As an adapted physical education (APE) teacher, I have many different roles. First of all, I am a teacher, planning lessons and teaching students. Second, I am an Individual Education Plan team member, writing goals and recording data about how my students are performing in class. Third, I am a leader, working through problems and supporting those under me. Lastly, I am a staff member, helping other colleagues. I don’t lump this last category in with teaching, as it is something extra I do to for the school site that houses my office, from organizing a jog-a-thon, escorting students or parents on (or off) campus, coaching, and helping with other after school activities.
But of all the things I do, my “sweet spot” is problem solving. Give me a problem that needs to be fixed, and I excel. How can I teach my blind students how to run? What sports can by student with prune-belly play? These are the types of questions that keep me up at night and that I look forward to finding ways to answer. There are few things more satisfying than helping a student accomplish something they previously thought was impossible.
If I’m being honest, writing is not my forte. One of the reasons I became a P.E. teacher was because it involved a lot less writing than being a math teacher or a general education teacher. But I’ve discovered the best way to compensate for being a bad writer is to find a great editor. I try to have someone review anything important I’ve written.
But of all the things I do, my “sweet spot” is problem solving. Give me a problem that needs to be fixed, and I excel. How can I teach my blind students how to run? What sports can by student with prune-belly play? These are the types of questions that keep me up at night and that I look forward to finding ways to answer. There are few things more satisfying than helping a student accomplish something they previously thought was impossible.
If I’m being honest, writing is not my forte. One of the reasons I became a P.E. teacher was because it involved a lot less writing than being a math teacher or a general education teacher. But I’ve discovered the best way to compensate for being a bad writer is to find a great editor. I try to have someone review anything important I’ve written.