Comments on: Welcome to our first SPARK Blog!

By: miranda

miranda — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:57:08 +0000

I really think that a good instruction starts with a healthy teacher not matting the subject.
Schools should give a break, at least 15 min., during school day, for teachers to distress, streach and reenergize to continue our work.
“Teachers should practice what they preach”
I do not think is fair for me to pay the same amount for health insurance and a teacher that choose to be unhealthy.

By: Peggy Carroll

Peggy Carroll — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:03:00 +0000

I agree with Jack – most PE teachers are former athletes who may have been injured when young and are now suffering the consequences. Let it be a lesson to us – don’t push your young athletes so they can continue to stay in good shape throughout their lifetime.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:13:00 +0000

While I agree that PE teachers should practice what they preach, I think holding them to rigid standards without accounting for injuries, disabilities and health conditions that prevent them from exercise will only discourage some really great educators from continuing in the industry. A better solution is to reward those PE teachers who excel at fitness themselves. Students receive Presidential Fitness Rewards. Why not do something similar for teachers? Those who meet the standards can be recognized nationally to inspire those who are not in to become healthier individuals and better role models.

By: Leticia

Leticia — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:05:00 +0000

I too think PE teachers should practice what they preach. I know that some conference presentations are pretty active and some don't always like the gym, so they do activities outside.
Regarding standards for jobs, yes, employers should encourage all employees to live a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are a teacher, nurse, secretary, administrator, janitor- all should be encouraged to be healthy (lower medical costs, less sick days, look & feel better, etc.).

By: Bianca

Bianca — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:18:00 +0000

I definitely think PE teachers should practice what they preach! I understand that going to conferences there may a temptation to just relax and enjoy the getaway also, I don’t think it is asking too much to let them sleep in on such an occasion. But unhealthy or overweight teachers should lead by example and live healthier lifestyles. They should be out there playing with the kids and exercising with their students so its fun learning for everyone and not just barking orders. So yes, maybe some standards need to be in place.

By: Kdub

Kdub — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:40:00 +0000

I definitely think that our PE teachers shouldn’t just “talk the talk”, but walk it as well. Isn’t one of the main reasons you become a PE Teacher is because there is some sort of passion for being physically fit and healthy!? I think that the ultimate way to learn is to learn by example. If students are not learning healthy behaviors at home it is up to Educators to be that healthy role model.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:45:00 +0000

As far as why not working out at the convention, perhaps to busy or they are looking at it as a break from work! Still not a great reason! Outside of it, perhaps it’s the costs, memberships are costly to join a club, some schools don’t have the means, after working we get tired! Some workout with their students, stay active with the students as I find it that students enjoy it when the teachers are active as well!! I think school districts and the community should provide discounts for their teachers to join the park districts rec centers or other clubs such as YMCA! As far as requirements, the police and fire departments,l their health is essential for their job and to others as they must carry a 200 lb man down 6 flights of stairs, control a 200 lb man who they are fighting with or pull off a victim! We pe teachers should present ourselves as healthy!! We should be examples for our students yes! But what if a teacher is disabled and that causes them to have more weight or limit them! Should they get fired as a result? Where as a person in a wheel chair can’t be a fire fighter but can be a teacher!