Mantra? Do the right thing (thank you Spike Lee). How long have you taught? Since 1994, with a two year break after seven. I think that means this is year 29. Guilty pleasure? Taking a leisurely breakfast of oatmeal and plenty of coffee whenever time allows. Favorite foods? I love to cook and have an extensive cookbook collection. I’m a big fan of Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, and make a very good beef wellington. Music that energizes you? I’m a big fan of 80’s soul and R’n’B, golden era Hip Hop, and house music. You know I’m energized because you’ll catch me dancing in my kitchen. Best advice ever received? Never disparage what you do. I once made a comment along the lines of “what do I know, I’m only a PE teacher” and an older history teacher pulled me to one side and told me quite sternly never to that again. Best advice you’ve given? I don’t think I’m wise enough to give advice, but if I’ve shared some wisdom that has resonated with someone then that makes me happy. Earliest memory of teaching? I have too many to share. I remember student faces, teachers lounges, individual lessons and interactions with students and teachers alike. I remember each job interview and have strong memories from my teaching practice in Devon, and from each of my six schools. Before bed you? Sleep is my superpower (thank you Dr. Matthew Walker) and I make it a non-negotiable. I get my morning oats ready to soak, and prep the coffee machine. I play a soundscape from the Calm app and put on a sleep mask to totally block out light. My alarm is set for 4:45 so I’m often in bed by 9:30. Best self-care tip? Oh, wait, I do have some advice to give. Prioritize sleep, stretch often, get outside, wear sun screen, say thank you and be kind. What’s on your bookshelf? You mean bookshelves, plural. Obviously all of the books from my ‘Book of the Month’ picks. I currently have a copy of Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives by Linda Villarosa in my car to read while waiting for kids to finish sports practices. You can’t live without? My family. Advice you would give to your first-year teaching self? You know less than you think, so ask questions and listen. Oh, and be nice to all students, not just the sporty ones.

WHEN IN SCHOOL

Your style is? More often than not, athleisure. Peloton merch, often Nike and school spirit wear. Obviously I pay attention to my choice of sneakers, which reminds me, it’s probably time to buy a new pair. Every now and then, on days that I’m not teaching PE, I’ll wear a shirt and tie, which confuses far too many people. We meant what is your teaching style? It’s taken me many years to find the style that suits me (and my students) the best. Well planned lessons, that are chunked intentionally to ensure that neither I, or my students, get too bored. I embrace movement in the classroom and try and keep my lessons engaging and memorable. Can’t start a lesson without? A conversation starter and checking in with students. I also can’t start a lesson unless I have a mug of coffee or herbal tea (depending on the time of day). Go to teaching tools?: I’ve used most of the hot tech tools over time and honestly none of them replace good pedagogy. Everything I create for class, and also my blog, is done using Canva. It continues to add so many amazing new features that I can barely keep up. Canva makes creating stunning visuals so very easy. Music that gets the classroom vibe right? I create playlists with my students and always lean on those when music is needed at the start, or during a lesson. Look out for North Shore Chill Vol. 5! Best place for inspiration in school? If I have to create materials, or grade student work, I hide away in a kitchen space we have at school that has big windows with natural light. I’m rarely bothered in there. Favorite place to collaborate with colleagues? I work alongside so many great, and busy, educators and we all share a giant office. It’s grab 5 minutes whenever possible, or brainstorm in a group chat! Best thing about being in school? It’s the students, right? Or the support staff? Or the new PE and athletics building that is beautiful to teach in. Toughest thing about being in school? Currently I feel like I just don’t have enough time to do ‘all of the things’. I try not to take work home, but find myself reading/grading/blogging when I should be watching my kids at practice, or just hanging out with family. Is it me, or has the start to this year been tough? The perfect teaching day looks like? I don’t know if there’s one way to have a perfect day, but I love those days when I’ve taught with energy and students have responded positively. The last lesson of the day is PE. Good lessons with those students make my 90 minute commute bearable.

WHEN AT HOME

Your home style is? Did you hear that there is a new fashion trend called Eclectic Grandpa? I think I aspire to be that. Cardigans, corduroy pants, slippers. Picture me cosy. We meant how is your home styled? Two young kids at home mean that everything is starting to look ‘well loved’, and I’m fine with that. Picture a cosy, neutral palette with seasonal decorations. Currently torn between Halloween or Thanksgiving, or considering skipping both and cutting straight to Christmas! I have plans to make the basement a bit more ‘online-influencer inspired.’ Mics, lighting, soundproofing etc. Your home routine is powered by? My morning routine is fueled by oatmeal and coffee. On busy days, It’s overnight soaked oats and a large spoon. When I have more time, I slow cook the oatmeal and use a smaller spoon because I’m not in a hurry. I also read through my online newspaper of choice and my Flipboard feed. In the background there will be a Calm soundscape playing. Music that plays during your downtime? I used to love collating mixtapes, and now it’s Spotify playlists. When cooking I’ll play music from whatever culture inspired the meal. My current vibe is my Sade-inspired playlist that I highly recommend you check out. So soulful! Best thing about being at home? Owning a home is like the journey towards becoming a master teacher. I love the journey but I don’t think it will ever be finished. I find it hard to make time to relax as I have a never-ending list of chores. That said, my family, my Peloton, my music, my cookbook collection and large kitchen all take up my self-care time. I’m thankful for what I have. Worst thing about being at home? The never-ending cleaning? The laundry? The shoes on the stairs? To be honest, there’s never a worst thing about being at home. When you live life gamefully, even the laundry pile can provide you with a power up! The perfect weekend looks like? Waking without setting an alarm, a slow breakfast (with a small spoon!), watching my kids play soccer, perhaps lunch with my family. Gathering with friends for game night or a meal. Weekends in Chicago are always a big hit with my family, especially if the hotel has a pool. Chicago reminds me of London in many ways – great food, music, museums and theatre. Find me a good deal, and I’ll happily spend the weekend in my second favorite city. Shout out to London for being my favourite.

Check out the video to find out which conferences are on my schedule: