Email 
Print2011 National Teacher of the Year
Elementary School
- Southern District -
 |
Name: Chad Triolet |
Describe one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education? (i.e. instructional units, assessment strategies/techniques, development of personal/social skills, parent/family involvement, special events, etc).
This year, we decided that we would teach our students a new dance each month (mostly line dances). We used the dances as an instant activity for two class periods to make sure that students understood the cues and were able to perform the dances. The instructions for each dance were videoed and then posted on the schools "shared" drive so that the teachers could use the dances as active breaks throughout the day. In addition, we have worked really hard this year to hold monthly "Fun Family Activities". Many of the activities have been "fun runs" but not all (jump rope event and adventure race were also thrown into the mix). The purpose for hosting these activities is to encourage positive family interactions through exercise.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
I believe my greatest asset as a teacher is creativity. I take great pride in providing creative lessons that teach important movement skills, movement and fitness concepts, team skills (i.e. - teamwork, cooperation, and communication) and reinforce core academic concepts. Along the way, students get to use a wide variety of skill and equipment so that everyone can be successful and engaged in activity.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
I believe that every child has the ability to be a successful learner and life-long mover. As a physical education teacher, I believe that all children deserve the right to a quality physical education program that; 1) maximizes the participation of all students, 2) develops a variety of skills and knowledge that will produce a lifelong mover, 3) utilizes a variety of teaching techniques and technologies to maximize learning, 4) provides multiple opportunities for success in an enriching, positive, and safe environment, and 5) incorporates cross curricular instructional material while achieving skill development and movement skill goals. As a true professional, I believe that teachers need to hold themselves to a high standard of professional excellence. Each teacher should be organized and prepared for daily classes. Planning and preparing high quality lessons are essential parts of the process. Physical education teachers also need to a positive role model for a healthy and active lifestyle. As a lifelong learner, I believe that all teachers should make efforts to continuously improve pedagogical skills and content knowledge throughout their professional career. This includes participating in staff development events, conventions, conferences, grant acquisition, etc. As an advocate to the profession, it is important to share the importance of physical education with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and legislators. Research continues to show that QUALITY physical education programming can have a profound effect on student fitness levels, lifelong wellness, and brain function. It is our responsibility to share the important work we do with our students and continue to make a difference.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
It is such an incredible honor to be recognized as a NASPE Teacher of the Year. Being a TOY is a unique experience that I know will open many doors as I continue to move forward in my career. This is such an awesome opportunity to learn and share new and innovative ideas that will positively impact students. I look forward to the many meaningful relationships I will develop and cultivate as part of this awesome opportunity.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
There are several ways that I have a positive impact on other physical education teachers and their ability to plan implement high quality programs. First, I am a regular presenter at the annual VAHPERD Convention and the Virginia Summer Health and Physical Activity Institute. I have presented at several other state AHPERD conventions as well as the Eastern and Southern District conventions. As part of a state sponsored program OHPEP (Outstanding Health and Physical Education Programs), I have been able to share best practice concepts with other school divisions throughout the state of Virginia. During these trainings/presentations, I focus on a variety of best practice concepts and creative ways to teach fitness concepts, movement skills & concepts, incorporate core content, and utilize technology. Second, I am a certified trainer for several groups/companies including Bike Smart Virginia, Omnikin, Tchoukball, and GeoMotion Group. Working with these different groups has given me many chances to share best practice concepts and strategies with other professionals. Third, I share creative ideas, activities, and articles of interest via two websites (Noodle Games and PE Rocks) and through video using YouTube (NoodleGame's Channel).
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"The first time I went to Deep Creek Elementary I was not good at soccer but when we did PE classes on soccer T became a better soccer player" – Chase, 4th Grade
"Every week I look forward to P.E. because I know that you will teach us the right things about sports." – 4th Grader
"Now I'm really active just because you taught me how to do it." – Alexander, 3rd Grade
"I especially like W.O.W (Working on Wellness) and the running club. You show Hornet Pride when you make the school happy and healthy." – Nicholas, 3rd Grade
"P.E. means to me having a healthy heart and staying active." – Emma, 2nd Grade
List three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
Noodle Mania: Using Pool Noodle to Get Students Active- This active presentation is designed to showcase creative and innovative ways to use pool noodles to motivate participation, develop movement, fitness, and skill objectives through instant activities and large group games.
iPE: Creative Technology Solutions for Health and Physical Education- Discover how current technology can enhance instruction in health and PE. This presentation will share practical solutions for using MP3 players, flash cameras, DVRs, and other technologies to streamline teaching/coaching. Attendees will receive a variety of practical ideas and examples designed to make the integration of the demonstrated technology a reality.
Get 'em Up & Moving (on a budget)- During this ACTIVE presentation, participants will learn a variety of strategies and activities using inexpensive equipment (plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic cups, $1 store items, etc.) to maximize participation and physical activity time. These creative ideas and lessons will focus on best practice principles, simple concepts for infusing academic content, motor development, and improving fitness. Attendees will walk away with a collection of hands-on activities that will immediately impact their physical activity program.
Any additional major teaching awards you have received:
- 2003 Deep Creek Elementary Teacher of the Year
- 2009 VAHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year
- 2009 VAHPERD Elementary Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator of the Year
- 2010 Southern District AHPERD Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator of the Year