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 couldn't see myself doing anything else. PE and sports played such a huge role in my life growing up. I always wanted to be a positive influence on children’s lives and teaching PE allows me the perfect opportunity to do this.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and did they influence you?
I had several outstanding teachers, but the one person within the school system who was my biggest influence was Ken Hunter, my HS basketball coach. Coach Hunter cared just as much about me as a student as he cared about me as a player. I don’t think I would have graduated from HS and made it to USI without him in my life.
Who is the biggest influence in your personal life?
When I was growing up there is no question that my mother was the biggest influence on my life. She was loving but firm and always supported me in all my major decisions. As of Feb 19, 2008 my daughter Ava Grace Church is the biggest influence in my life. I only hope that I can do as much for her as my mother did for me.
Why did you pick USI?
MONEY! Since I grew up in New York and graduated from a high school there I was going to have to pay out of state tuition. It was actually cheaper to attend USI and pay out of state tuition than to pay in-state tuition at most public universities in NY.
What did you like the best about USI?
The personal relationships that I built there. Most people (including faculty and staff) were genuine. I made many friendships at USI that are going to last a lifetime. I met my wife and several of my closest friends at USI. When I was at USI there were no dormitories, only apartments. I loved having the freedom of living in an apartment but still being able to enjoy campus life.
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? What did you learn from these organizations/activities?
At USI I worked in the Intramural Sports and Recreation Department. As an Intramural Supervisor I had to balance my time between school and work. All my experiences as a supervisor were directly related to teaching PE.
What was your favorite class?
My favorites were PED 296, Teaching Physical Education, and EDUC 302, Cultural Diversity in Human Relations in Teaching and Learning.
What was your first job as a teacher?
After graduating I joined the US Peace Corps. While in the PC I taught Health and PE to middle and high school students in The Gambia (West Africa).
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you as a teacher? Last week when we started our parachute unit with kindergarteners I was explaining what a parachute was and how it works. Shortly after I finished my explanation and just before I had a chance to tell the students how we would be using the parachute. A boy with tears in his eyes and told me “I don’t want to jump out of an airplane”. I explained what we would be doing with the parachute and needless to say he loved it.
What inspires you as an educator?
Daily I see students have success with something that they didn’t think they could do. I love having a job where I can help young people realize their potential. Every student is talented, it’s just a matter of discovering the area that allows them to shine.
What has changed the most about teaching PE since you were a student participating in PE?
ACCOUNTABILITY. When I was in school, my PE teachers gave grades based on athletic ability and personality. We didn’t have any written or skills tests. It was rare for my PE teachers to document students’ skill levels.
What other activities are you involved in with your school?
I am the head coach of the track club at our school. Elementary students only have 2 organized meets a year, but I always encourage students to participate in community races. I am also a member of the school wellness and safety committee.
What is your dream job as an educator?
I would love to have a job teaching elementary PE at a school that was close enough to my house that I could easily be involved in the students' extra curricular activities.
If you had an unlimited supply of money, what would you change about physical education and how it is taught?
When I moved to Florida I was surprised to learn that most elementary schools (mine included) do not have gymnasiums. PE takes place outside every day, weather permitting. Florida is the “sunshine state” so rain is usually not an issue. I love being outside, but when outside is 90 degrees and very humid, my 40 minute classes seem to take hours. With my imaginary unlimited supply of money I would build a gymnasium for every elementary school in the state of Florida. Of course I would start with Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School.
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.
