Physical education (PE) teachers in Columbus City Schools are getting a competitive edge with some professional training from the local soccer experts, the Columbus Crew. According to a recent article from Columbus City Schools' website, these educators donned their athletic gear at South High School for a session that was all about boosting their game in PE classes.
Stephanie Cedeño, Community Relations Director at the Columbus Crew, encapsulated the day's goal: "Today is really meant to empower PE teachers." Lining up drills and techniques that align with state national standards, the Crew's coaches didn't hold back in sharing their soccer savvy. Karen Gynn, who teaches at Como and Ohio Avenue Elementary, expressed her newfound coaching confidence to the schools' site, "I know the students will be excited about playing soccer." According to Columbus City School, Gynn looks forward to integrating her knowledge of foot position and footwork into student lessons.
The training wasn't just a run-through on the basics. Diving deep into the sport's mechanics, the educators were tutored on footwork, strategy, and the rules that govern the game. Daniel Lock, Academy Director at Columbus Crew, relayed his pleasure in participating in the professional development day to Columbus City Schools. He stressed the importance of fostering a love for soccer at the grassroots level and shared his hope of seeing some of these kids join the Crew Academy one day.
Bryan Ferres, a PE teacher at Ecole Kenwood, highlighted the benefits of collaborating with soccer professionals. "It's great to have a partnership with the Columbus Crew," he told Columbus City Schools. Ferres acknowledged the advantage of having experts demonstrate and help develop curricula. The Soccer in Schools initiative aims to introduce the game early to students, hoping to spark a passion for the sport while encouraging teamwork and keeping kids active.
Columbus City Schools' investment in this kind of staff development and collaborative spirit is a vital part of their commitment to student growth, both in and out of the classroom. Through this initiative and others, CCS aims to inspire teamwork, build confidence, and instill success in their students, ensuring that physical education remains a cornerstone of their learning experience.
