NAI’ s Bill Love receives Teacher of the Year Award.
INPERSON
A LOVE
FOR TEACHING
NAI’ s Bill Love receives Teacher of the Year Award.
BY KATHLEEN RUDOLPH
( L-R) Melanie Lynch, PSAHPERD President, Bill Love, 2016 High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Dave Schmidt, Past Vice President of Physical Education for PSAHPERD
Photo courtesy North Allegheny School District Communications Office
Students at North Allegheny Intermediate High School( NAI) definitely consider Bill Love a“ cool” teacher.
“ Without a doubt, the best part of the job is my day-to-day interactions with the students,” says Love, a Health and Physical Education and Advanced Physical Education teacher at NAI.“ I tell my students that when they are in my class, they are part of my family. I think it’ s an awesome responsibility to be able to help in some small way to mold the future of our next generation. I would be lying, however, if I didn’ t mention I have the opportunity to be a role model and work out with my students’ great workouts each day without having to find time outside of the workday.”
That dedication and enthusiasm for his job recently earned Love the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Inc.( PSAHPERD) Teacher of the Year Award. The award honors physical educators who are“ deemed to be outstanding with regard to their knowledge, application of pedagogy and contributions to the profession.”
Love, who resides in Franklin Park with his wife, Jackie, and sons William, Braydon and Preston, has worked for the district since 2000. Along with his role as a Health and Physical Education and Advanced Physical Education teacher at NAI, Love is a certified athletic trainer, faculty manager and Health and Physical Education Department liaison for the district.
Dave Schmidt, North Allegheny School District’ s K-12 Health and Physical Education Department Chair, nominated Love for the award. Schmidt met Love right out of college when Love became his student teacher.
“ We pushed for him to get a job here because he is one of the most motivated people I know,” says Schmidt.“ He is extremely passionate at what he does and extremely intelligent.”
After years of working together, Schmidt became even more impressed.
“ Bill is always learning and trying to get better and be the best guy out there,” explains Schmidt.“ I tell him to relax because he can be critical of himself, but that drives him to be better every day.”
Bob Bozzuto, North Allegheny School District’ s athletic director, agrees that Love is someone special.
“ Bill is an outstanding, dedicated educator who always has the best interests of our students with every decision he makes,” says Bozzuto.“ We are very proud to have him as a teacher in our school district, as well as a certified athletic trainer for our student athletes. He contributes a great deal to the success of our athletic department each day, as well as building upon the foundation of excellence.”
Love is humbled by the attention and the award.“ Personally, I was honored not just for being recognized by our state association, but also for being recognized by Dave Schmidt,” he says.“ It is such a true honor to have the people you work with think enough of your dedication and work ethic to nominate you for such an award. I truly feel there are many more teachers in this department worthy of this award.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the benefits of physical activity in childhood are endless— from better academic performance and improving self-esteem, to reducing stress, controlling weight and more. Love believes that physical education in schools helps to accomplish this.
“ Physical education provides students the opportunity to learn how to improve their overall health and wellness for the rest of their lives,” explains Love.“ It provides opportunities for kids to develop the confidence, work ethic, knowledge and skills to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Unlike sports, physical education provides growth opportunity for all students by centering on the idea of‘ Me vs. Myself.’ In addition, a well-designed and implemented physical education program prepares students for the future by improving learning, serving as an outlet for stress and anxiety, and providing social opportunities for an ever-changing society.”
Some kids may lack confidence when it comes to sports and other physical activities. Love encourages all students to keep trying.
“ I would tell anyone, student or adult, to remember that our goal is to be better at night than we were when we woke up,” he says.“ If you made decisions that improved you and those around you, no one is in a position to judge you. Some people thrive on competition and the biggest competition that you will ever have is yourself.”
It’ s apparent that the inspiration Love receives from his students is more important than any award.
“ I am amazed at all of the talents that our kids possess,” he notes.“ It is awesome to see our students excelling in athletics, the arts and in the classroom. Most importantly, I am amazed at the first impression many of them make as young men and women. I hope they realize the potential they have to positively impact the rest of society.” n
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