Life lessons in PE class

Guest Blog by Dustin Kerley

PE Teacher, Watauga HS, Boone, NC

I started my current job in November, 2009. I had previously been substituting and working in interim positions. I was happy to finally have a permanent position, but I knew that, by starting mid-semester it would be difficult because students had been following a different teacher’s routine since August.

When I received my schedule I learned that I would be teaching Leisure Skills, which is an adaptive PE class for students with disabilities. To say that I was nervous would be an understatement. The principal ensured me that I would have plenty of help with the class. My “help” included several special education assistants and a few “student helpers.” I had eight EC students enrolled in the class and six student helpers.

I was unsure of what activities these students could perform, but I was blown away by the strong character of my student helpers and adult assistants. They stepped in whenever they could help.

Routine is very important for adaptive PE students. I knew that they had been doing certain activities since August, so I was careful not to “rock the boat.” The activities included going to a local pool to swim, and going to our local wellness center to walk and exercise. I was amazed when watching these student helpers assist the other students. They were caring, patient, and understanding.

When we went to the pool the student helpers “jumped right in” to demonstrate techniques and have a little fun too. When we went to the wellness center the helpers led workout routines that made use of multiple pieces of equipment and strategies.

It was rewarding to watch high school student helpers demonstrate imagination and creativity as they related to our special needs students. Watching them demonstrate understanding, humility, and patience taught me how to interact and communicate with all my students.

I continued to teach this class for two more years. I became more comfortable, but I learned to choose student helpers who have generosity and humility, like those who helped me the first semester. Those students not only helped the special needs students, but they also had a huge impact on my life as well.