Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation And Dance (IAHPERD)
State of Iowa
Legislature Alert
Elementary Teacher of the Year- 2002
Karilyn Claude
From left to right: Bob Nutgrass (200 president, IAHPERD), Karilyn Claude (Elementary Teacher of the Year), Blair Redima (Principal)
Karilyn has been in the area of physical education her entire teaching career. She has made children her life, whether it would be as a coach or teacher. For the past nine years she has been at the elementary level. Karilyn has made a positive influence on all the children, by not only teaching them the appropriate PE units, but instilling other positive behaviors too. She names many of the simple exercise after healthy foods, (celery jumps, watermelon jacks, & etc. ) She begins her classes with “Put Ups instead of put downs to encourage compliments.
The children learn that they can “Boo” only at Halloween time. They enjoy the hugs under the “Muscle toe” at Christmas. These are examples of how she intertwines normal events in the lives of the children into her classes. It is not uncommon for me to hear her tell the children how they can do an activity at home. The use of coffee can stilts and milk jugs for catchers provide the children with creative ways to have fun even at home.
She incorporate classroom curriculum ideas into PE. From recycling to working with the music teacher and including a dance in the musical, she does it all.
Karilyn is devoted to her profession and everyone can see the enjoyment she receives when working with the children. Karilyn has the highest respect for the children in her classes. She makes every child feel that they are unique and special individuals.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you Karilyn Claude, the 2002 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.
Excerpts taken from letters of recommendations