TEACHER'S CORNER: PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHES OUTLOOK FOR LIFETIME OF FITNESS

Lori Meyer, physical education and health teacher at L.J. Schultz Middle School, wants her students to find activities they enjoy to carry throughout their lives.

"My background is slightly unique in that I not only have a degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University, but I have a degree in recreation too," Meyer said.

Her recreation background prompts her to teach a lifetime fitness outlook.

"I follow the curriculum guidelines given by the district but will include leisure activities," sh explained. "The student will develop a repertoire of activities that will include the traditional team sports and non-traditional activities such as ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, fleetball, croquet and pickleball."

This is Meyer's first year teaching in Cape Girardeau schools. She is also assistant cross country and assistant track coach. She taught previously three years at Ste. Genevieve High School from 1986 to 1989.

She decided to return to teaching after holding a professional staff position at a YMCA in charge of fitness, gymnastics, aquatics, youth and adult leagues.

"Nothing compares to the personal contact a teacher gets in the classroom and school environment," Meyer said. "I missed being on the front lines, not in an office, getting my hands dirty and dealing with the student, not just the program and process."

She is married and has five children, ranging from 15 to 1 years old. She was a four-year startedr for Southeast's volleyball team. Other interests include running, weight training and aquatic programs such as swim lessons and water exercise classes.

"What I find gratifying about being a teacher is that I know I can change the student's behavior in a positive way, influence their decision making and help them become a responsible adult with a healthy outlook," Meyer said. "The student can count on me to care."