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Print2008 District Teacher of the Year
High School
- Southern District -
 |
Name: Brenda Sadowski |
What are one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?
Brevard County, were I teach, just finished it's third year of the Carol M. White PEP Grant. Through this grant I was given many learning opportunities and equipment for my school that we wouldn't been able to purchase otherwise, such as heart rate monitors, goefitness, pedometers, and project adventure. With this equipment and training I have been able to expose my students to fitness concepts that are different from the traditional. I want my students to walk away from my class knowing fitness can be fun and doesn't always have to involve running around the track.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
My expertise is utilizing technology: heart rate monitors, trifit, goefitness, and fitness software. With fitness concepts I try to get away from the traditional concepts and introduce new different ways to exercise. In my class I love to use heart rate monitors because it puts all students on the same level. It is also exciting to see their reaction to their heart beating and understanding how their heart works in relation to exercise.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
My philosophy of teaching Physical Education is to emphasize active student participation as well as understanding the benefits of being active. It's equally important that my students know I try to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Because of my beliefs, I share personal issues and struggles that I have had over the years, thus my students can relate to those struggles and I seem more real. Another aspect of my philosophy is teaching students the importance of using a variety of activities, skills and movement forms to stay active and healthy, which can have a lasting impact on the rest of their lives. Lastly, the past nine years have taught me that it is important to remain focused on my program and curriculum no matter what obstacles may interfere, such as lack of administration support, and some teachers being dispassionate about their job. I feel that as a Physical Education teacher you should be engaged with your students, and aware of many of their health and fitness misconception, and sensitive to their emotional needs.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Being a Teacher of the year is a huge honor. I get paid to do the best job in the world, educating students about physical education, physical activity, exercise and fitness. It is amazing watching them grow and understand concepts over the course of the year. I know that I am making a difference in their lives.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I am a Showcase School for POLAR which allows me to educate and inform other schools about how POLAR technology can help Physical Education become more objective not so subjective. I also mentor new Physical Educators in our school and county. I present at teacher trainings within our district, state and regional area. I am always eager and available to present sessions to my collegues. I also am on Brevard County Physical Education Leadership Team, which helps me stay on top of the lastest information and share with other Physical Education teachers in the district.
List three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
Reading from the heart: How to use heart rate and heart rate monitors in your curriculum.
Objective or Subjective that is the question: How to use technology to make your program more objective.
Problem Solving through Fitness: Using Project Adventure activities to incorporate fitness into your class, simple rules but tons of fun and learning.