Email: jlawrence@wajcs.org Phone: (518) 734-3400 x1188
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My Course Description
My Physical Education programs are designed to develop students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being. Students in Kindergarten and First Grade focus on fundamental movement skills, spatial awareness, cooperation, and learning how to safely participate in games and activities.
In Sixth Grade and High School classes, students build on these foundations through a variety of units that include team sports, individual fitness, outdoor activities, and cooperative challenges. Emphasis is placed on lifelong fitness, personal responsibility, teamwork, and respect for others.
Across all grade levels, the goal of Physical Education is to help students develop confidence, stay active, and build positive habits that support a healthy, active lifestyle.
About me
I grew up in Windham, NY and went to WAJ. I was a former sponsored alpine ski racer with an NCAA Division I scholarship, I raced cross-country mountain bikes at the professional level and won trail running races around the world (including the Twin Lakes Marathon in Wanaka, New Zealand).
I have been teaching physical education, health, and exercise science as an adjunct professor at Mercer County Community College since 2020, and I have been teaching physical education at the K-12 level since 2023 in Catskill. Besides teaching at WAJ, I also coach soccer and alpine ski racing. I have previously coached the track and field team at Catskill High School.
I have a bachelor's degree in sports science from Long Island University and a master's degree in clinical exercise science from the University of Potsdam (Germany). I have a second master's degree in wildlife conservation with a concentration in wildlife biology from Unity Environmental University.
I was a research assistant for nearly four years in Germany, researching how (1) exercise improves depressive symptoms; (2) the impact of different exercise intensities on DNA damage; (3) the group dynamics and performance of ultra-endurance athletes; and (4) artificial intelligence and augmented reality in sports medicine and education.
Check out my research HERE
Grading
My Physical Education grades are primarily based on behavior, participation, and effort rather than athletic ability.
Behavior & Respect – (Primary Focus)
Treating classmates with kindness
Respecting personal space and safety
Listening and responding appropriately to teacher directions
Demonstrating positive sportsmanship
Participation & Effort
Consistently engaged, trying all activities, and staying on task
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