Ever wonder if there is more you can do? The answer is YES!

O'Donnell, Jack

Have you ever considered taking on a more active role in VAHPERD? You might be surprised by just how much you have to offer the organization and how much VAHPERD has to offer you. Allow me to share with you my journey from wondering IF I can help to HOW I got involved.

In 1997 I had been teaching elementary PE for about 5 years at St. Christopher's School. "St. Chris" is an all boys, independent K-12 school in Richmond. Each year our entire faculty is registered to attend the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) professional development conference. Each year I would attend the keynote session and one or two general sessions. Many sessions were geared toward specific concentrations (e.g. math, history, early childhood reading, etc.). I attended general education sessions because they did not offer physical education specific sessions. Year after year I would fill out the conference evaluation form (hand written at that time) and in the box for your comments I would write "What about PE?" or "How about some sessions for PE and Health?" I didn't stop there; I contacted conference planning members and asked about sessions for physical education teachers. The most common response was, "Well, we do have an athletic director's roundtable each year." Um, hello ... not even close! A few years later, I was asked to serve on the Professional Development Committee as the PE, Health, School Nurse and Athletics chair, a three year position. I joke that someone must have analyzed my hand writing from earlier evaluations and sent my name to the head of VAIS. Regardless, I was happy to help VAIS recognize our profession as part of the educational community and bring physical education sessions to the annual VAIS conference. During my first year we were fortunate to bring in 1991 National Elementary Teacher of the Year, John Thomson. I sent out an email to the 70+ member schools announcing the addition of sessions for PE teachers. John conducted 3 well attended sessions and the reviews were amazing. Over the next two years we brought in noted Physical Education professor and author, George Graham and Neurokinesiologist, Jean Blaydes Madigan. We even managed to recruit a few local teachers to present. At the end of my three year post as chair of PE and Health, I was asked to head the professional development committee; I declined. I wanted to continue working directly with Health and Physical Education.

I searched the VAHPERD website for information about becoming more involved. I didn't know much about VAHPERD; I had been a member for just a few years. I started by contacting (by email) then-President Gib Darden. He responded quickly (also by email) stating there was an opening in the General Division and I might be well suited for the Men's and Boy's Athletics Chair-Elect position. Little did I know the General Division had several vacant chair positions including the Chair and Past Chair of Men's and Boy's Athletics. I attended the January Leadership Development Conference at VCU and met some amazing people, all passionate about their roles in educating kids, teachers and professionals in the fields related to VAHPERD. Many of them have become good friends and people I trust and admire. I watched and listened attentively at meetings and asked lots of questions. Soon I moved into advanced leadership roles and served as the VP of the General Division. First as VP-Elect then VP and Past-VP. Each year I learned a little more about the workings of our organization and about being an active member of VAHPERD. Additionally, being part of our state organization has helped me grow as a teacher.

At the end of my term on the Board of Directors I stepped back for a bit. My wife had given birth to our second child and later had been diagnosed (early) with breast cancer. It was clear, my time and attention was needed at home. Now, with my wife three years cancer-free and doing well, and our girls heading into Kindergarten and second grade next fall, the time seemed right to return to an active role within VAHPERD-this time with the Recreation Division as the VP-Elect. Some of the former leaders are still sharing their time (notice I didn't say "old" leaders) while new leaders have emerged with fresh ideas, drive and passion to help us move forward.

If you have passion for promoting quality programs and facilitating professional growth through best practices, and if you have ever considered taking on a leadership role, reach out. Visit the VAHPERD website (www.vahperd.org), email your president or members of the board of directors. Get involved, be active. You will help countless numbers of children and professionals across Virginia and beyond. Taking ideas, thoughts and quotes from others as good teachers do, consider this. Ask not what VAHPERD can do for you; ask what you can do for VAHPERD (apologies to John F. Kennedy). Through involvement in VAHPERD, I am certain, we will receive much more than we give, and the true winners are the students in our care around the state of Virginia.

Jack O'Donnell, St. Christopher's School, K-5 Physical Education Teacher