Hillary Glencross

I attribute my success to a combination of mentorship and a strong personal drive to continue improving. My high school physical education teacher had a significant influence on my decision to pursue physical education by showing me the impact a caring and engaging educator can have on students’ lives. That experience inspired me to want to create the same kind of positive impact for others.

I also believe much of my growth has come from a mindset of continuous improvement. I have always pushed myself to learn, reflect, and look for ways to better support students and future educators. Whether through teaching, research, or curriculum consulting, I am motivated by the idea that the next generation deserves learning experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and responsive to their needs and interests.

One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve ever received was to stay student-centered in every decision you make. It can be easy to focus on programs, curriculum, or outcomes, but the most meaningful work happens when you truly listen to the people you are serving. That advice has shaped both my teaching and consulting philosophy.

I’ve also learned the importance of continuing to grow professionally and not becoming comfortable with “how things have always been done.” Education is constantly evolving, and some of the best opportunities have come from being willing to reflect, adapt, and take risks to improve learning experiences for students and future educators.

My advice to young women entering education and physical education would be to trust your voice, your ideas, and the perspective you bring to the profession. Education needs leaders who are willing to advocate for students, think creatively, and challenge practices that may no longer meet the needs of today’s learners.

I would also encourage them to continue learning, ask questions, and seek out mentors who will support their growth. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career came from being willing to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue new ideas. Most importantly, remember that the relationships you build with students and colleagues matter just as much as the content you teach. The impact you make often extends far beyond the classroom or gymnasium.

One of the biggest challenges in physical education right now is ensuring that the field is viewed and supported with the same level of importance as other academic subjects. Physical educators are often balancing large class sizes, limited planning time, and fewer resources, while still being expected to support students’ physical, social, and emotional development. We are not simply “rolling out the ball.” Today’s physical education focuses on skill development, inclusion, lifelong wellness, social-emotional learning, and helping students build healthy habits that extend beyond school.

At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in the field. There is growing recognition of the connection between movement, mental health, academic performance, and overall student well-being. This creates opportunities for physical educators to take on leadership roles in curriculum design, wellness initiatives, and whole-child education. As the profession continues to evolve, there is a real opportunity to advocate for high-quality, standards-based physical education that is meaningful, inclusive, and valued as an essential part of every student’s education.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, empathy, growth, and relationships. I believe in being genuine in the way I lead, teach, and connect with others, while also creating spaces where people feel heard, respected, and supported.

I also value continuous growth and reflection. Whether I am teaching future educators, consulting with schools, or working on curriculum design, I am always looking for ways to improve and better serve students and educators. Personally and professionally, I believe strong relationships are at the center of meaningful work. Taking the time to listen, collaborate, and understand different perspectives is what allows real impact and positive change to happen.