JumpSport Fitness Education

Featured Teacher: Jessica

Jessica Shawley is a full-time physical education teacher and the 2012 SHAPE America National Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She is National Board (NBPTS) certified and has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Idaho.Jessica has also served in several SHAPE America leadership positions at the state and national level.

I had a chance to sit down with Middle School educator, Jessica Shawley. Jessica was one of the first schools to start using the JumpSport Fitness Trampolines (JFTs) in her school. I got to know Jessica during her national Teacher of the Year recognition. Jessica is innovative and creative, always looking to improve her student’s experiences to encourage lifetime fitness./p>

Watch Jennifer in action at Moscow Middle School

"The trampolines bring so much joy to the students"

My Interview with Jessica

Pam Powers (PP): Hi Jessica! Tell me about you and your school

Jessica Shawley (JS): Moscow Middle School is a 6th, 7th, 8th grade middle school in beautiful Northern Idaho with approximately 550 students.

PP: How long have you been teaching? JS: 14 years

PP: How did you first learn about JumpSport Fitness Trampolines?

JS: When we received funds through the federal Carol M. White PEP grant, I inquired through my professional network as to what were some of the best and most innovative ideas I could bring to my school. These fitness trampolines came to highly recommended as a tool for students to learn about fitness and have fun while moving.

PP: What has been the greatest impact the JFT’s have had on your students?

JS: The trampolines bring so much joy to the students' experience in our physical education classes. Everyone feels successful and truly enjoys moving on them, which is an important part of helping students learn about and experience fitness in a positive way!

PP: Tell us a little about your principal and what he thinks about JFT’s

JS: Our principal is very supportive of our health and physical education programming and overall school wellness goals. He thinks the JFTs were a great addition to our program and has seen first hand just how much the students enjoy using them, including the students in our special education classroom that have their own JFT to bounce on throughout the day.

PP: What is your favorite thing to do with the JFT’s?

JS: My go-to is any type of Tabata workout with the JFT. I also love using the Plyofit rebounder for added challenge.

PP: If you were a school looking to add JFT’s to their school, what is your advice?

JS: You can't go wrong when adding the JFTs to your programming. Whether you have a full set or just a set of 4 for station work, you're students will love them.

PP: You did such an awesome job with helping to create the JFT Activity Guide. Tell us what you like the best about the materials.

JS: I like how the materials provide a customizable framework that teachers can take and modify to their setting. The JFTs can be used for any ability and age level and are a very versatile teaching tool that will enhance their programs.

PP: How often do you use the JFT’s in your class?

JS: We use them a lot during the winter season for fitness training and teaching health related fitness concepts.

PP: Thanks for taking the time to visit!