PE Powerhouse

Written by Jenna Seigworth Contributors: Ava Fischer and Dylan Salsgiver 2/18/19

PE Powerhouse

Written by Jenna Seigworth | Contributors: Ava Fischer and Dylan Salsgiver | Photos by AJ Howard | 2/8/19

Both of Cranberry High School’s Physical Education Department teachers have recently been recognized for their excellence.

Mr. Bean is the male gym teacher for all grade levels at CHS. In the last couple years, he has transformed his teaching by finding and implementing new programs, such as fitness days and innovative equipment like Kangoo Jumps.

Mr. Bean attended Edinboro University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education as well as a Minor in Athletic Coaching.

A few years after landing a job, he decided to continue his Academic Career by earning a Master’s Degree in Physical Education at Slippery Rock University.

Mr. Bean also acted as the girl’s softball head coach for several years, and even helped lead his team to be the District Runners-Up.

He was awarded the honor of being claimed the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance(PSAHPERD) High School Physical Education teacher of the year in the state of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Barrett is the female gym teacher at CHS. She has been teaching at Cranberry for eleven years, but for the first three years, she worked strictly as a health teacher. She has happily spent eight years in her “dream job”: teaching physical education.

Mrs. Barrett attended Slippery Rock University and participated in the 100 meter high hurdles, 400 meter intermediate hurdles, and 4x100 and 4x400 relays on the track team.

During her college years as a track and field runner, Mrs. Barrett was a six time All-American, five- time PSAC MVP, fifteen-time PSAC champion, and SRU and PSAC record holder in seven different events. Because of these achievements, Mrs. Barrett was inducted into the Slippery Rock University Athletic Hall of Fame on September 29th, 2018.

Mrs. Barrett is also the girl’s varsity cross country coach. She has led the team to the District IV Title on several occasions and is extremely proud of each and every one of her runners.

Mr. Bean and Mrs. Barrett work alongside to innovate the way that students view gym class.

As Mrs. Barrett says, her and Mr. Bean attempt to “ put our students' input & interests first and often ask in department meetings what we would want/like if we were in grades 7-12 again.”

Recently, gym class curriculum has shifted from not only physical education in school, but also teaching students about living a healthy lifestyle. More importantly, high school PE now focus on why exercise and a nutritious diet is vital in a students every day life.

Mrs. Barrett says that this new challenge motivates her to become a better teacher each and every day.

From glow-in-the-dark fitness drumming, to QR code scanning in scavenger hunts, to rebound shoes, Mr. Bean and Mrs. Barrett say that they are willing to try anything that would usually be outside of what would be considered “normal” gym class in order to help their students live a happier and healthier life.

Whether it be from their past or current achievements, Cranberry High School is proud to have two successful gym teachers on their staff.

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