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High School
- Southwest District -
 |
Name: Robyn Bretzing |
What are one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?
Our school district received the Carol M. White Pep Grant in 2006. With the money received from the grant, I was able to purchase mountain bikes and kickboxing bags for our High School. The mountain bikes are used in conjunction with our disc golf course to create a fun and engaging three week unit that promotes individual fitness and lifetime activity. The class is divided into two activity groups and assigned either mountain biking or disc golf. The mountain biking group, with help from volunteer teachers and administrators, wear heart rate monitors and go on a bike ride that travels along the canal. Each day the students ride, they record their pre and post exercise heart rate as well as the number of calories burned during the activity. The disc golf groups wear pedometers and are assigned teams in order to play various golf games such as relay golf, fit golf, and sharp shooter. After completing the golf course, the students record the number of steps achieved during the activity. The students love the diversity of this unit and I love the 100% participation 100% of the time!!
The kickboxing bags are used in my lifetime activities class, which is quickly becoming the most popular co-ed class taught at our school. Utilizing the bags and the weight room, I have created a low-impact, high intensity 30 minute kickboxing workout combined with 30 minutes of weightlifting. This is a semester long course and can only be taken after a student has completed the required 10th grade Fitness for Life class. The curriculum offers students the chance to learn a lifetime fitness activity and gain greater self confidence as they develop stronger, healthier bodies. The kickboxing bags are also incorporated into my 10th grade Fitness for Life curriculum during the muscular strength and endurance unit.
What is your particular expertise in regards to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
My expertise in teaching centers on my love for fitness. I was a group fitness instructor at Gold's Gym for 10 years and wanted to bring my passion for fitness into my classroom. I thrive on challenging my students to push beyond their limits and engage them in group fitness activities that stretch their minds as well as their bodies. It is important to me that in my gym, students not only gain important knowledge about health and wellness, but engage in activities that promote a lifetime of personal fitness.
What is your philosophy for physical education? What do you believe in?
The quote that I begin each semester with is that everyone can succeed in fitness! My curriculum offers every student the opportunity to succeed and gain greater self confidence as they learn lifetime activities and improve personal fitness. I believe that what I teach will have a greater impact on the lives of my students than any other academic course because…what is knowledge without health? The focus of my teaching is to find a lifetime fitness activity for every student and instill in them the desire to be fit for life!
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
There is no greater honor than being recognized by your peers and your community as an outstanding educator. I am truly humbled by this prestigious award. Every day teachers awake and go to work in order to raise a better generation; a generation we hope will value education and pursue a lifetime of learning. My dream is that every student will leave my classroom with a passion for personal fitness and a desire to lead an active lifestyle. A lofty dream…but a dream worth pursing everyday I teach!
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I am the Alpine School District physical education specialist and a member of our state UAHPERD board of directors. Through these assignments, I have given several presentations on promoting fitness in physical education and innovative games for the gymnasium. At the district and state level, I help new teachers gain a greater understanding of good management techniques, organizational schemes, and how to deal with those "challenging" students. I also assist Brigham Young University in their PETE program by organizing training sessions for new majors and mentoring student teachers. I believe it is important to give back to our profession and be willing to assist those new teachers coming into education.
Two years ago I became involved in a program called "Future Teachers." This program is designed to give students the tools necessary to teach fitness and develop activity units that they present at local elementary and junior high schools. This program gives students the opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience and prepares them for a future in education. If I can inspire my students to be lifelong learners, then I have accomplished my goal.
Any quotes from students or parents about you as a physical education teacher or the classes taught by you?
"It is so amazing to have a teacher who is passionate about the subject she teaches. Every day that we come to class she is eager and excited to teach us. Her participation instead of just instruction garners respect for her and helps me want to improve." -Tiffany Sisk (Student)
"I have always associated physical education with tedious drills and workouts that didn't mean anything to me, until now. Ms. Bretzing provides a variety of activities that are interesting and entertaining. I've learned about many activities that I love to do and are a good way to stay fit for life. Because of Ms. Bretzing's kind nature and enthusiasm about fitness, I am considering a career as a group fitness instructor. She makes me feel like I can achieve more than I ever thought I could." -Cara Harris (Student)
"Ms. Bretzing creates a learning environment that brings out the best in her students. I have been impressed with not only how attentive she is with her students, but how she sincerely cares for them. She is fun, entertaining, has an unlimited supply of energy, and uses all these gifts to motivate her students to work hard and be the best they can be." -Lisa Richardson (Parent)
"I have taken several of Ms. Bretzing's PE classes because I love her teaching style. She is the most energetic teacher I have ever had and she is a wonderful role model. She is my favorite teacher because she truly cares about her students and helps us become more confident. Ms. Bretzing rocks." -Jennifer Hanson (Student)
List three of your favorite conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
#1: Teaching FUN-damentals in Fitness for Life
Trying to think of creative ways to teach valuable health concepts to your physical education students? This session focuses on incorporating the Corbin and Lindsey Fitness for Life Textbook into the physical education curriculum and making it fun! Utilizing innovative games and teaching strategies, this session will provide teachers with lesson plans that can be immediately incorporated into the classroom. Games and Activities include: FITT Relay, Spell with Speed, and Jeopardy Bowling. You will have a great time learning new ideas on how to educate students in the gym.
#2: Putting the "GYM" in gymnasium Looking for creative ways to teach fitness to your students? Want to have fun while getting fit?
This is the session you have been waiting for!! With years of experience as a group fitness instructor, I have created innovative patterns and routines that are sure to make you step up and take action! Your students will love the diversity and enjoy getting fit. I will also introduce you to several internet sites and fitness companies that produce instructional strategies for teaching fitness.
#3: No Child Left With A BIG Behind…Kickin' Calories and Beating Obesity!
We all want to motivate our students to get fit and stay fit, but do we engage them in fun lifetime activities that promote fitness? Do you want to learn a new lifetime fitness activity that is sure to be a "HIT" with your students? Then join me for "Kids Kick to Get Fit!" Utilizing kickboxing bags and gloves, you will learn how to teach basic strikes and kicks to your students, how to design your own boxing sequences, and how to introduce important fitness concepts through class activities and small group presentations. This session is sure to liven up your curriculum and make fitness fun!!
Additional Major teaching awards you have received:
- Southwest District Teacher of the Year - 2008
- Alpine School District Golden Apple Award - 2008
- UAHPERD Teacher of the Year - 2007
- Utah Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee - 2007
- Addidas Region IV Coach of the Year – 2006