Iowa Association For Health, Physical Education, Recreation And Dance (IAHPERD)
State of Iowa
Legislature Alert
Elementary School Teacher of the Year- 2007
Luann Swanson
From left to right: Deb Stevenson (2007 president, IAHPERD) and Luann Swanson (Elementary Teacher of the Year)
Luann Swanson teaches Elementary Physical Education in Pekin. She has taught Physical Education for the past 30 years. 12 years at the high school and the past 18 years at the elementary. During that time she has grown into one of the finest physical education teachers in the State of Iowa.
Luann has a well rounded fully inclusive physical education program. She makes sure that her activities meet the needs of all students. She allows them to progress at their own pace, and yet she still challenges each of them.
Luann not only teachers classes but models a healthy lifestyle for all of the students she works with. Luann initiated the Jump Rope for Heart program. This program has given over 23, 00 to the American Heart Association .Her efforts provided a great service to the heart association and at the same time it improved students’ coordination and cardiac fitness.
Luann has initiated a “Brainexercise” program that is played to all the elementary school students every morning, The students stand beside their desks and perform exercises. This is designed to help students get the blood flowing and oxygen to the brain as they prepare for their academic classes.
Her interest in her students is far beyond the classroom. You can find Luann during her free time during the school day, outside at recess or after school helping special needs students. She has always arranged for older students to work with students who will not succeed without the extra help.
Luann’s classes are fully engaged, cooperative and absolutely happy to be there. Her many years of experience are apparent as she keeps all her students focused on the moment while making motor skill development enjoyable.
She has dedicated her life and heart to working with students and teaching students.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you the 2007 IAHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Luann Swanson.