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I am very fortunate that I continue to teach part-time for the University I attended for my undergraduate work, and where I served in a tenure-track role from 2006-2009. While I left because MacGyver was attaining his doctoral degree at UVA, working at St. Francis Xavier University was a dream job (so is my current job - who says you can’t have more than one dream job?). Thus, it’s particularly special that I can continue to teach through their graduate program via the on-line platform, blackboard collaborate. Each Monday night my students (physical education specialists in Nova Scotia who are attaining a graduate degree) begin class in small groups (virtual rooms). Each group member is invited to share something awesome that happened to her/him the proceeding week. It builds community, and sets the stage for a positive three hours. One letter this past Monday really moved me. With permission, I am sharing this letter here. The letter was given to one of my graduate students, Brent (who I was also lucky enough to teach while he was studying for his Bachelor in Education degree at StFX). Brent taught Nova Scotia’s Grade 12 physical education leadership course this past year.
I was actually the lead writer of this Grade 12 physical education curriculum, and was lucky to lead a great team of PE teachers throughout Nova Scotia on behalf of the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It was important for our team to develop a curriculum that encouraged leadership and volunteerism in communities across beautiful Nova Scotia. I know I would not have the opportunities I have today if it were not for the many volunteers in my hometown (Antigonish) throughout my childhood. As part of the service-learning component to this course, Brent’s class volunteered at a local track and field meet organized by another physical education teacher in the Tri-County Regional School Board (TCRSB) in Nova Scotia. After the event, Brent received the following letter (shared here with permission regarding his students who attend Drumlin Heights Consolidated School:
Dear (PRINCIPAL):
Hello. Over the past two days I was in charge of the finish line at district track and field and I would like to speak to you about the behavior and conduct of the students your school sent to help time the track events. As you can imagine, the time keeping responsibilities at such an event are not to be taken lightly as they impact everything going forward, and can make a large impact on the days in general. I have been in charge of the finish line for four years, one of which was also regional track and field. In that time, and to be honest over my teaching and coaching career, I have never met such a dedicated and responsible group of volunteer student timers. They took the job very seriously and were quick to learn and ask questions. Never once did I have to look for any of them, or speak to them about any negative behaviors and they were always on time for events and were usually early. They were helpful with each other and had a positive attitude throughout. Once they learned their jobs they all took pride in doing great work and became more and more proficient throughout. One example of dedication to become perfect at their job came today. In one race, three of your students were timing one athlete, while three others were timing another. The first three posted identical times for the first place athlete, totally incredible. Even more incredible, the three others, who were timing the second place athlete, got identical times for that athlete as well. I would bet money that could never happen again. That is one example of how much they tried to get correct times.
It would have been easy for these students to take these two days as days off from school and do an “ok” job while visiting with their friends. Instead, they took it as an opportunity to learn and improve. I told them they were the best set of timers I have worked with (adults included) and I truly appreciated their attitude and dedication to help making this event one of the best I have been involved with. All of the other people involved with the finish line would agree as well. Your students told me that I probably say that to all of the timers, but they are just being modest. I know that they will be getting credit through their PE class, but I would also like to pass on my sincere thanks as well. We could not have had a better two days, and they are partially responsible for that.
Often, I think, people are quick to send principals an email or letter when a few of their students have misbehaved in public. It is with great pleasure that I can send you this positive note about your students and I would like to thank you for allowing them to be involved in this event as volunteers. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Brent Schwan
Teacher
Port Maitland School
I’m soooooooo tired of people saying how lazy, soft, and uncaring kids are today. We (adults, teachers, parents, coaches) need to give kids more opportunity to serve the younger youth and children within their respective communities. In doing so, youth will feel good about themselves, view service and volunteerism as normal behaviors, and learn how to be a positive and effective leader. The most memorable educational and sport experiences often occur outside of classrooms and playing fields. While it makes me incredibly proud to see how Brent is supporting his students in meeting the Grade 12 PE leadership educational outcomes, it also inspires me to stay true to this model in curriculum development and pedagogical practice.
I wonder what kind of world we could build if we provided more opportunities for kids in school and sport to serve others?
I wonder how you all implement service-learning into your physical education classes and athletic programs?
I wonder how cool it would be if more of us took the time, like Mr. Schwan, to send respectful notes on behalf of a group of great kids?
I wonder what other amazing stories we would learn if we found ways to allow our students and athletes to share stories of awesomeness as a way to build community and inspire one another to do good?
Let’s take this as a challenge, folks. Let’s teach kids to serve through increasing others’ access to physical activity experiences and pursuits. Who’s in?
