Prospect Hill's Nick D'Ambroso Wins National P.E. Teacher of the Year

The Pelham Public Schools is thrilled to share that Prospect Hill Elementary Physical Education Teacher Nicholas D’Ambroso was honored as the 2026 National Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators). Mr. D’Ambroso had previously been recognized as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD).

This national award represents a level of dedication, skill and passion to which every teacher aspires. Mr. D’Ambroso has an incredibly positive effect on every student he works with, giving them the skills and capacity to succeed wherever life takes them.

“It takes an extraordinary amount of dedication and commitment, as well as a mastery of certain skills and knowledge, to be selected as a National Teacher of the Year,” said SHAPE America Chief Executive Officer Stephanie A. Morris in her congratulatory email. “I am sure you will agree when I say that Nicholas is one of those teachers you wish every child got to have in his or her life.”

In order to be eligible to win the Teacher of the Year Award from SHAPE America, a teacher must first win their state’s Teacher of the Year Award. Mr. D’Ambroso stood out as exceptional even among other state Teachers of the Year.

“Mr. D’Ambroso is a truly outstanding educator whose impact extends far beyond the gymnasium,” said Prospect Hill Elementary Principal Jeannine Carr. “Since joining Prospect Hill in 2004, he has inspired students to grow not only as athletes, but as confident, kind, and compassionate individuals. His commitment to students, his colleagues, and the broader community—always grounded in his simple promise of ‘Whatever you need’—embodies the very best of our profession.”

His dedication to his students and their success is evident in the effort he puts into every school year, class and student. He creates an environment in which every student feels welcome, valued and safe. Every day, Mr. D’Ambroso’s students arrive to class happy and excited to learn.

“Nick is a high-achieving professional who holds both himself and his students to a high standard,” said Director of Physical Education, Health & Athletics Joe Toombs. “His commitment is evident in the way he designs meaningful physical education experiences, leads purposeful and organized practices and competitions as a coach, and contributes to the preparation of future physical education teachers at the collegiate level. Nick is a thoughtful educator who cares deeply about his students and the broader school community.”

Valued by both his community and peers, Prospect Hill Elementary and the wider community are incredibly lucky to have such an exceptional teacher, setting students up for future success in and beyond the gymnasium.

“This is a team award - our elementary PE department is so strong, and I have been influenced and guided by my colleagues so much,” said Mr. D’Ambroso. “My mentor, Keith Maley, developed our curriculum and has guided and helped me in ways I can't put into words. He has advocated for our program and led us in a forward direction for many years. Sara Bagwell is the hardest-working, most creative teacher I know and is constantly giving me new ideas and inspirations. Jim Thompson is the kindest, most patient person I know. He taught me to see the good in all students. 

“They are all people and teachers I strive to be more like. Being able to teach has always been a dream of mine, and to do it in a place like Pelham with a supportive administration, parents and community makes everything work. We have children who are excited about learning and come to school every day with an energy that inspires me.”