2012 District Teacher of the Year
Elementary School
- Midwest District -
 |
Name: Luanna Moore |
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)
In my constant search for new and exciting ways to meet the standards and entice my students to be more active, I have used some unusual equipment. I adapted an Appalachian folk toy, the climbing bear, first to use with some special needs students and then with all my students. I have made and used training lassos and introduced rope spinning to my students. I have made alphabet boards to practice jumping and hopping while learning the alphabet and creating or spelling words.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
The focus of my teaching is basic movement skills, physical fitness, the related knowledges and understandings, social responsibility, and reinforcement of academic skills.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
I teach the whole child. Through the medium of physical activity, I teach the knowledges, understandings and skills my students need to be healthy and active their entire lives. I foster the enjoyment of moving and the desire to be physically active. At the same time, I teach social skills, relationships and responsibility. I help them with reading, math, science, English and music, supporting their total academic program. I nurture their self esteem and confidence. My students are 'learning to move and moving to learn'. All children need and deserve quality physical education programs that teach the basic skills, and knowledges they need to be active for their lifetime. It must be delivered in a safe, positive, inclusive, encouraging environment that allows maximum participation time. It must use a variety of materials, methods and technologies to reach every child.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Being a Teacher of the Year is such an awesome and over whelming honor. It is also an awesome responsibility since I represent so many other physical educators. It gives me a greater opportunity to advocate for my program, my school and for quality physical education for all students. It will also enhance my professional development through new relationships and opportunities.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I serve as a mentor for the West Virginia Health and Physical Education Leadership Academies. Through presentations at various professional conferences, I share ideas, activities, methods, techniques and best practices with many others. I supervise student teachers from a local college. I mentor and read for teachers who are working toward their National Board Certification.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Miss Moore makes me have a good heart." J.C., 3rd grade girl.
"Miss Moore is so awesome and creative, we never do the same thing twice, and they are all so good for us and unique." J.T., 5th grade boy.
"She makes us work really hard, but it's fun. It's my favorite thing at school." B.S., 4th grade girl.
List three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented, with a brief description of each.
Get Your Kids On the Ball: Use exercise balls to develop balance, coordination, rhythm, and fitness with elementary students.
Making a Brain and Body Connection: Current brain research suggests many types activities that can be used to energize and stimulate the brain for better learning. This session presented a variety of simple activity ideas that could be used for classroom 'brain breaks'.
You've Got To Have Balance: A variety of activities to practice and develop balancing skills were presented. Participants balanced on different body parts; balanced objects; and balanced on objects. A variety of equipment, some unusual, and prompts were used. Some assessment ideas were included.
Mini Parachutes and Social Responsibility: Mini parachutes are a wonderful tool to help students learn to work cooperatively and as a team, and to practice socially responsible behaviors (Standard 5). They are also useful in meeting the Physical Fitness Standard, Movement Forms and Motor Skills standards.
Any additional major teaching awards you have received:
- National Board Certification
- 3 times George Ward Elementary Teacher of the Year
- WVAHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Midwest Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Al Canonico Award from the WV Association for Elementary Physical Education
- Recognized by the WV Medical Association for Exemplary School Wellness Program