The goal of our "Member Spotlight" Feature is to showcase members that are making a difference and to share how they have benefitted by being an ASAHPERD member.
How long have you been a member of ASAHPERD?: 10 plus years
Why did you decide to join ASAHPERD?: I had transferred from Mortimer Jordan High School to Bryan Elementary after 11 years of coaching softball and volleyball and teaching health. I felt like a fish out of water when I walked into the elementary gym the first day and for days to follow. I went from teaching 10th graders to kindergarteners...day and night. I needed to learn so many things. The best source was through the ASAHPERD conferences. My colleagues at Bryan Elementary were familiar with these conferences so we decided to attend together as we began to merge our ideas and develop a curriculum. The 3 of us would go to different sessions to gather all we could at conferences. It became a game changer for my confidence as an elementary teacher and as a corner stone for developing a quality program.
Who has inspired you in your career?: My biggest inspiration in my career, especially as an elementary teacher of physical education, has been my own children, Dylan and Orion. Both of my children were in school at Bryan when I became their teacher. We would do a variety of activities in class. As children do, they would ask me why was class so boring. Why can't we do this or that? I realized that if my own children felt this, what were the other children feeling. So, my own children taught me way before National Boards to gather feedback. One of the most impactful events my school does is the Family Fun Run. This will be our 17th year. It grew from 50 people at the first event to over 1200 as of last year. This event was started as my own children said, "Mom why can't we have our own race so our friends can come". My kids are grown now; my inspiration is my current "school" children.
What has ASAHPERD membership meant to you both personally and professionally?: ASAHPERD membership has increased my self confidence personally and professionally. I really cannot separate the two. My professional self is intertwined with my personal self. They are one in the same. I have had the pleasure and absolute delight in getting to present at conferences throughout the years. I felt vulnerable presenting something from my program; however, my colleagues were very receptive. In every session I presented, there was always a time to interact and receive compliments and questions and ways to learn from others who had done similar activities. Professionally, it gave me confidence that I was perhaps a quality teacher...that perhaps I was making a difference...perhaps I had initiated and developed a program that would be worthy of being imitated...perhaps I was on my way to leaving a "legacy".
Why would you recommend membership to others?: I would most certainly recommend membership to others. When I was in college at Troy State University, we were told to join our professional organization. I really didn't understand the importance except to receive PD hours. When I became a teacher with my own students and program, I found that I needed to learn from other teachers in my field. I needed to hear from teachers who had experience. I needed to become aware that there are multiple ways to teach the state curriculum. I needed to realize that I was not the only teacher that had obstacles in organization of 120 students in 40 minutes. Membership in this organization provides knowledge way beyond what can be received from a textbook or a website. Attending the conferences are a no brainer. There is an exchange of ideas and modifications so that everyone takes away valuable information. To have a quality program...to take pride in what we do in the gym...we have to be continuous learners...adapting to our own environment on a daily basis.
