Candi Mountain-Gaddie's
NASPE Teacher of the Year application
The application has five parts about which each applicant wrote. Follow the links below to read what Candi wrote.
If you wish to contact Candi, use the folloiwng contact information:
School Phone: 719-579-2762
Email: cmountaingaddie@harrison.k12.co.us
School: Panorama Middle School Harrison School District #2
The five criteria
Criteria 1:
Conducts a quality Physical Education program as reflected in NASPE
standards and curriculum guidelines for K-12 Physical Education
programs.
Criteria 2: Utilizes teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students.
Criteria 3:
Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and
fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship, and sensitivity to the
needs of students.
Criteria 4: Participates in professional development opportunities
Criteria 5: Provides service to the profession through leadership, presentations, and/or writing.
Criteria 1
Conducts a quality Physical Education program as reflected in
NASPE standards and curriculum guidelines for K-12 Physical Education
programs.
“The plays of childhood are the germinal leaves of all
later life; for the whole man is developed... in these.” - Frederick
Froebel. My teaching goal is to promote life-long participation in
meaningful physical activity, particularly attitude formation. In other
words, to be a participant rather than always a spectator. I believe
and have discovered that the patterns of our lives must grow out of our
needs and take shape according to our beliefs. They must really be part
of us if they are to be valid and integrated parts of our individual
beings. They must be indigenous to individuals and expressive of what
physical education means. My aim is that my students will gradually
find application in physical education not only as a school program,
but as a part of the American way of living. This goal or philosophy
supports the proclamation for the total middle school level philosophy,
whereas, the habits and values established during early adolescence
have critical, lifelong influence. This is also in congruence with
NASPE, state, and Harrison School District Educational Standards and
Outcomes.
“We learn to do by doing.” Physical education is the
ever-continuing development of the individual from where he/she is to
where he/she ought to be. Daily practice of a wide range of activities,
individual practice, small group practice, lead-up activities, study
guides, skills tests and written tests promote competency and
proficiency in movement forms and motor skills and in curriculum based
activities. Students organize a “sportfolio” with classroom papers for
jump rope, fitness tests, etc. for daily activities and for future
reference. They then decorate them with extra-credit fitness test
stickers earned.
“Activities constitute one of the great hungers of life.”
- Jay B. Nash. My program demonstrates my beliefs that physical
education at school must prepare for family play at home and recreation
in the community. Also, my program assumes its share of responsibility
of leadership in this plan for coordination. The daily reporting of
out-of-class activity in the form of a Fit For Life paper assigned to
my students supports this claim. Students choose their activity, work
it into their schedule, and record it at least three days a week. I
have further supported this belief by inviting outside speakers from
the community who actively demonstrate in their lives how the skills
they learned in physical education and activity programs have enhanced
their lives and have offered them lifelong opportunities. Guest
presenters have been Olympic Team Handball Team players, World Footbag
players, a Pro Yo-Yo instructor, a karate instructor, an elite track
star, a sport psychologist, a trampoline group called Positive Air, and
a certified in-line skate instructor. This diversion from the regular
classroom procedure has been a motivating learning experience.
My teacher effectiveness is indicative of my beliefs
concerning students’ self-esteem, effort, attitude and the relationship
between student/student and student/teacher. I create a non-threatening
environment where students know that they contribute to the class and
have opportunities to become more productive and effective in their
learning. Students with special needs or obesity problems feel
comfortable in class activities and are encouraged to improve their
fitness level based on personal goals. Weaknesses turned into strengths
make a difference in the way they think of themselves and others. They
are happy and encouraged to always give their best effort, no matter
what their skill level may be. Teacher expectations are high in my
classes and have come to be appreciated as a strength in my teaching
style by my students.
Criteria 2
Utilizes teaching methodologies and plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students.
This year is my 20 year teaching anniversary and it
continues to unequivocally be my extra time, my energy, my heart, and
my enthusiasm that I consider to be my greatest contributions in
education. I continue to make great efforts and spent much time
implementing new activity programs and have taken existing programs to
more progressive levels. One of the most enjoyed programs in my classes
is the in-line skating unit. We rent skates and enjoy a fun-filled week
of skating skills and games.
The newest on-going activity is our pedometer program.
Students integrate fitness, math, social studies, and geography in
daily pedometer activities. We start each class period with a jumping
jack routine and chant positive affirmations about giving the class and
the day our best efforts. The routine always ends with a new drug free
slogan. There are many positive attitude formation posters hung in our
gym. Students take a Poster Pop Quiz at the beginning of each trimester
to promote a positive class climate and high expectations for
character. A new YMCA was recently built in walking distance from our
school. I have made arrangements for my classes to partake in wall
climbing, swimming, and fitness station activities as a part of our
Being Fit Module.
To promote our Panorama Middle School Four Block Reading
Program, my gym has a Word Wall that assists students with the correct
spelling of general fitness and specific unit words. More examples of
innovative plans include Spring Fling, a spring activity day, enjoyed
by the entire Panorama student body. Organizing such an event in which
every staff member and student is involved has proven to be challenging
and rewarding. Also, under my direction the Panorama student body
participated in the ACES (American Children Exercising Simultaneously)
all-school national exercise program.
The Harrison District’s Center Stage - Physical Education
Program as well as high school and middle school athletic half-time
shows have provided me the opportunity to exhibit and showcase creative
activities performed daily in physical education classes. My students
have displayed to the community unique activities such as tinikling,
country line dancing, and double dutch jump rope and single rope
routines.
My greatest accomplishment is the development of the
interscholastic athletic program at Panorama, which then became a
district-wide program. I am currently the athletic director, and my
enthusiasm for my programs has developed it into a list of 14
intramural programs and 8 interscholastic programs from which the
students may select and participate. This organized program has put
Panorama into the forefront of combined intramural/interscholastic
programs that other schools are using as a model. I have also
integrated activities for staff by designing, painting, and carpeting a
work-out room to include weights, treadmill, and other fitness
machines.
My “heart” has also been in the involvement with the
American Heart Association in several capacities. First as an
intramural unit, I developed a rope skipping demonstration team called
the Jumpsters into a full-fledged performance team sponsored by the
American Heart Association. Under my direction, the Jumpsters traveled
throughout our state and earned the reputation of being positive
stewards for our school and entire district. Panorama participated in
the Jump Rope For Heart program several years and currently
participates in the Hoops For Heart program. The grand winner of the
Hoops For Heart Knock-Out Contest at the Air Force Academy a few years
ago was a Panorama student.
These achievements reflect my well spent extra time, my
dedicated heart and my cheerleader enthusiasm for my programs.
Criteria 3
Serves as a positive role model epitomizing personal health and
fitness, enjoyment of activity, sportsmanship, and sensitivity to the
needs of students.
I have always loved school, and I come from a family of
teachers. My grandmother was a teacher in a one-room country school
house. My greatest influence and supporter of this fine profession is
my mother, a respected teacher of 43 years. My two sisters are also
teachers. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to become a teacher.
I was a well-respected teacher among “the doll house community” for
several years. Then, I often found myself in a teaching position to
show others how to correctly perform a skill, especially in the
physical education area. My interests remained in the teaching field
throughout my high school years, and I came into contact with
incredibly dynamic teachers as supervising teachers in college.
Outstanding people and a natural affinity for teaching were the factors
that influenced me to become a teacher and have fostered my enjoyment
of this teaching life.
In an effort to be a positive role model for my students,
I have a window of several pictures depicting “Mrs. Mountain-Gaddie’s
Middle School Years”. Displayed are my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade school
portraits, and pictures of cheerleading, tumbling, fitness awards, Girl
Scouts, band, choir, 4-H, church, swimming, and baton twirling to
promote involvement in all areas of life - to be a participant, not a
spectator of life! This has continued on into my adult life as well. I
continue to be very active in other areas of my life and visit with my
students about these activities and experiences.
Of much importance to me, is my involvement with my
church. Volunteerism seems to be my forte, and there are always
opportunities to actively participate in the church, which I gladly and
willingly do. I play in the church handbell choir as well as volunteer
as a Friendship Visitor, Interfaith Hospitality Network for the
homeless assistant, usher, communion assistant, phone call assistant,
delivery assistant, etc.
My husband is a fire fighter, and I have become very
involved in implementing an internationally affiliated fire fighters’
wives’ auxiliary. It is very fulfilling to serve as the auxiliary
secretary, Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Coordinator, Baby Basket
Coordinator, and assistant on the Membership Committee. The Fallen Fire
Fighter Memorial is an annual international event held in Colorado
Springs to honor fire fighters who lost their lives in the line of
duty. It is of great pleasure to serve these fire fighters’ families
that have come from all over the United States and from Canada. Last
year we served 432 families because of September 11th, and this year we
served 77 families plus thousands of other fire fighters who came to
show their respects. I try to express to my students that to be needed
and wanted is the pulse of existence. That is what commitment and
volunteerism is all about-sharing a little more of one’s self.
“Seven days without exercise makes one ‘weak’ ” is a
phrase you will hear me say and can read on a poster in my gym. On a
regular basis, I work out with all my classes joining them especially
in the “hard stuff” like push-ups, curl-ups, and weights. I emphasize
that the work out is not for the class but for the lifestyle. In
addition to step aerobics, Pilates and Tae Bo are new additions to our
classroom fitness activities. Coaching has become as much of a full
time position as teaching. This is a great way to show students my love
of lifelong activity. I coach middle school volleyball and basketball
as well as five intramural activities. I am also an assistant track
coach at Harrison High School and coached varsity volleyball for 10
years at Sierra High School.
Because of the wide range of activities offered in my
class, I believe I am meeting the needs and desires of my students. I
have had several students with special needs and feel confident that
they feel fulfilled, comfortable, accepted, confident, and energized by
being in my class. It is a safe environment physically, emotionally,
and socially where care and concern for others, sportsmanship,
sensitivity, and character are all valued and expected.
Criteria 4
Participates in professional development opportunities.
Staff Development
- Harrison School District Physical Education Curriculum Committee (1989, 2002)
- District 11 Physical Education Curriculum Committee
- CAHPERD State Conventions
- CAHPERD State Convention Presenter
- Mary Lou Miller, CAHPERD - Best Practices-Shape of the Nation - In-Service for HSD 2
- Polar/Healthfirst TriFit Systems Training
- Risk Liability/El Paso County-Adolescent Health - In-Service for HSD2
- Facilitator for Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant 2003-04
- Service on district Task Forces
- State-wide Jump Rope Clinic for team directors and participants
- Indoor Tennis In-service for Harrison School District Physical Educators
- TEASE (Today Experience A Sample of Enrichment) Day - full day in-service for
Panorama Staff
- In-service for Panorama Staff to train for new school-wide Exploratory Activities Program
- School Climate Committee
- Assist colleagues in the district with fitness testing
- First Aid/CPR certified
- US Field Hockey In-Service for Harrison School District Physical Educators
- Cup Stacking Training and Panorama Presentation
Professional Association Memberships
- National Education Association
- Colorado Education Association
- Harrison School District #2 Education Association
- American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
- Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD)
- Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA)
- United States Volleyball Association (USAV)
Awards / Recognition
2003 Harrison School District Level 4 P.R.I.D.E. Infinity & Beyond Award
2000 Colorado Assistant Coach of the Year - CHSCA
‘98,‘99,‘00,‘01,‘02 Red Apple Award - Harrison School District - Outstanding Coach
1995 Red Apple Award - Harrison School District - Outstanding Teacher
1993 Nomination for Outstanding Physical Educator 1993 - CAHPERD
1993 Teacher Of The Year - Panorama Middle School
1991 Outstanding Volunteer - Colorado Heart Association - El Paso County
1990 Highest Percentage of School Participation - Jump Rope For Heart - El Paso County
Criteria 5
Provides service to the profession through leadership, presentations, and/or writing.
I have had many opportunities to be a speaker and/or
presenter on the state level as well as for Harrison School District
and for Panorama. At the state level, it was my great honor to be
selected as a presenter for the CAHPERD State Convention to promote the
Heart Association’s aims to other physical educators in breakout
sessions. Later in the afternoon, the Heart Association members in
attendance watched the Jumpsters give an electrifying performance as
the introduction for the Key Note Speaker at the General Session. I
have not only spoken at the state level as a teacher but as a coach as
well. I am an assistant track coach in charge of the long and triple
jumps at Harrison High School. Twice I was requested to speak to other
coaches as a presenter at the Colorado High School Coaches Association
(CHSCA) State Track Coaches Clinic. I prepared a training video of one
of my athletes to give a visual concept to my presentation. A copy of
the video was requested by several coaches to be used in their training
programs. Through those presentations I also received requests from
out-of-town coaches to provide individual lessons to their athletes.
Two of those athletes competed at the State Track Meet placing as State
Champion and State Champion Runner-up. It was truly a special feeling
to think that I may have played a part in helping to prepare them for
their events. The most exciting, though, was helping to prepare one of
my Harrison athletes to compete in the National USA Track Meet where
she placed sixth in the nation!
Harrison School District Student Services Office just
implemented an “I Am C.O.A.C.H.” session required to be taken by all
district middle school athletic coaches. I assisted in the development
of the program and was also a presenter. I also acted as co-coordinator
of Harrison School District’s training for physical education staff in
Standards Based Teaching. Harrison School District recently adopted a
new Physical Education Curriculum. I was instrumental in the
development and implementation of this curriculum. Our team also looks
forward to developing, training, and implementing new programs that
will be provided to us through the PEP Grant.
For several years I have been known at Panorama as “the
announcement lady.” Daily all-school announcements are given in my
enthusiastic voice. Students have come to appreciate and expect lots of
“Whew-whoos!!”, and are very frequently asked to stand in recognition
for athletic, musical, academic and other accomplishments. In addition,
I support academics by including brain facts and activities, especially
during CSAP testing, to stimulate brain connections anchoring students
for better testing and learning.
In my role of Athletic Director, I present athletic
expectations, procedures, participation risk concerns, etc. during
seasonal meetings with parents of Panorama student athletes. I
developed the concept and wrote the Panorama Athletics Parent Handbook
as a desire and project goal to present a more communicative, more
hospitable, and more informational athletic program.
I conduct United States Association for Volleyball (USAV)
tournaments on Sundays as a resourceful opportunity to raise funds for
the physical education and athletic programs at Panorama. Volleyball
club teams visit from all over the state and have come to appreciate
and expect well-organized tournaments from Panorama.
It is always my pleasure to share with other physical
educators and coaches my experiences and developed programs. To team
with others to provide service through physical education is lifelong
learning for us and for our students. I believe there is no other
school program that offers such components and a vehicle to promote
sportsmanship, teamwork, and life skills for a well-rounded student
the whole student!