Coach Kara

I have gained experience teaching middle school health and physical education in Harrisburg, PA and elementary physical education in Solana Beach, CA. The most important lesson I learned during my teaching experiences is that every student has different abilities and needs, and therefore walks a different path to success. My primary job as a Physical Education teacher is to help each student find their avenue, and to ultimately build lifelong learning skills and health habits. This is achieved by using a variety of different teaching techniques, thus allowing each individual student to grow and learn in his or her own way. My teaching experiences have helped me enhance my creativity, leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills.

A quality physical education program is offered to all students as part of my curriculum. Research has shown that students who participate in Physical Education class each week do as well or better than others on standardized academic test scores. As a Physical Education teacher I focus on activities that are inclusive, highly active, integrate academic and wellness concepts, and are fun for all students. Additionally, instructional units are designed to develop students’ motor, cognitive, and social skills. This is the “new PE” you may have read about. Students won’t waste time waiting in lines for a turn or be chosen last for a team. All students will have many opportunities to practice and participate in high levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Everyone will feel successful with each lesson. Physical activity must be done regularly to achieve health benefits. Therefore, everyone's participation is very important. Experts recommend children receive at least 60 minutes of physical activity each and every day. To meet these recommendations children need to seek opportunities to be active outside of school.

2022-2023 Solana Beach Preschool Certificated Employee of the Year; 2013-2014 Carmel Creek Classified Employee of the Year

(1) The Pennsylvania State University - State College, Kinesiology, Athletic Training and Teacher Preparation, August 2005; (2) The University of Phoenix, Online, CTEL/CLAD Certification, November 2013; (3) The California State University - Long Beach, Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization, March 2014; (4) The University of Nebraska - Kearney Online, Physical Education Master Teacher, Special Populations, June 2019

Do your students ever have a little too much energy, making it hard for them to sit still, concentrate on their schoolwork, or be engaged during a lesson? Get your students moving with my products to encourage them to use that energy in a healthy and positive way! Physical activity and movement breaks throughout the school day have been shown to have a positive effect on students’ concentration level and overall academic performance.