The arrival of Ms. Janessa Swartz as Bellwood-Antis’s new middle school gym teacher promises to bring a fresh wave of energy and enthusiasm to the school’s physical education program.
This is Ms. Swartz’s first year at B-A. She studied health and physical education at Lock Haven University while playing soccer, so it’s a new chapter in her life.
Miss Swartz said she likes to mix things up in her class, like games, challenges, teamwork.
“When students are moving and having fun, they’re way more into it,” she said.
The transition from college to teaching has been eye opening but good for Ms. Swartz, who did her student teaching at Bellefonte.
“It’s been smooth. Everyone has been welcoming and supportive. I already feel like part of the community,” said Ms. Swartz.
Ms. Swartz said she likes to stay open to feedback and try new activities as a way of maintaining the energy of her classes.
“I learn a lot just by watching how students respond and talking with other teachers,” Ms. Swartz said.
Mr. Brent Hughes, who has been teaching PE in the middle school for more than 15 years, said Ms. Swartz youth and positive attitude have helped her to connect with her students.
“She’s easy to work with, enthusiastic, and professional. She’s been a valuable addition to our staff,” Mr. Hughes commented. “She has unique qualities and works really well with the kids. She’s a lot closer in age to our students than I am, and I think that allows her to relate to them better than I’m able to.”
Ms. Swartz said she has always wanted to be a teacher because her own teachers inspired her.
“I always looked up to my teachers growing up and wanted to be that kind of role model,” she said. “Also, helping kids grow, physically and mentally, is what drew me to PE.”
As a former college athlete, Ms. Swartz said she would love to take on coaching as her career moves forward.
“I’d love to coach, especially soccer or basketball. Sports have always been a big part of my life,” she said.
In the end, Ms. Swartz said she like the idea of being the female gym teacher for B-A’s girls, a role she sees as very valuable.
“I t gives both the boys and girls someone that they can relate to who has been through a lot of the stuff they may be going through during middle school,” Ms. Swartz said.
