Parkway South Middle Honors Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Teresa Politte, physical education and health teacher, was named Teacher of the Year for the 2011-12 school year.

After completing her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Health for Kindergarten through Twelfth grade at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Politte taught in another school district for 10 years before coming to the Parkway School District. For the additional 10 years she has been an educator for Parkway, she has been employed at South Middle.

Nominated and selected by her colleagues at the middle school, Mrs. Politte received a staff recognition celebration in the building, a plaque, and an upcoming appreciation celebration by the Parkway Board of Education.

Politte became a physical education/health teacher after wanting to offer an alternative p.e. experience that focused on fitness and fun, with less emphasis on sports and competition. Along with the other physical education teachers at South Middle, Politte is hoping to incorporate some single gender classrooms in 7th and 8th grades next school year.  It is to encourage students to participate more and focus on the competition less by having fewer distractions by the opposite sex.

Mrs. Politte offers two or three physical education activities for her students to select from to increase participation for even the most reluctant boy or girl. "I get my 8th graders to participate by offering them choices.  Letting them choose between two or three fitness options gets them more involved because they are responsible for their choice. Also, when putting students on teams, I will let them choose one friend to join that team. Lastly, using current music with activities always increases participation."

Politte is also very enthusiastic about teaching health. The topics include mental health, first aid and safety, growth and development, nutrition, and healthy relationships. Childhood obesity education and abstinence-based education are a few of the hot topics that Mrs. Politte tackles.

One staff member wrote in the nominating process, "Teresa knows every student in our school and has an excellent rapport with them. She has a matter of fact way of learning difficult and important subject matter and kids trust her enough to ask her tough questions." 

Another staff member wrote similar thoughts by saying, "Teresa's relationship with children is admirable. She knows every child by name. Kids are/feel comfortable discussing uncomfortable topics".

Mrs. Politte is also passionate about drug and substance abuse. Each school year, she commemorates Red Ribbon Week (RRW) by encouraging students to stand up against drug use by participating in daily themes to give the cause attention. With a staggering epidemic of heroin use in St. Louis, Mrs. Politte sees this as a timely topic and one that demands the attention.

Politte selects a group of 10-15 8th grade students to participate in the planning and execution of the week's activities and are considered Red Ribbon Leaders. She elaborates by saying, "I select (the students) who either show interest in RRW or who show leadership and a passion for being and staying drug free. This passion and leadership comes across during Health class."

Dr. Angela Frye, Assistant Principal at Parkway South Middle, wrote a commendation letter to recommend her at the District's Teacher of the Year. Perhaps she says it best, "We are very fortunate to have Teresa as a teacher at South Middle. Being nominated and selected by her colleagues as Teacher of the Year is a good indication of the respect they have for her. She is an exemplary teacher!"