SEATTLE — Top five ain’t bad.

That’s where Naval Avenue Early Learning Center teacher Debbie Lindgren finished among elementary PE teachers at SHAPE America’s annual conference in Seattle March 17-21.

Lindgren was named the Northwest District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year in early March.

“I had a great week meeting and collaborating with excellent physical educators from around the nation,” Lindgren said.

Lindgren has been at Naval Avenue since 2008. She also coaches girls basketball at Bremerton High School.

“She is able to adjust her instruction to where students are and modify it to their particular level,” said Patty Glaser, community relations coordinator. “She connects well with all students and we are lucky she has chosen to stay in Bremerton.”

SHAPE named Betty Ann Fish, from Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, PE teacher of the year.

Lindgren expected another teacher to win.

“I thought JD Hughes from Villa Rica, Georgia, who has five books written would most likely win,” Lindgren said. “I have one of his books on the desk in my office.”

Lindgren’s success doesn’t come as a surprise to her colleagues as she’s created a culture in her classes that lends itself toward learning.

“Ms. Lindgren works well with a wide range of students’ individual needs and monitors and adjusts her instruction to meet those needs,” said John Welsh, Naval principal, in a press release. “She has created a learning environment that is success-oriented with a positive and caring climate so that each and every student values physical activity.”

As one of five national nominees, Lindgren will be invited to present at next year’s conference in Minneapolis and at other workshops throughout the year.