INPERSON
Health FOR LIFE
North Allegheny’s Dean Boronyak named
Elementary Health and Physical Education
Teacher of the Year by the Pennsylvania
State Association for Health, Physical
Education Recreation and Dance, Inc.
BY NICOLE TAFE
I
always enjoyed being a mentor and helping inside and outside of
ngomar Elementary Health and Physical Education teacher
school.”
Dean Boronyak was named the Elementary Health and
He adds, “I’m proud to be a part of the North Allegheny
Physical Education Teacher of the Year at the annual
School District, where I feel that so many of my colleagues could
Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical
have received the award, and I would not be the teacher that I am
Education Recreation and Dance, Inc. (PSAHPERD) convention
today without the NA team.”
held in Lancaster in December.
Boronyak challenges his students to be better every day, with
Boronyak, 41, and his wife, DeAndra, have two boys, Luke
one of his favorite sayings: If it doesn’t challenge you, it does not
and Brady. He began his career with North Allegheny in 2008
change you! He excels at making learning fun for his students
teaching grades K-5. Previously he had taught grades K-6 in
while differentiating lessons so that all students have a chance to
the Seneca Valley School District as well as graduate classes at
be successful.
Gannon University. Boronyak earned his B.S. in Health and
“The students’ enthusiasm to
Physical Education from Slippery
attend Health and Physical Education
Rock University and his M.Ed. from
class sums up Dean’s dedication and
Gannon University in Curriculum and
passion for teaching students and
Instruction.
I am most passionate
encouraging them to be the best
The curriculum at North Allegheny
about helping students
they can be physically, emotionally,
focuses on educating the whole child
and academically,” says Dr. Tracie
and teaching the community to be
enjoy every day and
Michalowski, Principal of Ingomar
well for life. Boronyak has been pivotal
grow to be better each day,
Elementary School. “Students always
in creating and implementing an
look forward to his class even after they
exemplary curriculum that focuses on
and it is my hope that the
have had him for six years (K-5)! That
four Wellness Pillars: Physical Fitness,
students I teach will have
in itself speaks volumes for his ability
Nutrition, Social and Emotional
to connect with his students and have
Learning, and Physical Literacy. He
the knowledge and power to
them begin building healthy habits that
has presented at both the state and
live physically, socially and
will last throughout their lives.”
national level on Making an Impact
mentally healthy lifestyles.
Boronyak is most passionate about
with Social and Emotional Learning,
helping
students enjoy every day and
Brain Energizers, Incorporation Health
Guiding students toward
grow to be better each day. “It is my
Concepts, and Increasing Moderate to
responsible and healthy
hope that the students I teach will
Vigorous Physical Activity Time.
have the knowledge and power to
“I always loved working with
decision making will instill
live physically, socially and mentally
children and wanted to inspire and
lifelong habits that will
healthy lifestyles,” he says. “Guiding
make a positive impact in their lives
students toward responsible and
through teaching,” says Boronyak.
improve their wellness now
healthy decision making will instill
“From a young age I was interested
and throughout their entire
lifelong habits that will improve their
in physical fitness, nutrition health
wellness now and throughout their
and athletics; even in high school I
lives.”
entire lives.” ■
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