ABSTRACT
My name is Jane White and I am a veteran physical education teacher. A number of years ago I attended a large flagship university in the Midwest while pursuing an undergraduate degree in teaching. At that time I considered myself an active physical education major. Moreover, while attending college I worked within the recreation department’s intramural program, played on a couple of the softball and basketball league teams, and volunteered to coach volleyball at a nearby high school. Those experiences further cemented my belief that teaching physical education was an excellent career choice. My initial desire was to teach physical education at the high school level. However, unsuccessful at securing a position at that level (limited jobs were available at the secondary level during the time I was pursuing a position), I eventually applied for and accepted a teaching position at a local elementary school. I’ve now been teaching physical education at Bluffton Elementary School for more than 15 years. After many years of teaching, I’m even more convinced that physical education is essential to enhance the development of elementary-age students. In addition to my regular teaching duties and responsibilities, I further serve the school community by coaching the local high school girls’ varsity basketball and volleyball teams. In recent years, I’ve attended evening classes at the university for graduate credit toward a master’s degree in physical education. Additionally, during the spring and summer months I volunteer as a coach for our regional Special Olympics organization.
