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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