GCCISD PE Teachers participated in summer professional development training to become certified CATCH Community Trainers.
Special to the News – Athletics Department
The role of a PE teacher is important beyond the field or gym. Studies have proven that active students learn better when they remain active. After 20 minutes of physical activity, students tested better in reading, spelling, and math. GCCISD P.E. programs are more than just fitness and sports. Nutrition, health education and even mindfulness through activities like yoga and meditation are covered in gym class. In elementary school, P.E. teachers help growing children learn teamwork, develop good hygiene habits, improve coordination, and cultivate joy in participating in fun, developmentally appropriate and safe activities. Those that teach older students focus on skilled sports and many also coach one of the school’s sports teams. Many P.E. teachers work with administrators to implement school policies and practices regarding health and wellness.
The hard work of the students and P.E. staff have allowed for the continuous growth and learning of over 50 K-8th grade GCCISD P.E. professionals and the guarantee of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) for children and youth in GCCISD. Campuses provide opportunities for students to be physically active, meet the required minutes of physical activity each day, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be active for a lifetime. In fact, the GCCISD Wellness Policy identifies six measurable goals for physical activity to support the general wellness of all students to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity.
Fifteen GCCISD K-8 P.E. teachers participated in a cohort supported by the Athletics Department and Be Well™ Baytown. Be Well Baytown is an initiative of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, sponsored by ExxonMobil. The purpose of the cohort is to sustain long term efforts related to the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) program in GCCISD, which promotes physical activity and healthy food choices. Cohort members were responsible for leading campus staff developments to encourage teachers to integrate physical activity into the academic curriculum where appropriate so that students benefit from physical activity breaks during the school day. Bruce Cortez, San Jacinto P.E. teacher, said, “It’s been great presenting during our last PLC to teachers about brain break activities. They were very involved at our campus.” Cohort members also led district level sessions which included topics on engaging the community, skills and drills, large group games, sudden change accommodations, mindfulness, brain breaks, and games to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity levels. Many P.E. teachers lead as the Champion of their Campus - School Health Advisory Committees (C-SHAC) and others participate on the district SHAC Physical Activity and Fitness Subcommittee, providing recommendations to enhance coordinated school health.
Thirty-five P.E. teachers participated in hands-on CATCH P.E. Implementer training this summer learning to develop strategies to encourage and maximize moderate-to-vigorous physical activity while teaching P.E. at their campus. Twelve professionals became certified CATCH community trainers. During this experience, the educators strengthened their skillset and knowledge base on the CATCH P.E. program. CATCH Global Foundation acknowledged the efforts on their social media stating, “We can’t wait to see what amazing things you accomplish this upcoming year…they are prepared, learned and executed…ready to go out and train others in their community.” The CATCH program serves over 17,130 K-8 students in the district. Training in the CATCH program is important to create healthier school environments.
Titus Standberry, E.F. Green Junior High PE teacher, presented to colleagues at district PLC.
Fueled to grow as educators and connect with professionals outside of GCCISD, four P.E. teachers submitted proposals and were selected to present at the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD) summer conference. These leaders honed their skills to the highest degree and contributing to professional development efforts at the campus, district, and state level. The ongoing efforts foster growth among colleagues through sharing of information and collaboration. “I feel like I have connected and grown as a professional through this cohort…we have shared and worked through things together…it has been a great experience,” Kristin Reyes, GCCISD P.E. teacher, said.