Bryantown, Maryland — Jillian Genua, a physical education teacher at T.C. Martin Elementary School in Charles County, has been named the 2025 Maryland Elementary Teacher of the Year by SHAPE Maryland. The organization focuses on advancing health and wellness for students from kindergarten through Grade 12. Genua, a 20-year veteran educator, will receive formal recognition at the SHAPE Maryland awards ceremony on November 15 in Ocean City.
The award highlights Genua’s dedication to creating an environment where students build confidence through movement. Her classroom, the school’s gymnasium, emphasizes perseverance. “When you lose, you don’t give up,” Kali Grigsby, a second-grade student said. “If you give up, you lose your chance to win.”
Genua aims for students to apply these lessons beyond physical education. “My favorite part of being a PE teacher is knowing every student in the school and being able to share my love of movement with them,” she said.
Matt Golonka, content specialist for physical education with Charles County Public Schools, praised Genua’s approach. “She is a passionate and innovative educator who creates inclusive, engaging experiences that inspire students to enjoy movement, build confidence and develop lifelong healthy habits,” he said.
In recent classes, students explored balance through paired activities on the climbing wall. They retrieved slips with exercises ranging from simple to super challenging, including one-foot balances and yoga poses. After one session, Genua asked first-graders for feedback. “What did you think about it when it was more challenging,” she asked. “Some of them were tricky,” Maximus Lilly said. “But when it was harder, it was more fun,” Paige Goldey added.
Staff noted the positive atmosphere in her classes. “Mrs. Genua brings a joyful spirit to everything she does,” Martin Principal Ethel Hosendorf said. “In the gym she creates a safe, inclusive and engaging environment where students feel empowered to move, play and grow.”
Golonka added, “She brings energy, creativity and expertise to her classroom, making lessons meaningful while fostering teamwork, respect and empathy.”
Genua’s involvement extends schoolwide. “Mrs. Genua is a visible and enthusiastic presence throughout the school,” Hosendorf said. “Whether she’s cheering students on during events, collaborating with colleagues or leading the planning for schoolwide events, she constantly models positivity and professionalism.”
Genua’s path to teaching stemmed from her lifelong interest in movement. She initially pursued corporate wellness in college, aiming for a degree in movement science. A professor, observing her work at a summer camp, recommended physical education. “I’ve always loved working with kids,” Genua said.
She has taught in Charles County Public Schools for most of her career, except for four years in Calvert County Public Schools. Before joining T.C. Martin five years ago, she spent one year at John Hanson Middle School and 10 years at J.P. Ryon Elementary School, all in physical education roles.
SHAPE Maryland operates as the state affiliate of SHAPE America, established in 1885 to support physical education and health professionals. The national organization advocates for inclusive, active school environments and offers resources for educators. Annually, SHAPE Maryland honors teachers in categories including adapted physical education, elementary, middle and high school physical education, and health education. Additional recognitions include the Distinguished Advocate for Healthful Living, Friend of SHAPE Maryland and the Simon McNeely Award.
Physical education holds a key position in Maryland’s school curriculum, being the sole program that teaches motor skills and fitness development. The Maryland Physical Education Framework for prekindergarten through Grade 12 underscores its role in a well-rounded education, addressing the whole child. State law requires programs to establish baseline fitness data, aid personal fitness plans and integrate health components.
Research links physical activity in schools to better academic outcomes, including higher grade point averages and test scores. It also boosts mental health by building skills and confidence. In Charles County, educators like Genua contribute to these goals by fostering habits that extend into adulthood.
Genua’s recognition follows other Maryland educators honored by SHAPE. For 2025, awards also went to professionals in health education and adapted physical education.
The award process involves nominations and evaluations based on teaching impact. Genua’s work at T.C. Martin exemplifies how physical education integrates with broader school goals in Southern Maryland, where rural settings like Bryantown benefit from community-focused programs.
