Tassannia Freeman - Elgin Taylor

There is a general perception in our society (and elsewhere) that practical subjects like physical education are distant cousins in terms of worth to, for instance, mathematics and mistory. This has greatly irked teachers and coaches like Tassannia Freeman, a physical education teacher/coach at Innswood High School in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

"Many persons do not give us the respect we deserve because of the lack of fully understanding what the subject entails. They look at physical education as just rolling a ball, but it is so much more than that; in fact, I believe it is a science," she stated defiantly.

The young educator went on to explain the various components of the subject and stated that it is closely allied to other subject areas like human and social biology and integrated science. She also mentioned the fact that it has produced prominent sportsmen and sportswomen the world over, and that for several years now, it is one of the subjects on offer at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

positive attitude

She informed The Star that she teaches grades eight and nine students, and that on a weekly basis, the number amounts to approximately 300. The school is a co-educational institution but in accordance with its policy, she coaches only female students. The areas of discipline are football and netball. The netball team had just qualified for the semi-final round of the Issa High School Netball Competition. The pass rate for her subject at CSEC is 95 per cent.

Freeman reported that she has a very good rapport with herself students and that they see her as a role model. She mentioned too that they display a positive attitude in the performance of their assignments. This attitude and general positive outlook she attributed to the fact that hers is a "practical area and the students feel more relaxed to work and communicate". She stressed that there was mutual respect in the teaching/learning environment.

She holds a certificate in coaching, as well as a diploma and a bachelor's degree in physical education and science from G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

She also serves as an internal assessor for the subject. In addition she is an operational assistant with the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education at her institution. She has been at her present school since January 1, 2011. Prior to this, she worked for a year at her alma mater, Old Harbour High School in St. Catherine.

Freeman described herself as a vibrant and jovial individual, and as being a coach, nurse, mother, sister and friend to her students.