Edison Physical Education teacher receives national award for innovative teaching

Edison Physical Education teacher receives national award for innovative teaching
Edison Elementary Physical Education teacher Patrick McFetridge was recognized by the Character Education Partnership as a 2012 Promising Practice winner for his "Five Star Practice."

CEP awarded 297 Promising Practices to schools, districts, and organizations from across the United States, as well as from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico.

The "Five Star Practice" is incorporated in McFetridge's PE classes at Edison each day as students earn team points for showcasing the Edison Fantastic-4 characteristics of: Show Respect, Solve Problems, Make Good Decisions, and Work Hard. Each day as a class, the students also get a chance to earn a "5-Star Day" on a 5 star PE class report. The earning of the five stars is based on Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Positive Attitude, Cooperation, and Following Directions. In addition, individual students, who display the Fantastic-4 characteristics in class, are also acknowledged after each class as "Shocker Students." "5-Star" classes and "Shocker Students" are recognized in a variety of ways by McFetridge, their classroom teachers, and their classmates.

McFetridge says this about his practice in relation to character development, "My Five Star" Practice allows for a safe learning environment, where students feel comfortable in stepping out of their comfort zone. Physical Education can be intimidating, especially with the different ability levels. Every student has their strengths and weaknesses and if we can capitalize on their strengths and build upon their weaknesses, we can help with building confidence in our students. My Five Star Practice helps create an environment where students are able to recognize that no matter what the ability level, all can contribute."

Principal Josh Wolcott says McFetridge is deserving of this recognition.

"Character development is important to Patrick in his teaching," Wolcott said. "McFetridge is a '5-Star Teacher' who has established a positive learning environment with his classes that is shown in the way he treats his students and the way they treat each other as they display teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation, and positive attitudes."