Truman Middle School physical education teacher Sara Marrone has been named the 2015 St. Louis District Middle School Educator of the Year, by the Missouri Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance.

Marrone began her fifth year of teaching at Truman last fall, moving here from Kansas City. In her short time at Truman, Principal Tara Sparks said Marrone has been able to seamlessly mix physical education and health curriculum, build relationships with students and advocate for her profession.

“Sara possesses a high level of energy, motivation, personal responsibility, and instructional understanding to represent health and fitness teachers,” Sparks stated in a district news release.

Students in Marrone’s class researched, collaborated and created brain break videos for teachers to use in their classrooms this year. At her previous school, Marrone wrote a grant to incorporate technology into physical education, and she is initiating a similar campaign at Truman.

“My goal is to connect with kids, find out what motivates them, and give them the tools necessary to value and lead a healthy lifestyle,” Marrone stated in the release.

As St. Louis district winner, Marrone is eligible for the State Teacher of the Year honor, which will be announced in August.