An article written by third year PETE masters cohort teacher, Tyler Cathcart, is featured in the 2013 summer edition of The Pulse, an on line newsletter published by aahperd.org. Tyler tells the story of The Education Center at The Watson Institute in Sewickley, PA where he teaches. The Education Center serves children between the ages of three and 21 who have various disabilities.
Tyler, who will graduate this month, explains that The Center has participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart for the past decade. He says that although students deal with their own challenges, the lessons that they learn from actively participating in these fundraisers encourage them to lead healthier lifestyles.
According to Tyler, the group increases the amount of money raised each year. More importantly, he explains, every year more and more students chose to get involved. As a school and community of teachers, students, and families, he says they have been inspired by their own “heart hero,” a student named Joshua Gallagher.
Tyler reflects on the impact that his studies at CPASS have had on his teaching. “My experience with the PETE program has been a true joy. Over the last three years I have learned so much and with that knowledge I have been encouraged to be a leader and advocate for the physical education profession. The program has given me confidence and courage to reach out for grant opportunities and publish articles. All the PETE faculty members were great role models who challenged me to learn. They have inspired me personally and professionally,” Tyler explains.
“Tyler is an outstanding professional whose ability to teach students with diverse abilities and learning styles is a model for all educators. Beyond his technical proficiency as a teacher, I am most impressed with his sincere concern for the well-being of children and his obvious commitment to addressing their unique individual needs,” says Sean Bulger, associate professor, CPASS, physical education teacher education.
Tyler acknowledges his peers from the cohort for their substantial impact as teachers and coaches. “They truly made the program a great experience because they were all passionate about the field. They are amazing people. I took a lot away from my peers and the awesome things that they have implemented into their programs,” Tyler comments.
Tyler says the following students contributed to the overall experience:
Chris Atkins, Brian Beverage, Derrick Conner, John Duffy, Jason Goff, Erica Hall, Jacob Harrell, Ross Harvey, James Jenkins, Randall Sell, Rich Senatore, Daniel Stratford, Michelle Switzer.