About Me...I am currently a senior a the University of South Alabama seeking a degree in Physical Education. I am 38 years old. I am currently divorced and have two children. I grew up and currently live here in Mobile, Alabama. I attended a small private school from elementary through high school. I graduated in 1989. The school is now closed but the name of it was First Independent Methodist School. Most people knew it as I.M.S. I played volleyball, basketball and softball from seventh grade through my senior year. In high school, I was named to the All Conference and All State teams 4 years in a row for both basketball and softball. My Junior and Senior years I was named Team Captain and Most Valuable Player. In 1989, I was ranked 5th in the state for softball. I was offered a dual scholarship to play basketball and softball at the University of Mobile (called Mobile College at that time). I was red shirted for Mobile College in 1989 then decided to go to a Junior College. Pensacola Junior College offered me a softball scholarship to play for them in 1990 -1992. While at Pensacola Junior College I was named to the All Conference team for both freshman and sophomore years and named Team captain and Best Defensive Player of the year for my sophomore year.

Although I excelled in sports I had problems in academics. I was tested at Mobile College for a learning disability. I was diagnosed as having Auditory Processing Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. This was such a blessing. I just thought I wasn't smart, but what I found was that I was just as smart or smarter than others. I just learned differently. I went to college for three years but still found it difficult so I decided to take a break and get a job. In 1997 I was married and became a full time wife and mother for ten years. After my divorce I decided to fulfill my dream of being a teacher. I feel that with the experiences that I have had, I can help others achieve their dreams. I have a special gift to reach children when other can't. I plan to take full advantage of this and make a difference.
My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that physical education provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the overall development and well being of every student. It is my opinion that teaching is a vehicle to help students develop lifetime skills and a strong knowledge base in a variety of content areas; one of the most important of those areas being fitness and wellness. It is my goal that students in my class are provided with a multitude of developmentally appropriate activities that include movement, fitness, sports, recreation/leisure activities and dance. As a physical education teacher I feel that by incorporating a variety of activities and including opportunities for my students to have some freedom in choosing activities, I will broaden their exposure and encourage them to develop a life long love of active participation.


Adaptive Physical Education

Adapted physical education (APE) is physical education which may be adapted or modified to address the individualized needs of children and youth who have gross motor developmental delays. This service should include the following:

- Assessment and instruction by qualified personnel means that professionals are prepared to gather assessment date and provide physical education instruction for children and youth with disabilities and developmental delays.

- Accurate assessment data, including diagnostic and curriculum-based data collected by qualified personnel.

- Individualized Education Program (IEP) Goals and Objectives / Benchmarks are measurable and objective statements written by the physical education instructor. The goals and objectives are reflective of the physical education instructional content and monitored/evaluated according to district policy, to ensure that goals and objectives are being met in a timely manner.

- Instruction in a Least Restricted Environment (LRE) refers to adapting or modifying the physical education curriculum and/or instruction to address the individualized abilities of each child. Adaptations are made to ensure that each student will experience success in a safe environment. Placement is outlined in the IEP and may include one or more of the following options:

· The general physical education setting

· The general physical education setting with a teaching assistant or peers

· A separate class setting with peers

· A separate class setting with assistants

· A one-to-one setting between students and the instructor

For all practical purposes, Adapted Physical Education is developmentally appropriate physical education at its finest. It is adapting, modifying, and/or changing a physical activity so it is as appropriate for the person with a disability as it is for a person without a disability.

Courtesy of PECENTRAL.COM