2009 District Teacher of the Year
Elementary School

- Midwest District -

Name: Elise Studer Smith School Name: Sunman-Dearborn Intermediate School Street Address: 2765 Old Route 1 City/State/Zip: West Harrison, Indiana 47060 Phone: 812-576-1900 E-mail: esmith@sunmandearborn.k12.in.us

Describe one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?

Since my focus is on life time fitness I have recently implemented a program where my 5th & 6th graders act as their own personal trainers. The students help design their own fitness regiments and chart their progress in their daily school agendas.

What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?

After 30 years of teaching physical education to elementary students, I have come to see that the most valuable tool I can impart to my students is the sense of life-time fitness. 
 

What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?    

I believe that given the right education and skills that every student is capable of understanding and controlling their own mental and physical fitness.

What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?

To be honest, even though I value the award it actually means more to my students and fellow educators. Sunman-Dearborn Schools feel like they have received a gold star. 

What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?

For years I have had monthly dinners with teachers in my region to brainstorm about new teaching idea. Presenting at State conferences, serving on the Indiana AHPERD Board and committees are other ways I help teachers and they help me.