TEACHER TUESDAY: STEPHANIE SMITH

Stephanie Smith has taught physical education and health education at WC since 2007. She has previously coached softball and soccer and currently serves as the department chair for her subject matter.

How would you describe your teaching style? “In my P.E, classes, I love to be right in the action with my students! In the (health) classroom, we have a lot of discussion about life topics. I am continually learning trying to come up with new activities so that students can be engaged learners in each unit of study.”

What is the most challenging aspect of your subject matter? “We talk about a wide variety of topics that are touchy subjects or can be hardships in students’ lives or the lives of someone. For that reason it can be difficult to cultivate discussions. I have learned over the past 14 years how important it is to be sensitive and empathetic to the thoughts and life experiences of my students. I pray that I do this well and can support my students in that way.”

How do you incorporate faith and learning? “I love the subjects I teach and feel like we can clearly see so many ways that God, in His awesome power, created our bodies. We have the ability to understand that God has graciously given us these bodies to love and care for.”