Emily Zien (she/her) is a licensed PE and Health Educator, dedicated to comprehensive, skill-based Health Education and filling her PE lessons with joy and meaning.

Her biggest hope for her students is that they gain the knowledge and skills to grow up into happy and healthy adults. Originally from the United States, Emily has taught at international schools in Qatar, Singapore, and Italy. Emily is the 2025 Oregon SHAPE Middle School PE Teacher of the Year. She co-lead the ‘Inclusive Practices in Health Education’ task force for SHAPE America and has presented at state, national, and international education conferences. 

Prior to starting her teaching career, Emily worked in reproductive and sexual healthcare, assisting medical providers in service delivery and patient education. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Education, with a focus in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 

A former Division I water polo student-athlete, Emily is a lifelong mover and loves to spend time swimming, lifting weights, reading books, and adventuring in her campervan.