We’re back for Faculty Friday and this time we’re asking you to double knot your sneakers as we head over to the gymnasium. For January’s Faculty Friday, we’re featuring Erin Bronson, our physical education teacher at the Memphis Campus.
Growing up as the child of a teacher, Erin always knew she had a passion for helping others and was able to see firsthand the impact that teaching not only has on the students but also on the teachers themselves.
“Kids are just naturally fun and joyful… Being around them – helping them to grow and learn, while also learning from them – brings out the best in people,” she said. “The return I get from being around these kids and seeing their outlook on life is unmatched.”
Erin began her career in a very different part of education. After graduating from the University of Memphis with a degree in elementary education, she taught eighth grade English at several Shelby County schools. When she had children of her own, she knew she wanted to continue to help children grow and learn, but in a new capacity.
This led her to St. George’s where she is able to influence future generations by extending physical education past the borders of the dodgeball court.
“When they come into my classroom – the gym – I want them to be able to let go of all the stress they might be carrying. For me, gym time is an opportunity to let them relax, teach them coping skills and allow them to just be kids. We forget how important that last one is during these crazy times.”
True to her belief that P.E. can go beyond the gym, Erin ensures that each of her activities has an element that helps kids to develop important life skills. These include stress coping strategies, social-emotional lessons and reminders that wins and losses don’t determine self-worth.
“I want them to understand that losing a game of foursquare does not impact their value or their abilities in other areas of life. Teaching kids at an early age to cope with stress and frustration, especially when things don’t go your way, is essential to success later in life.”
Beyond being able to impact future generations, Erin loves teaching at St. George’s because of the sense of family that it offers.
“I don’t just teach a child then say goodbye – I watch them grow and graduate, then I teach their brother, and I build relationships with the parents and I get to be a part of their life in a much more meaningful way.”
Thank you, Mrs. Bronson, for your passion for whole child development and for our St. George’s students!