Skip the small talk, my name's Tim and I'm currently earning my single subject credential in physical education. I recently graduated from UCSB in 2015 and set sail in the field of education for a number of reasons, but the main one being that education is indeed the fundamental building block upon which a better community, society, and future is built and that's something I'd love to continue being a part of. Additionally, almost every individual has had someone (parent, teacher, coach, mentor, etc.) positively impact their life and that's a pretty amazing opportunity to wake up to in the morning.
So why teach P.E. you may ask? Although I would contend that physical education is commonly undervalued and perceived as a somewhat supplementary subject to some, I'm setting out to change those perceptions and instill an understanding of how this subject is incredibly relevant to every person's life and spark a lifelong interest in learning more about the wonderful world of physical activity, health, and fitness. Exercise prepares your brain to learn and in order for your brain to function at its peak, your body needs to move. Furthermore, the fundamental reasons why I chose this subject matter in particular includes the following:
1. I would like to illustrate the reciprocal relationship between a healthy mind and body and how you cannot have one without the other.
2. In the midst of our daily technological connections, it is becoming increasingly imperative for both younger and older generations to dedicate time from each day to disconnect from these 'connections' and live presently and actively in the moment.
3. I'd like to help students develop both positive self-images and confidence in themselves at pivotal stages in their physiological and psychological development.
All in all, I genuinely believe that there is a form of physical activity for every individual to enjoy and benefit from in terms of their mind-body connection. Ultimately my goal is to demonstrate how and why physical activity is crucial to the way you think and feel. Whether it's walking the dog or competing in an Iron Man, there is a vast spectrum of choices and part of the beauty is how these personal interests will change for each individual over time, but the key is to find one that fits into your life in the present moment and ultimately makes you happy.
Alright here we go...
After taking the personality test, it was concluded that I should become a Crocodile Wrangler. Just kidding. According to the MMDI online personality report, my results illustrated that I'm more introverted than extroverted and rely primarily on intuition, thinking, and perceiving which I found to be fairly accurate. Based upon these results, my personality has affected my choice of content area because I have had a life-long history of being the "outdoorsy" type (I earned my Eagle Scout in my younger years) and competed in sports up through college. Although my first love was baseball, I also swan-dived into the world of competitive swimming for a few years which was an equally rewarding experience.
In all honesty, I certainly did not foresee myself becoming a P.E. teacher even though nobody has a crystal ball to tell you these things. After reflecting upon my own personality and passions, it just clicked. Upon graduating from UCSB, I started substitute teaching as well as coaching (cross-country) and fell in love with it. I always remind myself that even Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers had to sit the bench at the beginning of their careers and that's exactly where I'm at in this moment. I may be a "second-string" teacher now, but I know that I'm going to rock the show when I get my chance.
Furthermore, my personality affects my relationships with students because I exude a type of energy that kids react positively to and genuinely want to learn from. My teaching and learning style affects my teaching and student's abilities to be successful because my passion for learning and my energy level in regards to the subjects of fitness and health become a contagious source of inspiration for them to reach their own goals. As an educator, I genuinely believe that each and every individual should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential and it is up to us as educators to spark a life-long passion for learning by adopting a teaching style that reflects these ambitions.
In all honesty, I certainly did not foresee myself becoming a P.E. teacher even though nobody has a crystal ball to tell you these things. After reflecting upon my own personality and passions, it just clicked. Upon graduating from UCSB, I started substitute teaching as well as coaching (cross-country) and fell in love with it. I always remind myself that even Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers had to sit the bench at the beginning of their careers and that's exactly where I'm at in this moment. I may be a "second-string" teacher now, but I know that I'm going to rock the show when I get my chance.
Furthermore, my personality affects my relationships with students because I exude a type of energy that kids react positively to and genuinely want to learn from. My teaching and learning style affects my teaching and student's abilities to be successful because my passion for learning and my energy level in regards to the subjects of fitness and health become a contagious source of inspiration for them to reach their own goals. As an educator, I genuinely believe that each and every individual should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential and it is up to us as educators to spark a life-long passion for learning by adopting a teaching style that reflects these ambitions.
