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Middle School
- Central District -
 |
Name: Cecilia Studdard |
What are one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?
I have introduced many new programs to the physical education department at my school including playing music during activities everyday. Some of my innovative units include Adventure Education, dance, integrating technology, and first ever field trips. I was also instrumental in creating a Cardio Fitness Room, and the annual Cougar Prowl a (school wide 5k Fun Run Walk) around the neighborhood where my school is located.
My students are the envy of the school because they get to participate in my Adventure Education unit and go out on the low ropes course. I start each year with this unit in both grades, and then reinforce what I have taught my students throughout the year with fun and engaging games.
The other new unit is a dance unit. Dance is not an innovative unit and has been around in schools for many many years. However, my approach is, "I'll take all students that want to dance," which includes students from the other PE classes, making my classes very large at times. It is the only opportunity that students in my school will get to learn and improve their dancing skills, so I take one and all. I teach a variety of dances including partner dancing and new dances my students introduce to me.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
The focus of my teaching is on the non-traditional activities that promote lifelong participants of physical activity. I want my students to enjoy themselves in my class, stretch their personal limits (trust), and develop some good social and problem solving skills (teamwork).
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
Students come to school with a wide range of physical fitness experiences and progress at various rates. A good teacher finds out what makes him or her come alive then goes and does that. When this thinking is embraced, the fun comes naturally, the participation comes naturally, and the fitness levels will eventually follow. Good quality Physical Education programs are designed for every student from the physically gifted to the physically challenged. My job is to provide students of all abilities and interests experiences that will prepare students for a lifetime of healthy physical activity and the knowledge of the importance of the need to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
I accommodate all of my students on an individual basis. I give my students an opportunity to learn, offering lots of choices and a variety of opportunities for success. I believe I enrich the lives of my students by creating those opportunities for personal growth through innovative quality lessons and assessments that support my commitment to the improvement of their lives. I firmly believe that all students can learn, and that it is the instructor's job to understand how they learn. There is not a perfect activity that meets the needs of all types of learners. Only a combination of teaching methods and diversified lessons can accomplish the task of teaching all students.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Wow! Winning the award has made me want to continue to educate myself and be a life-long learner. I feel it is even more critical for me to keep improving and become an even better teacher. The award "rejuvenated" me and it is nice to know that I am doing right with the students even if that means going against the grain.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I have taken a leadership role both in my school and at the district level. I am a mentor in my building by being Department Chair and a "go to person". At the district level, I have been an active member of the physical education curriculum council, district study team, essential learnings team and professional development planning team. I have taken a leadership role with these groups in a variety of ways. I have also presented at the state convention and numerous district staff developments regarding my ideas around integrating technology and adventure education into PE classes. I have become a resource and mentor for other district PE classes. I share my lesson plans and thinking. I believe in sharing ideas because it's what's best for kids.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Thanks so much for being such a great P.E. teacher! I like coming to P.E. now and your smile is so beautiful!"
"Mrs. Studdard, you're the bomb!"
"Thanks for letting us dance. We love you!"
"Studs, thanks for letting our class listen to music during badminton."
"Mrs. Studdard, thanks for never getting old on us."
List your "favorite" conference session title that you have presented, with a brief description.
"Using Technology in Middle School Physical Education" This session demonstrates how to incorporate power points, I-Movie and other technology in to your middle school physical education curriculum. It will include examples of student made Power Points and I-Movies to demonstrate knowledge of the components of fitness.
Student learning can be assessed by the use of rubric scales that specifically identify the criteria that will be required in a middle school fitness project. The rubric will test the student's knowledge of the four components of fitness as well as activities that represent the components of fitness.
Any additional major teaching awards you have received:
- Douglas County School District Outstanding Teacher
- 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007
- Douglas County School District Master Teacher 2007-2012
- Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2004-2005
- 2007 Colorado Middle School Teacher Of The Year
- 2008 Central District Middle School Teacher Of The Year