Ashley Parry – Physical Education Internship

My name is Ashley Parry and I am currently interning with the physical education department at Garden Spot Middle School. I have always enjoyed sports and working with children. During my internship, I work alongside my mentor, Cordell Martin, and his colleague Kathy Burke.

On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday students have gym class and on Tuesday and Thursday, they have health. On gym days, I help Mrs. Burke split students into teams, record game results, take attendance, and encourage students to get involved. I also lead group exercises that are done before we start games. Over the course of the school year, we have had many injured students who are unable to participate in gym. I try to talk to them and get them involved in gym class. Yes, they can’t play but they are cheering for their fellow classmates and a more positive atmosphere is created. This allows the student to be involved on or off the court and more happy faces.

On health days, I work with Mr. Martin to create health assignments for the students. I help write lesson plans, find fun interactives for students, and find videos that convey the topic we are discussing. I also help grade assignments students have completed. I work with Martin to also come up with ideas for students with multiple disabilities. We brainstorm fun activities these students would enjoy and that would bring great happiness to their lives. Some are based on the season and others are just for fun. On other health days, I go down to Mrs. Burke and help students better understand the assignments. I answer questions these students have and ask them about their days and things they are interested in. I have challenged myself to learn each of the student’s names and create a relationship with them. Several of them joke around with me and smiles blossom throughout the room.

Overall, this internship has been fantastic, and I am considering perusing a career in it. I have been blessed to get to know both Mr. Martin and Mrs. Burke on another level and develop another level of respect for them. Both, Martin and Burke, have shown me what it means to be a leader and how to deal with situations that aren’t always easy. I am very thankful for the opportunity I have had to work alongside them and to see the positive impact they make on students each day.