Albuquerque Public Schools
PE Collaborative - 2025 Best In Class Nominee
About the Physical Educator collaborative.
Students riding bicycles.
In 2023, Physical Educators from Atrisco, Lavaland, Inez, Wherry, Monta Vista, and Los Padillas Elementary Schools received a Schoolwide Impact Grant to bring the joy of outdoor movement to our students. These schools represent the vast diversity of Albuquerque, from the heights to the west side to the heart of the South Valley. Despite their differences, we found a common thread—many of our students, regardless of socio-economic background, had limited opportunities to engage in outdoor movement beyond traditional team sports.
To change that, we invested in bikes, rollerblades, archery equipment, fishing gear, tents, and land paddles (think paddle boards on wheels!). Our goal was simple: introduce students to new ways of experiencing movement, empowering them to explore, connect, and discover the joy of being active. The response was incredible. Students enthusiastically took to these new activities, often preferring them over traditional sports. The freedom to move at their own pace and express themselves physically in different ways sparked excitement and confidence. Through this program, we have directly impacted over 1,400 students, with an even greater reach through professional development for other Physical Educators across APS. By sharing our experiences, strategies, and successes, we’re working to make outdoor education a district-wide priority, not just in PE but across all subjects.
If We Win...
Our vision extends beyond movement. We believe that outdoor learning should be a fundamental part of education, integrated into science, math, literacy, and the arts. Imagine a math lesson where students measure angles while setting up tents, a science class where they study ecosystems while hiking, or a writing exercise where they reflect on their experiences fishing or biking. When students learn through movement and exploration, their engagement deepens, and their connection to the world around them grows. By embracing outdoor education, we are not only helping students develop physical skills but also nurturing a sense of wonder, resilience, and joy. This is just the beginning. We are building a culture where movement, adventure, and discovery are at the heart of every child’s education.