Matt Laughlin, physical education teacher, Alcott Elementary

Kudos to Matt Laughlin, Lake Washington School District’s “Staff Star” for May 2010.

Matt Laughlin, a physical education teacher at Alcott Elementary, challenges his students to strive for excellence in whatever they do. In his classroom, the gymnasium, he helps his students to want to be fit by inspiring them to do their best. He has high expectations for all students. He uses positive encouragement to help kids reach their potential in individual activities, group cooperative games, and friendly athletic competition.

According to one of his co-workers, “Matt really tries to make each child feel connected to his gym class through some activity throughout the year.” Matt goes beyond expectations to get his students to care about their health and fitness. From running club and marathons to sport stacking and Tae Kwon Do, he offers a little something for everyone, so every student can achieve success. Matt encourages physical fitness outside of the classroom as well with his Fitness Stars program. Each year approximately 100 students have earned fitness medals by completing at least seven monthly fitness calendars that log their physical activity outside of school.

In addition to his regular PE classes, Matt also holds adaptive classes for special needs students. This class gives students with special needs an opportunity to play and learn about fitness as well. Students participate in a variety of activities with the help of their sixth grade friends, who give up their recess time one day each week to help with this class. Students play with parachutes, throw foam balls, or race each other on scooters and adapted bicycles. While in the process of play, they are also learning more about fitness and being healthy. The students and helpers end the year with an Adaptive PE field trip to the bowling alley to celebrate their accomplishments and receive awards.

Outside of the regular school day, Matt also has an after-school running club for over 150 students. Members of this club have participated in organized running contests throughout the area including the Seattle Kids Marathon and the Niketown 5k for Kids. Matt organized a Sport Stacking club for students and holds intramural activities afterschool as well. He also coached some members of his Sport Stack team at the Northwest Regional Championships in Auburn last March.