John R. Passarini Ed.D., CAPE.

 “Nobody is disabled; we are all differently-abled.”

             “Hi Big Bopper, Hello Mr. Silver Fox, Yo Mr. Wizard.”  These were the playful words that I frequently encountered from children at school.  My nick names came from the characters I created during the cooperative games and age appropriate play activities that characterized my teaching environment. I believe students learn best when they are happy, when they are challenged, when they feel capable, and when they feel like they make a difference. Although my ultimate goal is to improve student learning I want every student and teacher to leave me feeling good about themselves in relation to others and in relation to their own health and wellness. 

            My classes, and now my teacher workshops, cultivate success by creating deep feelings of joy and happiness during play, and during activities that promote motor and fitness development.  Carl Rogers believed that “Play is child’s work.”  Goethe believed that “Feeling is everything.”  My philosophy respects the feelings and the work ethic that children and adults bring to their learning opportunities and especially to their play.  I believe that each individual has a desire to move and be active, and that physical activity is a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle.

            Good teachers provide a continuum of learning opportunities that meet a wide variety of ability.  They invest valuable time in learning about their student’s unique conditions.  Good teachers model an attitude of tolerance and acceptance.  They understand that some students may only be able to access a part of the curriculum.  Good teachers are open-minded to making frequent adjustments and modifications. They examine all environmental considerations before implementing instructional modifications to meet each student’s specific needs.    

            Great teachers are all of the above, plus they generally feel fulfilled and use high level creative energy to see possibilities.  Great teachers make themselves available for success by being optimistic, and by not being distracted by low energy people or situations.  They have a strong inner conviction and they focus on success.  Great teachers stay focused on what they want and they are constantly thinking about what they intend to create. Most educators are good teachers.  However, I believe great teachers have the curiosity and the courage to examine their students’ feelings and desires and connect learning opportunities to what is most important. 

            When children lack the ability or the opportunity to play and participate in meaningful physical activity, their learning environment is severely compromised.  All students have the right to be members of a learning community where they receive a free and appropriate education.  They have the right to be placed in the most appropriate instructional setting in their least restrictive environment with the help of supplementary aids and services if necessary.  My goal is to instruct teachers on how to effectively include students with disabling conditions into general education safely and with dignity.  The joyful sounds of “Hi Big Bopper, Hello Mr. Silver Fox, or Yo Mr. Wizard,” confirms my deeply held beliefs about how children learn and about how important physical activity, and fundamental motor skill development are to a child’s overall learning experience.