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Three Cambridge College SEL Faculty Receive High Honors
Cambridge College SEL faculty given very high honors at national convention in 2021.
Friday, June 25, 2021
In Spring 2021, three Cambridge College faculty members who lead and/or teach our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs were recognized at the SHAPE America 2021 National Conference with the following accolades:
- Mary Connolly – SHAPE America Hall of Fame Award
- Mary Connolly – Joseph McKenney Award, the highest award given by the state organization, Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD)
- Jeffry Bartlett – SHAPE America Eastern District Health Education Teacher of the Year Award
- Danielle LaRocque – President Elect of MAHPERD
Mary Connolly, champion and Program Chair of Cambridge College’s Skill-Based Health/Social Emotional Learning programs received the prestigious Hall of Fame Award by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America). The Hall of Fame Award honors outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to maintaining physical and health education, physical activity, dance and sport as important parts of the total educational program. She also was honored with the MAHPERD Joseph McKenney Award. The Joseph McKenney Award is the highest award the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) bestows on a member in recognition of distinguished service to the Association.
Danielle LaRocque, CC faculty member for the Skills-Based Health/Social Emotional Learning Master’s of Education program was elected President - Elect of the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (MAHPERD). MAHPERD is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy active life. MAHPERD objectives include increasing the quality of HPERD programs, maintaining program requirements, reaffirming stringent teacher certification of PE and Health programs, and increasing the understanding, appreciation and value of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in Massachusetts Schools. Danielle is not only a faculty member at Cambridge College, she also earned her Master’s Degree in Skills-Based Health/Social Emotional Learning at Cambridge College. A teacher/practitioner, Danielle also teaches Health Education at Holten Richmond Middle School in Danvers.
Jeff Bartlett, Adjunct Professor for our online Skills-Based Health/Social Emotional Learning Certificate, was selected as the Eastern District SHAPE America Health Education Teacher of the Year for 2021. Jeff has taught at Cambridge College for three years and has been a Health Educator in the Danvers Public School system for 13 years. He also coaches XC/Indoor Track and Girls Outdoor Track and Field. Jeff was previously the Vice President for Health at MAHPERD, a volunteer position he held from 2013-2014.
About Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is an approach to health education that focuses on helping students to integrate skills, attitudes, and behaviors that contribute to overall personal wellbeing. This includes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Research shows the skills taught in social and emotional learning curricula have wide-ranging benefits that affect children’s success in school, career, and life.
Cambridge College offers four SEL programs:
