When you walk into Physical Education (PE) class with Tim West, his enthusiastic demeanor, organized planning board, and clear visuals say it all- PE class is to be taken seriously!
At McKinley Prep High School and McKinley Middle School, where trauma-informed schooling is a central tenant and many students require enhanced academic and social-emotional support, PE can play an imperative role in students’ personal development and growth. But before Tim West joined the team, it was not always accessible.
“Before Tim, there was not consistent PE, only one block a day,” says Dallas Darnell, Boston Public Schools PE Instructional Coach. “Now that Tim teaches there…[he] expects a lot of [students], encourages them to take that next step every day while also understanding where they come from and the limited exposure they may have to physical activity and physical education.”
Tim West, PE Teacher
West’s background made him a great match for this role. He grew up in Chicago playing basketball and running track and later moved east to play basketball for Northeastern University. His journey led him to provide basketball training for all age groups and grade levels, and he also took up personal training. After pursuing some opportunities abroad he returned to Boston with the desire to teach. Initially working as a paraprofessional at the McKinley schools, he later gained experience as a Special Education teacher.
With his passion and experience in sports, fitness, and teaching, it was always in West’s heart to become a PE teacher.
“I went to regular work dressed like a PE teacher so might as well!” West jokes.
In his first year as a full-time PE teacher in the Fall of 2021, West knew there would be challenges. Entering the school environment in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, West knew students needed support so they could safely participate in PE. And without a designated gym space at the McKinley, West needed to get creative. And he dove in headfirst.
If they can’t get outside in good weather, fitness classes and icebreakers involve softer balls with limited throwing, aerobic card decks, and activities that promote connection amongst students, even though there may be limited space. West prioritizes getting parents involved and maintains open communication with families for which both students and parents have expressed appreciation. While it initially felt challenging to keep students motivated, embedding things they were interested in, like basketball, into the classroom and encouraging them to create and track their own fitness goals helped West build buy-in with his students.
Johnathan Scott, Program Director at McKinley Prep High School describes West's impact: “Mr. West demonstrates an ethic of care in cultivating student relationships and his instruction is contextualized in students' lives, experiences, and individual abilities. He meets students where they are and helps students identify small steps they can take to empower themselves in their personal health journey.”
Friday Hoops at the McKinley Schools
West has also been very intentional about the incorporation of academic language and terminology into his curriculum, a critical component of high-quality physical education. Students are able to grasp these concepts and apply them to their own personal fitness and health which contributes to the positive environment West creates.
“It feels like you are a part of every subject- PE is just as important as math”. He also started ‘Nutrition Fridays’ to educate students about the importance of eating well.
And the response to West’s PE classes has been incredibly positive.
“The students are sold on it,” West describes. At this point, many of them express disdain for only having PE twice a week! Teachers and staff have also been exposed to West’s positive influence on students. While some staff may not have been exposed to PE before, they see West’s organization, his emphasis on academic language, the skills students are developing and how they respond to Mr. West
It has also been clear that PE class has contributed to student holistic development. West prioritizes building relationships with his students, and also sees the importance of how physical activity can support students in managing stress. “His kindness and demeanor towards them is so important,” says Darnell, who has been working closely with West since the Fall of 2021, “He is getting kids excited about movement, and helping them understand why it's important to move and that there are many ways to get physically active”
“I want them to love it,” West explains, “Not just here at schools, but to take [the skills] with them”
On a personal note, West also feels that he has gained a lot from his role as a PE teacher. It has provided him with an incentive to take care of himself more and show up as an example for his students.
One of Tim’s most memorable experiences with his students this year was a flag football game they played during a middle school class. Many students had never even held a football prior to the school year. But before they knew it, they were deeply involved in the game.
Instances like these capture the culmination of physical literacy, joy, and connection that PE offers. Without a doubt, McKinley Schools focus on supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional success is exemplified in Mr. West.
Published: April 2022 Written by: Sravanthy Neeraja