Alumni Spotlight Emily Faddis
B.S., Physical Education and Kinesiology, WVU (2020)*
M.S., Physical Education Teacher Education, WVU (2020)*
Faddis sees physical education as key to creating well-rounded adults
Emily Faddis initially came to West Virginia University with the thought of going to medical school but soon discovered her passion for physical education. She then hopped on the fast track to a bachelor's and master's degree in physical education and earned both in 2020. She credits the supportive faculty as key to her success in school at WVU. Emily got her first teaching job right out of school in Marion County and moved to Brookhaven Elementary in Morgantown in 2022.
She integrates technology into her classroom to engage her students and believes in the critical role of physical education in developing well-rounded, physically literate individuals. She advises recent graduates to be proactive and confident in their teaching opportunities and emphasizes the importance of self-care to avoid burnout. Professional development and collaboration with fellow physical education teachers have been key to her continued growth.
Why did you choose to pursue physical education as a career?
I originally came to WVU pursuing pre-med with a major in Biology. I quickly came to realize that that was not the track for me and began looking at what other majors WVU had to offer. I have always had a love for physical activity, so I read about the physical education teacher education major and thought I'd give it a try.
As soon as I started my first semester in this new major, I knew I was in the right program. I loved my classes. I made close friends with my small cohort quickly, and I had the best professors. It was so easy to fall in love with physical education as my future career when I was surrounded by peers who felt the same way and professors who loved to share their knowledge and love of physical education with us.
Why did you choose WVU, and how did your experiences as a student help shape your career?
I chose WVU because I grew up just across the border in Pennsylvania, and Morgantown is where we would come to shop, go out to eat, see movies, etc. I wanted to be close to family, but far enough away that I could live my own life. I still got to see my family often, and I am always grateful that I chose WVU for that.
What do you think separates WVU's program from others?
I think our program has the best professors, and that really sets us apart from other programs. Dr. Tsuda is incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful person. I got to work with her my first year at Brookhaven when her students micro-taught some of my classes. Dr. Taliaferro helped tutor me and a few others in my cohort to pass the math PRAXIS exam. Dr. Wyant really believed in each of us and was our biggest champion throughout our time at WVU. He pushed us to be our best selves and to become the best teachers. The professors we got to know and spend time with truly shaped my time at WVU and I think they are what makes our program stand out amongst others.
What innovative techniques or technologies have you integrated into your physical education classes?
I use a projector almost every single day in my class, either for a YouTube warm-up game (This or That, Would You Rather, Floor is Lava, etc) or to project demonstration videos for games and activities. I would like to find new ways to integrate more technology into my classroom. I would love to get an interactive playground, like Play Lü, one day!
Why do you believe physical education is a critical part of the overall education system?
Physical education is a critical part of the education system because we are teaching more than just sports and games. We help to shape students to be good sports, to care about and help others, to learn how to recognize and regulate their emotions, and to find healthy ways to deal with stress. We help them discover activities that they enjoy and that they want to participate in for life. The goal is for them to leave my class as physically literate, well-balanced individuals.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates from WVU’s physical education and kinesiology program who aspire to work in the field?
To any recent grads, put yourself out there! I was lucky enough to get a teaching job right out of school, but I know a ton of people who subbed at so many schools and that led them to a permanent position. For current students: don't be nervous or embarrassed during your micro-teaching and student teaching. Your peers are there to do the same thing you are doing, no one is judging you – they are learning from you as well! These opportunities are crucial to your education. Your professors and cooperating teachers are there to help you, so take their advice and use it.
How do you balance the demands of teaching and your well-being?
It's hard to find a good balance these days. I see stories of young teachers getting burnt out so quickly these days, and it's a little scary. I learned this year that taking care of myself is so important. I don't like taking days off, but year I had to have emergency surgery to get my appendix removed, so I was forced to take a week off. That opened my eyes to how hard I was pushing myself and not getting enough rest. I learned that it's okay to take a day off here and there to protect my mental health and my overall health. To balance the stress of work, I like to go to the gym and work out. I try to schedule regular massages and I enjoy reading to relax and escape this world for a bit.
How do you continue to develop professionally, and what resources do you recommend for other physical education teachers?
I attend professional development sessions with the physical education teachers in Monongalia County. It is helpful to collaborate and share ideas with current teachers. I love to hear about the games and activities that are successful for them, and we usually set up a game or activity and teach the others how to play.
What’s the best thing about being a Mountaineer?
The best thing about being a Mountaineer is that once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer! The pride in the school is always there. It's exciting when I travel and see someone with a WVU hat or shirt, I always stop and say hi. I still attend football games, and my fiancé and I just finally got season tickets. We love to cheer on the Mountaineers in all sports. I don't know if we will always live in West Virginia, but I do know that I will always be a Mountaineer!