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Print2010 District Teacher of the Year
High School
- Eastern District -
 |
Name: Lisa Kent |
Describe one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education.
There are two new things going on in my PE classes this year, both of them coming from the student feedback and reflection sessions that take place at the end of the year. This year I have added a student trainer to the class to help students give feedback to other students while keeping the workouts fun, social and productive. The trainer is afforded the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, technique, and effective communication among other things. Additionally, students this year are pre-tested on their current habits and attitudes to better understand their point of entry and readiness in becoming fit. This testing addresses areas like motivation, self concept, confidence and resiliency. It's helpful for students to identify areas of strength and needed improvement.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
I would say that my area of expertise tends to be the 'health club' aspects of fitness. I work with the physical best curriculum and work students to be fit for life. I incorporate a lot of dance and sport coaching into my curriculum which allows for both health and performance aspects of fitness to be addressed. I consistently utilize the psychological aspects of training into my program as well so that the entire student is able to grow, not just their physical being.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
I believe in teaching the whole child. I also believe in strong mentoring and modeling and think that instruction can be one of the leading impact factors to student achievement in physical education class. I believe that it is our job to show them what they can become rather than who they are. Pushing students beyond their comfortable limits allow them to see that their limits were more of a state of mind than anything. Personal triumph and individual achievement allow students to grow and become more confident.
What does being a NASPE physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
It means that I have raised the bar for myself and now have higher standards to try and meet. It means that I am re-invested in my work and it also means that I have a greater peer network to learn from and receive support. I hope the award brings some needed attention and recognition to the discipline and allows for a stronger voice advocating for both the organization and ultimately the kids best interest.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
We have the usual structures in place of regular department meetings and the yearly district wide K-12 meetings. In addition, I have a mentor that helps me when I need a resource and I am in turn a mentor for a younger PE teacher in the district. We also have Critical Friends Groupings that meet once a month to discuss student work and dissect our instructional practices as well as assessment. I am involved with my state organization, give presentations at conferences, attend professional development opportunities in the state and reach out via email to others asking for help or support.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Mrs. Kent will get you to impress yourself"
Coach Kent will show you what you can become, not just where you are at"
"Mrs. Kent loves fitness and will convert you to being a fitness fan as well"
What are three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented?
Mentoring, Modeling and Motivating …..about best practices in our PE instruction
Achievement in PE…..about the curriculum/content and the structure of delivery in PE
Growing Champions…..about the psychological aspects of training in team sports
Other major teaching awards Lisa has received:
- NAGWS National Pathfinder Award
- NSCAA National Assistant Coach of the Year