Charles County Public Schools content specialist Matthew Golonka received a presidential citation from the Society of Health & Physical Educators Maryland for his contributions to health and physical education development for kindergarten through grade 12 students. The recognition highlights his two-decade career in the district and his role in supporting educators and curriculum that promote physical literacy and healthy decision-making.
Golonka, who grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., developed an early passion for sports amid the prominence of the Buffalo Bills in football and the Buffalo Sabres in hockey. He organized neighborhood games of street hockey, football, and other activities as a child. During high school, he served as an assistant coach for a bantam ice hockey team of 12- to 14-year-olds as part of a school-based service learning project. That role demonstrated the influence educators can have on young people. His mother, a lifelong teacher, further shaped his path into education.
Golonka joined Charles County Public Schools in 2005 as a middle school physical education teacher at General Smallwood Middle School, later renamed Glymont, followed by Theodore G. Davis Middle School. He transitioned to his current position as content specialist for health and physical education, where he oversees curriculum and resources for prekindergarten through grade 12 students. His daily work focuses on supporting teachers through professional development, resource creation, and curriculum implementation, with effects extending to student outcomes.
The content specialist role involves varied responsibilities. Golonka develops and delivers resources, curriculum materials, and professional learning opportunities for staff. He described the position as multifaceted and fast-paced, similar to classroom teaching but centered on systemwide support. His efforts aim to ensure health and physical education programs align with grade-level standards, helping students build physical literacy, emotional regulation, confidence, self-management, and personal responsibility. These skills contribute to improved focus in academic settings and long-term health choices.
Golonka emphasized the broader value of well-taught physical education and health instruction. When delivered effectively, such programs enable students to regulate emotions, build confidence, and make decisions that foster positive results in and out of the classroom. The approach equips them for healthier futures while supporting academic growth.
The SHAPE Maryland presidential citation recognizes educators who significantly advance the fields of physical education and health for K-12 students. Golonka’s award reflects his sustained impact in Charles County, part of Southern Maryland, where public schools serve growing communities in Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head, and surrounding areas. Charles County Public Schools prioritizes comprehensive student wellness, and specialists like Golonka help align programs with state standards and local needs amid regional emphasis on youth health and active lifestyles.
