Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Timothy Fink

Teacher Spotlight is where we will feature a local teacher who deserves recognition. Teachers give a lot to their students, schools and studies and we'd like to recognize them and say a simple, thank you, for all that they do.

In coming weeks, we're going to meet some of Media Elementary School's newest teachers. This physical education teacher wants his students to become life-long movers. He says participation is the goal, not competition. 

Teacher: Timothy Fink

School: Media Elementary School

Grade/Subject: Physical Education

Years in the industry: Two Years, First Year at Media Elementary 

Teaching History: 

Fink taught health and physical education at a Charter School in Philadelphia prior to coming to Media Elementary. He graduated from Haverford High School and Pennsylvania State University and is working on his Master's Degree at West Chester University.

Why did you become a teacher:

One of the biggest reasons is to try to provide opportunities for students to enjoy physical activity and movement. Especially at this age, I want them to develop their skills to be successful later in life. This will provide them the opportunity to be life-long movers, which is my goal as a physical education teacher. I always want people to be active and living healthy lifestyles and I'm a firm believer in you have to practice what you preach. So it's definitely something I'm passionate about myself and I try to hold everyone accountable for living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying physical activity. 

What do you like most about your job:

I love my job. I don't really consider it a job. I get a chance to do something that I love and teach others something that they love as well or can find something that they love. For children, it's kind of a chance for the positive and social interactions. I try to build those foundations for values like sportsmanship and teamwork.

What do you hope your students get out of your classes:

The goal is for them to become life-long movers. For me, they may not like every activity or be the best at every skill but that's really not what we empathize. We want to find something that they enjoy doing. I want them to find something they really like and can do for the rest of their lives. And value the importance of play, it doesn't have to be organized or structured, but just playing outside helps them realize the benefits to their health. 

If you could change anything about education, what would it be:

With Physical Education, there can be mixed reviews when compared to the "old phys ed" and we're really trying to give knowledge about the new physical education where high involvement is key. We want to decrease competition and increase participation. So I think one of my challenges is the misconceptions about what goes on in a physical education class. I try to educate the students and the parents about what we do. 

What do you like best about your current school:

The community atmosphere from top to bottom. It's a positive atmosphere both inside of school and outside of school. The whole school community is very welcoming from the students to the parents to the faculty. I already feel like I'm at home and I think that speaks volumes. This is a place that I love to be and look forward to the years to come. I love to call Media Elementary my home. 

Find More Teacher Spotlights Here: 

• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Christy Thompson
• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Karen Bellamy
• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Tricia Johnson
• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Tracey Fritch
• Teacher Spotlight: Penncrest's DeAnn Scherer
• Teacher Spotlight: Indian Lane's David Woods
• Teacher Spotlight: RTM's Anthony Grisillo
• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Claire McGeehan
• Teacher Spotlight: Walden School's Ninette Paffett-Lugassy
• Teacher Spotlight: Media Elementary's Carol Shapero