Tom Winiecki was a finalist for the NFL Network Physical Education Teacher of the Year award.

Mott Road Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Tom Winiecki has been named a top-five finalist for the NFL Network Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The NFL Network award seeks to recognize life-changing physical education teachers who are leading the fight against childhood obesity, according to its website.

“I nominated Mr. Winiecki because he is well-deserving. He is a great teacher, colleague and curriculum coordinator for the Physical Education Department,” said Dan Rayome, physical education teacher at Enders Road Elementary School. “Mr. Winiecki is a leading advocate for physical education, not only in the district but in the state and nationwide, too.”

Mr. Winiecki was within two points of taking the top spot out of more than 2,000 candidates from across the nation.

“To know that a group of people at the national level in physical education and at the NFL Network thought enough of what I do here to make me a finalist is quite humbling and exciting at the same time. It’s certainly motivating me to continue to improve,” said Mr. Winiecki.

Nationally Board Certified since 2005, Mr. Winiecki has, among other accomplishments, been named a DisneyLand Teacher of the Year Nominee in 2002 and Physical Education Teacher of the Year for New York State in 2010. He has also been recognized by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance several times.