By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Photo/submitted
Northborough – Lincoln Street School (LSS) physical education teacher Patricia Rollins received the 2018 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award by the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD). She was recognized at an awards banquet May 6 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Milford.
The nominee must meet certain requirements, such as have a minimum of 10 years teaching experience in physical education; conduct a curriculum that reflects an understanding of child growth and development; serve as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship, and sensitivity to the needs of students; and serve or present at workshops on state, district, or national committees.
Rollins was nominated by Principal Jennifer Parson.
“When I saw the criteria for the PE Teacher of the Year award, I knew that Trish was the one,” said Parson. “I can honestly say that I have never nominated a teacher for this type of award.”
Rollins had to submit additional information to go further into the process after being nominated.
Photo/Bonnie Adams
“It was a neat process,” she said. “It gave me the opportunity to reflect upon my teaching.”
Rollins has been teaching since 2002, and at Lincoln Street School since 2005. The elementary school age is a good fit for Rollins, who said that she has witnessed a lot of “a-ha” moments with her students, like the first time they skip or use a hula hoop successfully.
“Kids have changed,” she said. “In the age of technology, they are coming to school with different skills. Everything is quick and convenient; we need to slow down.”
Rollins said she thinks it is important that families take the time to find activities that they enjoy doing together. She said that developing lifelong interests and skills to stay active and eat healthy should be a priority.
Her philosophy as a teacher is to offer different experiences and various activities, while still covering the traditional units of the curriculum. Many of the activities allow kids to build self-discovery skills, set individual goals and reach a personal best.
“Not everyone is the same,” she said. “Every kid finds something when exposed to a lot of different types of activities.”
“Trish excels at both the physical education curriculum as well as with taking a whole-school approach in her instruction,” said Parson. “She offers many additional skills and talents to our entire school community. Trish goes out of her way to contribute to the LSS community in any way that she feels she can be of value. Students adore her class, and her dedicated, thoughtful, and energized approach to health and wellness has served the LSS students and families beautifully.”
