Amy Robinson, aquatics manager for Charles County Public Schools, has been named president of SHAPE Maryland for 2026, a role that positions her to lead professional development, networking, and advocacy efforts for health and physical education teachers across the state.
The Society of Health and Physical Educators Maryland, known as SHAPE Maryland, supports educators in physical education and health through resources, workshops, conferences, and policy advocacy to strengthen programs in schools. Robinson’s election as president follows her receipt of the organization’s Simon A. McNeely Honor Award in 2024, which recognized her longstanding commitment to delivering high-quality health and physical education instruction to students.
Robinson has served Charles County Public Schools for 21 years. She began her career teaching physical education at Henry E. Lackey High School, North Point High School, and St. Charles High School. In 2014, she transitioned to managing the aquatics program at North Point High School, and she assumed the systemwide role of aquatics manager in 2022. A key component of CCPS aquatics under her leadership is the fifth-grade water safety program, which teaches elementary students essential skills to prevent drowning and promote safe behavior around water.
Although Robinson initially majored in recreational therapy in college, she switched to physical education after determining it aligned more closely with her preferences. “Working behind a desk and having a predictable day was not for me,” she said.
She joined SHAPE Maryland—then operating as the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance—in 2003. Her participation decreased after she became aquatics manager in 2022 due to increased responsibilities, but colleagues recently encouraged her to reengage. “I wanted to be more involved and contribute to the [health and PE education] community in the DMV area and nationally,” Robinson said. “I deeply believe in the mission and values of SHAPE Maryland and am proud to serve and help advance it’s work.”
Robinson’s career trajectory reflects a focus on both direct instruction and program administration in Southern Maryland’s largest public school district. Charles County Public Schools serves more than 27,000 students across 28 schools, including several with aquatics facilities that support competitive swimming and water safety initiatives. The fifth-grade water safety program addresses a critical public health need in the region, where proximity to the Potomac River, Patuxent River, and Chesapeake Bay tributaries increases risks associated with water activities. Drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death among children in Maryland, and structured school-based programs like CCPS’s help build foundational skills early.
SHAPE Maryland operates as the state affiliate of SHAPE America, the national organization for health and physical educators. The group’s annual conference and professional development sessions provide Maryland teachers with continuing education credits, curriculum updates, and opportunities to influence state standards. As president in 2026, Robinson will guide the board in planning events, advocating for adequate instructional time in physical education, and promoting health education topics such as nutrition, mental wellness, and injury prevention.
Her prior recognition with the Simon A. McNeely Honor Award—named for a longtime Maryland physical education advocate—highlights her impact on students and colleagues. The award is given to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service and leadership in advancing health and physical education in the state.
Robinson’s leadership comes at a time when Maryland continues to emphasize comprehensive health and physical education in public schools. The Maryland State Department of Education requires physical education for all grade levels, with specific time allocations, and encourages water safety instruction as part of broader health curricula. In Charles County, aquatics programs extend beyond the fifth-grade initiative to include lifeguard training, swim team support, and community partnerships.
Robinson’s return to active involvement in SHAPE Maryland and her new role as president underscore the value of experienced educators stepping into statewide leadership to support the profession. Her work in Charles County contributes to regional efforts to equip students with lifelong skills for physical activity and safety.
