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Print2011 District Teacher of the Year
High School
- Central District -
 |
Name: Kris Ayers |
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).
I enjoy teaching my classes fun teambuilding/communication/social skill activities. I always begin the semester with low risk (get to know you) activities and periodically add other activities into my lessons that may be part of the warm up or closure for the day. I have found that by taking time each semester to incorporate teambuilding and communication, the level of trust and participation increases significantly. Essentials of Teambuilding: Principles and Practices by Midura and Glover is a good resource.
The class I enjoy teaching the most due to the impact it has on the lives of my student's is women's self defense. This class includes lessons on awareness, self defense and the law, grabs, kicks, elbows and knees, punches and ground work. Sections of the class can be taught to all levels and abilities and gives students a sense of purpose, strength and personal awareness.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
The focus of my teaching is establishing relationships that encourage and motivate all of my students to enjoy moving, laughing and learning that being fit not only feels good, it's fun! Being a positive role model while teaching students to move safely and efficiently, is the key to developing a strong foundation that will encourage them into a lifetime of physical activity and enjoyment. Each of my lessons is created for the highest level of participation that take I into account developmentally appropriate progressions to meet the needs of ALL students, regardless of ability. I emphasize that setting realistic and measurable goals in life helps us be successful.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
I like to approach each day with the attitude that every single day is a brand new opportunity for passion and purpose! I believe that people feel better, think better, sleep better and tend to have more positive relationships when they feel good about who they are. Self concept is built through finding success. When we find success in movement, our quality of life improves. We, as physical educators, have the opportunity to emphasize and practice the art of wellbeing on a daily basis. Through encouraging, demonstrating and teaching lifelong learning and movement, I see the value it has for students on higher test scores, better attendance and fewer discipline referrals.
"Quality is never an accident" is a quote I have on the bulletin board in the locker room. I enjoy teaching units/classes that are unique and applied. This type of practical assessment (real life scenarios in lifeguarding and self defense) creates a level of outrageous adrenaline, positive energy and is truly self empowering. Helping build self esteem, character, leadership and physical fitness allows my students to feel good about themselves and thus, make healthier decisions and avoid the more destructive ones. Along with being active, learning to relax and handle stress is an element our society is desperate to grasp. Physical education is the only subject which, by the very nature of its content, has the potential to affect how a person will feel every moment of every day for the rest of his or her life. My goal is to teach skills that may help them live healthier as adults.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Being named the Central District TOY is truly humbling. It is such an honor to be acknowledged for a job that I absolutely love. Recognition for a job well done is a tremendous feeling! It is such an honor; it is re-energizing, exciting and fulfilling. I have been blessed to meet some fantastic educators/people through this process that has only increased the value of the honor. I look forward to an exciting and educational year filled with new experiences, adventures and fantastic people!
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I have helped lead the district as a curriculum coordinator for the secondary schools for several years. I strive to bring new ideas and activities to our district as well as be on the cutting edge of standards based education and creating curriculum that models diversity and opportunity for all levels of students, regardless of ability, to become more proficient movers and happier, healthier people. I was also a co-creator of Thompson R2-J Scope and Sequence for Physical Education K-12.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Taking your class was my best decision. I'm so glad I had you as my teacher. You have a heart of gold and you are the best teacher a student could have."(Ciara M.)
"Important principles such as hard work, love, gratitude, balance, truth and respect, all factor into your daily life someway. You are principle centered which means you use those traditional values to guide your decisions. You are my hero. You are the most influential person in my life." (Marianne H.)
"A good teacher is someone who is there for his or her students and inspires the students to go above and beyond; someone who makes an imprint on a student's life. Ms Ayers, to me you are a GREAT teacher! You have helped me reach a new level of confidence and strength that I really never thought I could reach…(Nicole E.)
"I just want you to know that during this HS career, you have made a huge impact on me. You have an incredibly big heart. You are so passionate about what you do-you have no ideas how many hearts you have touched and how many lives you've saved. I really appreciate all you've done for this school. You make every girl feel beautiful, including me." (Michelle J.)
"Ms Ayers is the epitome of female power, strength and self-assurance. She is a strong leader who radiates the kind of empowerment that all teenage girls want. She is an outstanding role model who gives back to her community by making young women, like me, believe they can do anything!" (Liz T.)
"Ms Ayers was my coach, weight instructor, teacher and role model who continually challenged me to become one of the best women I can be. Not only did she contribute to my success as a runner, she also helped me to develop a strong sense of self through her outstanding teaching in physical education and health. By being exposed to her permeating confidence and strength, I was able to overcome the trivial teenaged-hardships and focus more on what really matters. She is without a doubt, the best PE teacher I have ever had. I treasure the teachings I have gained from her more than words can describe." (Laura T.)
List three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
"No Means No" Women's Self Defense session that focused on personal awareness and simple grab/release techniques.
"Stand Strong" Women's self defense session that focused on knees/elbows and simple grab/release techniques.
"Personal Wellness" Strategies to bring balance to one's life. Fitness, Food, Relaxation and Positive Self Talk strategies for life.
Any additional major teaching awards you have received:
"Hero's Among Us" award recipient 2 years