Contact Us Academic Programs Licensure Scholarships Student Resources Faculty & Staff Faculty Research Manditory Fitness Test IAHPERD Conference Handouts
Why did you choose Physical Education as your major?
I wanted to teach children the healthy active lifestyle I live. I’m also not the type of guy to wear a suit and tie and work at a desk in a small cubical everyday for the rest of my life. It’s very difficult for me to stop moving and just sit still.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and did they influence you?
Mrs. Patricia Cain, my elementary and high school art teacher. She made such an impact on my elementary school days that when she left my 5th grade year for the high school, I didn’t look forward to art class any longer, and couldn’t wait until high school. Mrs. Cain not only taught me that your work was never done and you could always find ways to improve or change your work. She also cared about her students’ lives outside of school and attended sporting events and school dances. She never missed one of my Varsity Basketball games or Varsity Tennis matches?
Who is the biggest influence in your personal life?
My son Zavier. He has taught me a lot of about patience, and I now know that anything will and can happen. I live each and every day trying to make the best decisions so my son will grow up being proud that I’m his father.
Why did you pick USI?
First, the campus had apartment style living and many of the Michigan Universities I visited only had dorm style rooms with community bathrooms. Second, I wanted a university where I would be a name and not just a number among the professors, so when I needed help they would always be there not a teacher assistant. Finally, I wanted to be able to meet people not just from Michigan or the mid-west but all over the world.
What did you like best about USI?
It very difficult to choose the best thing about USI because there were so many things I really enjoyed about college life; Day time naps after class, playing intramurals, pick up basketball and volleyball games, working out at the fitness center, watching USI sporting events, attending night and weekend social gatherings, but most of all the friendships.
What activities did you participate in at USI to give you a more well rounded college experience? And what did you participate in for fun? And what did you learn from these organizations/activities?
I played on the Men’s Tennis team and also was a member of the Physical Education club and played intramurals. By playing college tennis and a variety of intramurals I was able to inter-act and meet so many more students, and in turn made so many new friends. The Men’s Tennis Team currently meets every October for a yearly alumni Men’s Tennis Friends & Family Weekend where all alumni tennis players are able to play tennis matches and then have an evening dinner with their families.
What was your favorite class?
I had 2 classes that I really enjoyed. First was Dr. Jane Brezette’s PE 395 Curriculum Construction in Physical Education and Dr. Dan Hile’s PE 383 Kinesiology. Both classes were very challenging and required a great deal of studying, planning, researching, and effort.
What was your first job as a teacher?
My first job as a teacher was and currently is as an elementary Physical Teacher for the Troy School District, which is a northern suburb of Detroit Michigan.
What inspires you as an educator?
Having my former student’s come back to visit me and tell me how much they enjoyed my elementary school physical education class.
What has changed the most about teaching physical education since you were a student participating in physical education?
PE has changed from a game based to a more skill based program. Today’s students are now taught more skills and then given multiple opportunities to practice those skills in lead-up games they have learned. I remember as a child in my physical education classes the teacher would roll out the balls and let us play whatever games we wanted. The way we teach now, physical education is fun for everybody, not just the students who are already athletic.
What other activities are you involved in at school?
I’ve been a member of the School Improvement team, Physical Education Positive Learning Community team as well as an outdoor education supervisor at overnight camps.
What is your dream job as an educator?
I am blessed to have my first and only job become my dream job. I love teaching elementary aged students because most of them look forward to coming to my physical education class twice a week. I just couldn’t imagine teaching any other subject area or grade level.
If you had an unlimited supply of money, what would you change about physical education and how it’s taught?
I would require that all student’s have daily physical education for a minimum of 30 minutes!
USI Home | Academics | Calendar | Athletics | Visitors | Events and News | Administration
8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600
Copyright © 2009 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
