Good to Grow:
Greetings WHPE Members,
Teaching is a profession that evolves over time, shaped by experiences, challenges, and growth. Whether you're just starting out in your first year of teaching or celebrating thirty years in the classroom, each stage of your journey brings unique perspectives and lessons. My challenge for you this year is to embrace the chaos and enjoy the journey.
The Beginning Years
1. Embrace the Learning Curve
In your first few years, you're not just teaching students, you're also learning the ropes. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and attend professional development workshops. Embrace the learning curve as an opportunity to grow both as an educator and as an individual.
2. Build Strong Relationships
Creating a positive classroom environment starts with building strong relationships. Take the time to get to know your students, their interests, and their learning styles. Establishing trust and rapport early on can lead to a more productive and enjoyable teaching experience. Find your mentor, this is the person who will support you and challenge you with their words.
3. Stay Organized
Organization is your ally. From lesson planning and grading to classroom management, having a well-structured approach will save you time and reduce stress. Experiment with different organizational strategies to find what works best for you.
4. Be Flexible
Expect the unexpected. Lesson plans might not always go as planned, and that's okay. Being flexible and adaptable will help you navigate unexpected challenges and turn them into valuable teaching moments.
5. Reflect and Grow
Regular self-reflection is a cornerstone of growth. Take time to assess your lessons, interactions, and successes, as well as areas for improvement. Don't hesitate to adjust your teaching methods based on what you learn.
Celebrating Experience and Wisdom
1. Embrace Change
After many years in the classroom, you've witnessed the evolution of education. Embrace change and new technologies while maintaining the core principles that make you a great teacher. Your experience positions you to guide and inspire fellow educators through these transformations. Use your experiences to help others find their strengths.
2. Continue Learning
Even with decades of experience, there's always more to learn. Stay curious and open to new ideas, teaching methods, and research. Consider mentoring young teachers to share your wisdom and learn from their fresh perspectives.
3. Reflect on Milestones
Take time to celebrate your journey. Reflect on the students you've impacted, the challenges you've overcome, and the progress you've made. Celebrate the small victories and remember why you chose this noble profession.
4. Advocate for Education
With years of insight, your voice carries weight. Advocate for education at a broader level. Share your experiences and insights to influence policy, shape curriculum, and champion the needs of both students and teachers within your schools, communities, and at the state level.
5. Maintain Balance
As you continue to pour your heart into teaching, remember the importance of balance. Prioritize your well-being, family, and personal interests. Your sustained passion for teaching is fueled by maintaining a fulfilling life outside the classroom.
I truly believe teaching is a rewarding journey filled with growth, challenges, and meaningful connections. Embrace the lessons from each stage, and remember that every day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of your students. Here's to you the educators who are shaping the future, one class at a time. Wishing you the best of luck this school year.
WHPE President
@prideandjoyMary
2023 WHPE Convention, WI Dells Kalahari Resort, October 25-27th
The WHPE Board of Directors is excited to share details of our upcoming October convention. We have 16 featured speakers coming in to present from around the country! Check out our website for featured speaker information, convention schedule and Kalahari room reservation pricing and link. You can also begin registering for the convention and renew membership online at: https://whpe.us/whpe-annual-convention
WHPE members receive a greatly discounted rate for their stay at the Kalahari, including a waived daily resort fee. The cut off for our rooming block is September 25th. Rooms are available on a first come - first served basis. When our block is full, rooms will be available at the regular rack rate.
To receive the discounted WHPE Convention room rate, make reservations with this link: https://book.passkey.com/event/50547776/owner/49796246/home
Welcome to Wisconsin Health and Physical educationBook your hotel room for the event at special rates, available here on an exclusive basis.book.passkey.com
Adapted Physical Education Evaluations
Hey everyone! Do you do Adapted PE evals? Check out this awesome link that Tim Swenson shared with me! It is a great way to filter out what type of assessment you are looking for!
Worth Your Time!
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Health and PE
Please subscribe to the Health and Physical Education listserv to get a monthly newsletter about things that effect Health and Physical Education at the state level. Topics could include: professional development opportunities, legislative updates, curriculum information, Health and PE Standards, Spotlight on WI Schools and other things that effect you as a Health and/or Physical Education Teacher.
subscribe-physicaleducationteachers@lists.dpi.wi.gov
subscribe-healtheducationteachers@lists.dpi.wi.gov
Please contact Meg Whaley if you have any questions or if you have something that you would like to add to the newsletter.
SHAPE MIDWEST District News
The Midwest District Future Professionals Committee is planning to host a virtual Future Professionals Meeting and Panel Discussion on Student Teaching on Wednesday, September 13 at 5 pm. Midwest District will share more details in the near future.
The Midwest District Awards committee would like to encourage you to nominate or “nudge” fellow colleagues to apply for the following MWD awards: Honor, Service, Scholar, Young Professional, Outstanding Student, Recreational Professional and MACUPE Awards.
For more information about these awards, please visit: https://www.shapeamerica.org/about/districts/midwest/awards/awards.aspx
The current deadline to submit award nominations is September 15. Award nominations can be submitted directly to the MWD Awards Chair, Katrina Haynes, at: khaynes2330@gmail.com
Midwest District has the following committees: Advocacy/Communications, Awards, EDI, Joint Projects and Future Professionals. If you are interested in getting involved with Midwest District committee work or leadership roles please contact Midwest District Director Mark Foellmer at mfoellmer@shapemidwest.org.
One of the District’s goals is to keep you informed of local and national events and news. If state associations have news or information to share please have your state leadership contact Midwest District Director, Mark Foellmer at: mfoellmer@shapemidwest.org
Health and Physical Education Online Resources
WHPE Fall Newsletter – Newsletters always contain good ideas
22_Fall_Newsletter.pdf (secureservercdn.net)
WHPE Facebook Page - Connect with us
https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinhealthandpe/
WHPE Mini-Convention – Presentations are available for viewing
WHPE ZOOM Recordings - More good ideas
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11twx8VzmcqIQ7qQCuYOQZjuahheMLtgi
WHPE Culturally Responsive Health and Physical Education Articles - Connect with your students
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eCBKWeyswGnH05kIW8qHdczqTwQW3-5p
WHPE Blog – Members sharing thoughts and ideas
Blog – Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (whpe.us)
HPE at Home Resources - On the WHPE web site
SHAPE America HPE at Home Resources - From the national organization
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O2J_qP--IbKb0f9Bznle7TyPqzOSAjbu
