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Print2010 District Teacher of the Year
Middle School
- Eastern District -
 |
Name: Nathan Heath |
Describe one or two of the newest and/or most innovative activities that you do with your students in physical education?
Currently, I am focusing on using technology in class. I like to make warm up activities that use Microsoft PowerPoint to guide students through the different exercises. Each slide shows a different activity, which the students perform. By adding some flashy effects, sounds, and music, it really keeps the kids on their toes. I have found that having a projector set up in class is a very useful tool in PE. I can show iMovies that I have made that demonstrate different fitness test procedures. I can also show YouTube videos that relate to a sport or concept we are studying in class. Seeing a quick video of people doing an activity at a high level really gets the kids pumped up and helps the visual learners in class understand the lesson more clearly. I am finding that the only limit to what I can do with technology in class is my own imagination.
What is your particular expertise in regard to teaching physical education – what is the focus of your teaching?
The topic that I always come back to and I would say is the central instructional piece of my curriculum is the five components of fitness. This is a concept that is woven in and out of every lesson that I teach. Some days the lesson might be specifically directed toward one or more components and other days it might be just a part of a debriefing session. I do feel strongly that all of my students should have a clear understanding of the five components of fitness and they should have a physical/cognitive connection of how activity (or lack of) in each component affects their overall health. I provide a wide variety of activity that is enjoyable for my students that I can relate back to the components so that they can see that exercise is fun and doesn't have to be "hard work" to live a healthy life.
What is your philosophy for physical education – what do you believe in?
I thought about this when I was preparing a short presentation to parents for our open house. I wanted something concise that reflected my beliefs of what physical education should focus on. Here is what I came up with:
Active bodies – I want students to be as active as possible when they are in my class. Research shows that there is a strong link between exercise and academic performance. So the more active my students can be in my class, hopefully, the better they will do in their other classes, school in general, and have a lifetime of being active.
Active minds – I often say: "don't forget your brain at the door." I want my students to think, plan, strategize, and incorporate what we do in class into their daily habits. Students will only adopt a healthy habit if they understand why it is good for them. Therefore, the cognitive elements of class are critical to their future health.
Opportunity – Every student must be offered the same opportunities for success regardless of ability. All students need to be fully included and should be given the tools and the resources to achieve.
Variety – Everyone likes different things and everyone responds differently to what is done in class. I like to provide a wide variety of activities and teaching styles that will interest many different types of learners. If I can develop interest in a broad range of activities, then it is more likely that my students will be more comfortable being active later in life.
Lifetime application – This is what it is all about. The main responsibility of any physical education teacher is to prepare students for time outside the classroom so they have the tools, the knowledge, and the skills to be healthy for their lifetime.
What does being a physical education Teacher of the Year mean to you?
Throughout my teaching career, I have considered people that were T.O.Y.'s to be role models. They demonstrate what good, solid, physical education looks like and should be. They are the example of what all physical education teachers should strive toward as they develop their teaching practices. I hold many past T.O.Y.s in high regard and I consider them to be my teaching role models and I am very excited about the opportunity to be a role model for others. A T.O.Y. is also a representative and the face of NASPE. I doubt that most PE teachers could recognize anyone from the NASPE Board of Directors, but I would bet that anyone who has attended a conference with a T.O.Y. presenter would remember them and what they did. Because of this, a T.O.Y. has to share the vision, programs, and practices that NASPE supports. The messages of appropriate practices, standards, and quality teaching have to get out there and it is the responsibility of the T.O.Y.s to get that done.On a personal note, being a T.O.Y. is a huge honor for me and one that I strive to live up to every day. It is a big responsibility to put on the red jacket and be a representative of an entire profession. However, it is a responsibility I take with pride. I believe that quality physical education is the key component in providing healthy futures for our children and each day I have to show people both inside and outside our profession the importance that physical education has on the health of our communities, states, and country.
What do you do to help other physical education teachers plan and implement exemplary programs?
I hope that when I present a session at a conference, other physical education teachers are able to take something with them that will be valuable. It could be an activity, a management tool, or even a way at looking at a problem. I know that I have found conference sessions to be incredibly helpful to my teaching and I believe that the sharing of our expertise is the single biggest way to make a positive change in physical education. I also think that those studying to be physical education teachers are critical to make a positive impression on. They are the future of our profession and they must have a solid understanding of how to conduct a quality physical education program. I welcome the opportunity to help PE majors develop their talents through observation, practice, and reflection in my classroom.
Any quotes from students about you as a physical education teacher, or the classes taught by you?
"Mr. Heath is a fun teacher. He knows how to make PE interesting! You rock!" – 8th Grader
"Mr. Heath has a great sense of humor and is always a fun teacher! He is awesome! – 8th Grader
"He's a great teacher. Always positive attitude and never yells at students. He's the best!" – 8th Grader
"Mr. Heath is an amazing PE teacher who's really creative and helpful." – 8th Grader
"Mr. Heath is the most amazing PE teacher. He makes sports fun and I hope he will stay here at KRMS for a long time." – 7th Grader
"In class, Mr. Heath is supportive and he teaches us to have fun with fitness." – 7th Grader
"Mr. Heath really knows how to teach without making it boring. Thanks a lot Mr. Heath!" – 7th Grader
"You're such a fun teacher! You make sure everyone is having fun and learning!" – 7th Grader
"Great teacher and fun to be with. I want him next year!" – 7th Grader
"You are patient and pick THE BEST things to do. You're the BEST Mr. Heath!" – 7th Grader
"Mr. Heath is a really nice teacher who does his best to make every PE class fun." – 7th Grader
What are your three of your "favorite" conference session titles that you have presented?
Pedometer Play – Pedometers have become a standard tool in many PE classrooms. This session will give you a few new ideas in how to use your pedometers in class.
Movement with a message - Activities that inspire "Teachable Moments". The activities shared in this session will help to encourage discussion on the qualities that will enhance the positive climate of your physical education classroom.
Team Themes – "Never underestimate the power of a team. If you want to develop better teams, you have to develop better players." This session focuses on the qualities that make effective teams and activities that I use to encourage players to accept the role of a good team member.
Additional major teaching awards Nathan has received:
- NHAHPERD Middle School Teacher of the Year