Heather Burd is a recognized physical educator whose passion for inclusive, high-quality instruction has inspired students and professionals across the country. She is the 2025 Central District Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, 2023 MN SHAPE Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and the 2021 MN SHAPE Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Her dedication to excellence stems from her roots in Erskine, Minnesota, where she proudly teaches in the Win-E-Mac School District — the very community that shaped her.
Now in her tenth year of teaching, Heather leads physical and health education for grades K-12 and serves as an adjunct instructor for the College in the High School program through Minnesota State. She also holds a leadership role on the MNSHAPE Board, advocating for quality health and physical education across the state.
Heather is a proud recipient of the Paul J. Schmidt Award (2023), a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding contributions to physical education. She is a published author in JOPERD on the Sociocultural Curriculum Model (SCM) and has written for both the SHAPE America Blog and #Slowchathealth, platforms that elevate innovative and socially responsive pedagogy in health and physical education.
Heather is also a respected professional speaker, having delivered keynote addresses and workshops on differentiated instruction in rural schools for districts in her home region — a topic close to her heart. She uses her own teaching story as a platform to advocate for equity, resilience, and lifelong fitness for all students, regardless of background or ability.
Heather lives in McIntosh, Minnesota, with her husband Luke and their two sons, Lynn and Forrest. She continues to empower her students every day with her guiding message: “You Count”.