My main goal in teaching physical education is to help students be active and healthy for

a lifetime, which they can do by learning and practicing skills in my class that help improve and

maintain both physical and mental health. In a K-5 setting, that looks like teaching a variety of

locomotor, manipulative, and non-manipulative skills that can translate to a variety of physical

activities and sports. The skills they learn can be applied to a variety of sports and activities, and

students will have a choice of using different equipment to reach the same goals, such as using a

golf club, hockey stick, bat, or other long-handled implement in order to practice mini golf. In a

secondary school setting, my goal is to learn what physical activities my students already do, so I

can integrate units they enjoy and also bring new and non-traditional content. This would look

like non-sport activities like hiking, biking, and snowshoeing as well as lesser known sports like

pickle ball and rugby. In either setting, I will integrate the arts into my teaching, whether that is

teaching dance, cardio drumming, rhythmic activities, encouraging student creation, and

collaborating with the arts department for cross-curricular lessons.

I want to teach because I want to help and give back to others and to make a positive

impact in people’s lives. Physical education and the great teachers I had throughout my school

career shaped me to become who I am today, and I would love to have that same impact on the

next generation. Physical education and physical activity help me stay healthy, both physically

and mentally, so I hope to teach students those skills so they can be healthy for a lifetime as well.

My classroom will be accessible for all students and anyone, regardless of ability, will

have the chance to participate in activities. I will make whatever modifications are necessary in

order to achieve this, including presenting information verbally, visually and through

demonstrations when needed and finding the equipment necessary to let all people participate.
My classroom will also be a safe space where all students can be themselves, regardless of their

background or identity.

Students that come into my classroom deserve to be treated with respect, have a choice in

how and what they learn, and be in a safe environment. All students should treat one another,

myself, and any other person that they interact with both in and outside the classroom with

respect. I believe in a student-centered approach to learning, which includes involving the

students in the lesson by asking questions instead of just giving answers, having a more

discovery learning approach where students can test out what works and does not work, and

giving students a choice in activities they do and equipment they use.

I want to develop strong relationships with each student so that they know they are

valued, respected, and important. This means getting to know my students, supporting them in

and out of my classroom to the best of my ability, and letting them know they can always come

to me with questions or help. This relationship will help maximize their learning in my and other

classes, as well as to help them become the best versions of themselves through seeing the

potential they can have when they are allowed to be their authentic selves.

I strive to always be improving myself as a teacher. This means taking as many

professional development opportunities that is realistic, reaching out to a variety of sources

whenever I am unsure of a topic or skill, and critically reflecting on my lessons for what went

well and what did not, so that I can improve them for the next time. I believe the best way to

provide for students is to be up to date with current practices and to be open to changing lessons

and the ways in which I do them, in order to maximize student learning.