An outstanding coach, PE teacher

Jamie Longstreet, a physical education teacher at DMS for the past 18 years, was recently honored with a Leadership in Educational Excellence Award.

 

Longstreet was recognized along with three other Delano staff members at the 26th annual Award and Recognition Ceremony hosted by Resource Training & Solutions on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Other Delano teachers honored included Ginger Diethart, reading interventionist at DES; third-grade teacher Charlene Warne, and high school social worker Marie Techam.

 

Dedication stands out

An annonymous nomination submitted to the district’s Staff Development Committee emphasized Longstreet’s value.

 

“Time put in is an understatement with this guy. I’m not really sure if the man sleeps,” said the nomination. “He is constantly finding new things to do and try with his PE classes. Gauntlet, Yoshi, Quadrant Three Step, Lacrosse, Tabata workouts – whether it’s a new activity to try or a completely new unit, he makes PE what it is supposed to be: diverse in what’s offered, engaging to students, and an activity that is fun and something that students see a benefit in doing (for life).”

 

The nomination also pointed out that Longstreet coaches at the JV level, where mid-level athletes hope to take the next step. In most cases, the nomination said that Longstreet enables them to realize their full potential.

 

“It is an honor to be nominated by colleagues; however, I am really just doing my job to the best of my ability every day,” Longstreet said. “Physical fitness is an important component to leading a healthy life, and I get to be an introductory part of that process for students.”

 

Longstreet said his job is “a lot of fun,” and that he enjoys helping students develop skills in leadership and teamwork.

 

“Jamie Longstreet is a leader in education in a subject that is often looked at last because it isn’t a ‘core’ subject or it’s just fun and games,” said the nomination. “(But) ... look at what he has done with his students and athletes from beginning to end, and then decide if he helped prepare them for the real world; you won’t find many that have done as much.”