What’s it like to be a PE teacher?

When I started at Grants Pass six years ago, the students had a traditional physical education experience with chasing/fleeing activities, kick ball, dodge ball, and a couple single sport units. The program has now shifted to a comprehensive approach that includes yoga, aerobic dance, speed skating, skateboarding, uni-cycling, disc golf, and two “Teaching Games for Understanding” units (net/wall, invasion games) that add experiences in seven different sports.

What does a typical day look like?

My day starts out at 7:15 a.m. with checking emails, planning, and setting-up the gym up for the day. The first 30-minute-long class arrives at 8:15, and the last class finishes at 2:15 p.m. After the kids leave, I tear down the gym setup and prepare for the next day. And because I coach football in the fall and track and field in the winter and spring, I typically leave school around 3:00 p.m. to head to my coaching responsibilities, getting home around 6:30 p.m.

Did you always want to be a PE teacher?

No, teaching elementary was actually my second choice going into my student teaching experiences. I initially wanted to teach at the high school level because I thought I would relate better with the older students. After spending time teaching at all levels, I felt that elementary was the best fit for me because the content has such a large impact on how students will move for their entire lives. Plus, I get to feel like a cross between a celebrity, a mentor (to 450 kids), and a kid myself.

What’s the best part of your job?

Definitely the relationships I build with my students. I’m lucky enough to get to work with every student over the span of six years (K-5). These relationships are critical to the students’ success because if I don’t have that connection, then I can’t teach effectively.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’m proud that I’ve been able to bring a lot of opportunities to my students through grant writing and advocating. I have received over $30,000 in grants and donations to make these opportunities possible for my students, and I’m on track to receive another $10,000.

What was your experience like at WOU?

The work experience I received in the PETE program is what set me on my path to be the educator I am today. Being exposed to a classroom setting and working with children at such an early stage in my coursework gave me the experience I needed to start my MAT with confidence. The education classes gave me the tools to teach each student effectively and creatively, while maintaining an evidence-based practice. I learned how to create a healthy gym setting, construct a curriculum, assess movements and understanding, and hone the power of reflection and self-assessment. I still make a point to reflect on my lessons at the end of the day – what went wrong and how I can improve.

Any advice for current students or recent grads?

I would encourage everyone to challenge themselves. Within the realm of education, this means setting goals and making moves to achieve them.

I was once told by a mentor that “Ideas are great, but without action they will never be seen.” I feel that this is a very powerful statement – specifically for physical education – because of the philosophical shift towards teaching physical literacy.

There are so many ideas, but if we don’t move on them, our field will continue down the path of the past. Once you have your idea and your passion, pursue it with reckless abandon and see where it takes you.