Hello all!

My name is Ms. Almeda - I also go by Ms. A. 

I am a Physical Education, Wellness, Health, and Driver's Education educator at Walter Payton High School. This will be my first year teaching at Walter Payton, but sixth year overall. I received my Bachelor's of Education (K-12) with a concentration in Physical Education with a Health Endorsement at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). In addition, I have received my Driver's Education Endorsement at Greenville University.

With the many diverse backgrounds within the school community, my time in CPS has given me opportunities to engage with a variety of students. My teaching philosophy starts by providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment to focus on student success. This occurs when the focus is by learning through an innovative, respectful, and inclusive environment. My goal in physical education is to encourage and educate each individual to continue and engage in physical activity for a lifetime. 

INTEREST AND HOBBIES

My life has always been revolved around health and wellness. In my leisure time, I am usually partaking in recreational sports around town such as indoor volleyball, beach volleyball, softball, and even badminton with friends and family. My husband and I have two children (3 year old and 1 year old) and two dogs, Chewy & Brew, which we love to take to parks and enjoy a new coffee spot in local Chicago neighborhoods. 

Traveling is a huge part of my life. Not only seeing the different parts of the U.S., I love to travel internationally and see the many different cultures apart of the world. As of right now my favorite destination I have been to was Thailand but I am planning to explore my next adventure which will be Japan when time is given!

Other than teaching, I have some years coaching volleyball and badminton. I am very excited to be apart of a new school and see all athletic teams grow. As a side hustle, my husband and I have side businesses in the Chicagoland area! We are the owners of a beautifully, fun coffee shop in the Northside called Side Practice Coffee, another hip coffee shop in the West Loop called Drip Collective, a new family-run pizza restaurant in Pilsen called Novel Pizza Cafe, and lastly an enamel pin company called Reppin Pins. I love being apart of the Chicago community that can help branch new relationships and connections throughtout our city. 

Why did I become a Teacher?

I lived in San Francisco for a couple of years as a personal trainer. I enjoyed the teaching aspect of helping others choose goals and ultimately understand the benefit of a healthy lifestyle. That was when I decided to move back home and go back to college to complete my undergrad in Education. I became a teacher to help young students the way my PE teachers helped me in high school - I attended Von Steuben Metropolitan High School and still keep in touch with my past teachers and professors for guidance and support. I have always loved being active, playing sports, being outdoors, going on adventures and helping people lead healthy lives.