One of our current EdD in KIN students, Korey Kleinhans, was awarded the SHAPE America Midwest Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year for his commitment to making lifelong physical activity meaningful and accessible for every student.
Korey, an adapted and general physical education specialist at Oshkosh West High School, says his program is built on intentional inclusion. “Our goal is to promote physical activity through meaningful, lifelong activities,” he shared. “We are committed to intentionally including students with disabilities across all courses and ensuring equitable access and opportunities for every student.” His day-to-day teaching reflects kinesiology principles in action, using equipment and task modifications to differentiate instruction and help students of all abilities participate confidently and successfully.
When asked what led colleagues to nominate him, Korey points to the programs he has helped build and sustain; especially his leadership in expanding the Wisconsin Adapted Sports League from five teams to 18 teams statewide. The league provides an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to compete in sports such as soccer, floor hockey, and whiffle ball, while also building teamwork, belonging, and school pride. He credits strong professional relationships and collaboration across schools and districts, and remains involved in efforts to support parents, coaches, and administrators to strengthen adapted sport programming.
He also connects his work to his graduate studies – sharing that UNCG’s EdD in KIN coursework has helped him sharpen how he thinks about advocacy and the broader profession. Looking ahead, Kleinhans sees the award as both recognition and momentum, and he expressed gratitude to the mentors, colleagues, and his family who have supported him throughout the journey.
We congratulate Korey for being the SHAPE America Midwest award recipient and wish him good luck as he competes to become the SHAPE America’s National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. We also want to congratulate Mandy Davis, another UNCG graduate, who was named the Southern District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. National awardees will be named in March.
Visit the EdD in KIN website for more information about the program.