Why do I care about Physical Education so much

“Why do I care about physical education so much?” Not only does my husband ask me this question frequently, but I also ask myself. Truthfully, I don’t know exactly why, except that I just do. Why and when did this passion start for me? Well, I believe my experience, as a child is one reason. I was active in sports, not great, but coordinated enough to do the skill; not a fan of competition, but I enjoyed participating in activities. I had quite a few “mean” teachers and coaches which resulted in me quitting many times.  However, I also had one amazing swim coach, Nancy. She made me feel special and confident and helped me discover my strengths and abilities rather than focusing on just winning a race. At the age of eight, I would swim the mile non-stop…that’s right, flip turn on every lap. 50+ years ago there were not races for the mile for my age group, but Nancy encouraged me to do my best at long distance swimming and set personal goals to improve my time. I am grateful to have had her in my life and the positive impact she had on my self-esteem and confidence. She has inspired me to want to be a “Nancy” to another eight-year-old someday.

In addition to my childhood experience, there was the first lecture in the “History of Physical Education” at California Lutheran University that made quite an impression. The entire lecture was on the value of physical education. It began with “We don’t call it E, or M, or SS. Why then do we call it PE?” I really have no idea why, but this lit the flame to my passion…and it has driven me for my entire career.

YES, I want all students to have a positive experience in a quality physical education program. You would think by 2024 this would be true…. but sadly, it is not and it has become my passion and journey to inspire others in our field to be the best physical educators they can be as well as be advocates for our profession.

I declared Physical Education as my major after that lecture and focused on elementary, despite the fact I was told by my professors that I would never get a physical education position job at that level, especially in California. (40 years ago, as well as today, many California schools do not have credentialed physical educators at the elementary level. The classroom teachers are required to teach

physical education.) My advisors told me I needed to get a multi-subject credential and become a classroom teacher in order to be able to teach at that the elementary level. Well, not only did that not appeal to me, but I decided to make it my first stand in the field of physical education; my degree is in Physical Education with a concentration in elementary education. I also have an adapted physical education credential from Cal State Long Beach….a career step I am so grateful to have made. Teaching APE has made me a better teacher for all my students in all populations and all ages.

So now it now is 30+ years later, and I must say it has been a journey on a very bumpy road and one that has brought me to another level of passion to advocate for quality physical education for all students. I have taught all grades, special ed (the severe population) and general ed. I have been an itinerate, traveling to as many as six schools a day and I have also been at one school site teaching all the students k-8th every day. I have taught class sizes 180+ (no, not a misprint). I have taught in the public and private school settings and I have also taught at the college level. In addition, as many of you, because of Covid-19, have taught online providing APE services.  I currently still do teach virtually, a silver lining of the pandemic, a way to reach homebound students with quality physical education lessons. Finally, I served on the committees to write the CA Physical Education Curriculum Framework and the revision of the CA Adapted Physical Education Guidelines.

Over the years, I have had minimal administration support and equipment and, of course, no gym teaching in California. But despite all the obstacles, I became creative, resourceful, and successful creating a positive learning environment for my students and now share with others in hopes of inspiring physical educators to go the extra step rather than just throw out a ball.

I hope you find me as a helpful resource for you, that is my objective. I share selected my favorite activities that my students have enjoyed as well as teaching suggestions based on the numerous settings, I have taught in. I do not represent a particular curriculum; however, I will share what I like from many. As I have taught, I have searched, observed, created, and tweaked my lessons. I personally like the challenge and freedom to create lessons based on the standards and to meet the needs of all my students.

I am grateful for any opportunity to share my passion with others. I hope you can take away something from my ideas, lessons, recommendations, and strategies, tweak them and make them your own to fit in your physical education program.

Teaching the Mind, Body and Heart of every child

I don’t Teach GYM. My name is not COACH. I teach the least valued subject yet research proves otherwise.  I teach the WHOLE CHILD.  My lessons help students build brain cells, improve physical fitness, and mental wellness.  I am a Physical Educator, and I teach the MOST valuable subject, Physical Education.  I help children today and help them become healthy and active adults.