For 11 years, Long Elementary School students have run, stretched and sported with physical education teacher Natalie Luna. She spends her school days teaching approximately 550 children to move — whether that’s lifetime skills or specialized sports like lacrosse, hockey, football or even archery.
This month, she was named the 2025 Physical Education Teacher of the Year in the St. Louis District for elementary schools.
“I work really hard at my job, and I really care about this school specifically,” Luna said. “To win this award out of all the St. Louis area P.E. teachers — there are so many teachers that are deserving, but it’s nice to be recognized for the hard work that I put in. My school is amazing. I think they could really tell how great my school is, and that helps with being a good teacher.”
The annual title was awarded by MOSHAPE, the Missouri Society of Health & Physical Educators. Luna was nominated in the spring, submitted her application over the summer and was notified of her win over the weekend of Sept. 6.
Luna attributes some of her success to her pride in Long Elementary School and Lindbergh Schools as a whole. With over a decade of teaching in the district under her belt, as well as her own children being enrolled, Luna says she has immersed herself in the community.
“I feel like, over the last couple of years, my teaching has really gone to the next level, because I know these kids on a personal level,” Luna said. “I get to see them going from a five-year-old to 10, 11 and beyond. It’s really special to know the families, the siblings. That lends to a wonderful school.”
Beyond her daily duties as a physical education teacher, Luna coaches the second-grade girls and first-grade boys basketball teams, and helps with soccer. She’s also passionate about the school garden.
Luna speaks highly of her students, saying she “can’t dote on these kids enough.” She noted that last week, some of the students made bracelets for her and congratulated her on the award from MOSHAPE.
“They are respectful, they are kind, they are leaders,” Luna said. “They are wonderful kids, and their families are wonderful. I’m just so proud to be at this school. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”