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Print2011 District Teacher of the Year
High School
- Northwest District -
 |
Name: Shawnae Somsen |
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).
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
Ongoing participation. As our nation fights obesity, I find it important to focus on innovative methods that teach kids to be active, that they may enjoy and will participate in activity for the remainder of their lives. I try to teach them skills that they really will use and participate in for the rest of their lives. I want them to not "need" me to be active! What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in? My philosophy of teaching physical education began as a student in junior high and continues to develop this day. I strongly believe in keeping students active during class time, so as to improve fitness levels. I have my students keep a portfolio showing their involvement and improvement.
"KISS It" (keep it simple, silly) is my motto. Keep the kids active and moving, and document the activity. Help them learn to appreciate physical activity and pursue it throughout their lives. Give them positive feedback for their efforts, keeping things beneficial for each student. Keep the curriculum fresh and exciting, and spreading my enthusiasm for physical activity. I believe that if students can have a positive experience, we can make steps forward to reducing the amount of inactivity and obesity in our nation.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Many physical education programs around the nation are dynamic, well diversified, and have some of the best educators. I am honored and very humbled to have been selected st a Teacher of the Year in this profession. Leadership is done through example, and as a teacher, I strive to be an example to every student, athlete, community member, and person that I come into contact with. I am proud to be part of this awesome profession, and hope that through my leadership and example, the profession will grow stronger. This selection will continue to hold me to a higher standard as I continue in education.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
Share with them what is working for me. Encourage them to try what is out of the box. Let them know it is okay to be shot down, but try again. Share with them some of the different activities that we do at our school, how we got them implemented, and what adjustments we make. Overall, just creating a network of teachers to get ideas from, share ideas with, that is what creates great programs…we gleen from each other.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Somsen is a true motivator for us. She doesn't just tell us what to do, she works hard with us. Anyone can be a physical educator, but it takes a lot to be a teacher like Somsen. She tells us to dig down deep, and we do it!" - Janalee, Senior
"Somsen not only teaches and expects success; she live it. Shawnae Somsen's example inspires me every day of my life." - Madison, Senior
"I hated P.E. in middle school. Now it is my favorite class!" - Baylee, Freshman
"It's cool that we actually do stuff in P.E. and Somsen doesn't put up with crap." – Cody, Freshman
List three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
Disc Golf: Learn the fundamentals to teaching disc golf in your school. Learn throws used for distance driving, approaches, and techniques for putting. Pick up some easy games that students can play safely. Learn of equipment that is portable, lightweight, and easy to use. This lifetime activity is world-wide, and is gaining popularity, do you teach it?
Geocaching: Use GPS units to locate hidden treasures, clues, educational materials, or answers to quizzes! Geocaching is a popular sport that can take you to some places that only the "locals" know about. Blend this with education and you have "Educaching", using the same idea to get our students learning outside of the classroom. Learn how to use a GPS, set up caches, and bring this innovative technology into your curriculum.
Dutch Oven Cooking: Dutch oven cooking has been around for ages! Learn how to cook in a cast iron oven with briquettes for your next outdoor experience. The basics of dutch oven, recipes, tips, and taste testing will be presented. Warning: Your school administration will be checking in on you and the food on the days you cook (just to get a taste)!
Any additional major teaching awards you have received:
- 2010 PDGA Disc Golf Educator of the Year
- 2009 Idaho Secondary PE Teacher of the Year
- 2010 NW District Secondary PE Teacher of the Year