strategies for adapting equipment, tasks, space and instruction to create meaningful physical education opportunities for students of all abilities.
For USD students, the experience gave them an opportunity to share what they are learning with practicing educators while building self-confidence as future professionals.
Knutson’s recognition, paired with her students’ involvement at the conference, highlighted the connection between strong teaching, hands-on learning and preparing the next generation of physical educators.
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