AUGUSTA — Tom Hinds was named the 2012 Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Hinds has been the physical education teacher and department head at Cony High School since 1998. He has developed a physical education 2 course that is an adventure learning and group-based class that highlights responsible personal and social behavior, cooperation and safety. High Five Adventure Learning, a national adventure education and training center, will highlight the course in an upcoming article.

Hinds received a bachelor’s degree in physical education and psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington and a bachelor’s degree in physical education, health and recreation from the University of Maine in Orono.

Hinds received the award during a banquet at the Samoset Resort.