Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Physical Education Teachers Protest Exclusion From State Teachers’ Awards
Physical education teachers help students play sports and stay healthy.
They also find talented students and train them for competitions.
This year, the state announced 79 Teachers’ Awards.
The associations said none of the winners were physical education teachers.
They felt this ignored the important work done by physical directors and PETs.
They want the government to change the selection process.
They suggested honouring three teachers from schools that perform especially well in sports.
The government’s reason for excluding physical education teachers was not reported.
None of the 79 state-level Teachers’ Award recipients belonged to physical education, associations said.
Physical directors and PETs said they promote sports, fitness and students’ overall development.
They highlighted their role in identifying talent and training students for state and national competitions.
Associations urged the government to review the selection process and ensure physical education representation.
They suggested selecting three outstanding PDs or PETs from about 140 Schools of Sports Excellence.
- Who
- Physical directors, also called school assistant physical education teachers, and physical education teachers, represented by their associations.
- What
- The associations expressed disappointment that no physical education teacher was included among 79 state-level Teachers’ Award recipients.
- When
- The awards were announced for Teachers’ Day on September 5.
- Where
- The report was datelined Vijayawada and concerns the state-level awards.
- Why
- The associations want recognition for teachers’ roles in promoting sports, fitness, talent development and student achievement.
- Award recipients
- 79 teachers were selected for the state-level awards.
- Physical education representation
- Associations said none of the 79 awardees belonged to the physical education stream.
- Teachers’ Day
- The awards were announced in connection with Teachers’ Day on September 5.
- Reported contributions
- PDs and PETs identify sporting talent, train students and promote healthy lifestyles.
- School sports recognition
- Around 140 schools received School of Sports Excellence Awards.
- Association proposal
- Authorities were urged to identify and honour the best three PDs or PETs.