From the Valley breeze
By ETHAN SHOREY, Valley Breeze Managing Editor
PAWTUCKET – Local physical education teacher Christina Peterson says she loves trying new things. That willingness to try innovations in the field, and desire to impart what she learns so students can live their best and most healthy lives, have won her the recognition of Rhode Island’s Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
“I just want kids to live active, healthy lives,” she told The Breeze of why she teaches. “I want them to be inspired. If they can take a couple different activities and keep it with them for the rest of their lives, then I’ve done my job.”
The health and physical education teacher added, “I love what I do. To be recognized for it is awesome.”
The executive board of the Rhode Island Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, comprised of physical education teachers across the state, selected Peterson for the award. The winner is to be an elementary physical education teacher in the state who conducts a comprehensive and diverse physical education program utilizing essential components and physical literacy as reflected in SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) standards and guidelines.
Peterson, a University of Rhode Island graduate and Camp Ramsbottom counselor, was recognized at the Oct. 15 Pawtucket School Committee meeting and will be honored by RIAHPERD at its fall conference on Oct. 24.
Now in her 14th year of teaching, Peterson, 35, is a Pawtucket native who attended local schools.
“I have a lot of roots here,” she said.
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