InClass

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re honoring educators from around the state. Read this brief Q&A to learn more about a standout teacher leader.

Joshua Miebos is a K-6 physical education teacher at Crockett Elementary School in the Balsz Elementary School District. The Utah native is finishing up his fifth year of teaching and is currently pursuing National Board Certification.

What is your favorite school-related memory of the year?

My favorite school-related memory this year is working with the organization Athletes For Hope (AFH). Currently, Phoenix is hosting 25 Olympic hopefuls in the area of track and field. These athletes are training to become members of Team USA in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Throughout the winter, Crockett has been fortunate to have AFH coordinate three visits from three Olympic-hopeful athletes. These individuals left our students inspired and motivated by their life journeys. Additionally, the athletes had students running drills and exercises from their workout regimen and gave us hopeful heroes to cheer on at the summer games!

Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?

My favorite teacher of all time is my high school sophomore and junior English teacher, Ms. Atkinson. Her charming wit, contagious smile, and passion to teach illuminated every move she made. Ms. A was the school’s student government advisor and encouraged me to get involved with student government. She was a big contributor to my confidence as a leader. Her ability to captivate impressed me, and I wanted to impress her.

What are your summer plans, both fun and professional?

This summer you will find me facilitating summer camps at Crockett Elementary School, including skateboarding, soccer, and basketball. Also, I’ll be watching the Phoenix Mercury pursue another WNBA title, canonballing into as many pools possible, and probably eating too much guacamole.

What are a few ways you’re hoping to improve your teaching practice during the 2016-2017 school year?

My goal as a physical education teacher is to help build physically literate lifetime learners. Next year, I hope to improve this goal by incorporating newer fitness trends, like yoga, to all grade levels. I also hope to infuse rigorous physical challenges with CrossFit concepts, while encouraging upper grade levels to keep personal wellness journals. I’ll also collaborate with my fall semester student teacher from Arizona State University. I also wish to continue strengthening our community rapport with outside guests and physical education recourses with organizations like the American Heart Association, NFL Play 60, Athletes for Hope, the Phoenix Suns, the Phoenix Mercury, the Arizona Diamondbacks, UNICEF Kid Power, Valley of the Sun United Way, Let's Move Active Schools, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation … just to name a few!

What’s your best teaching trick or “secret sauce for success?” 

My best teaching trick is fueled from the quote by David Grohl, “No one is you, and that is your power.”

The Arizona K12 Center strives to support all educators in numerous ways. If you’re thinking about pursuing National Board Certification, the Center would love to assist you. Visit the organization’s website for information on funding assistance, candidate support, and more.