Growing up in California during my younger years and then moving to the Midwest, I always knew I would be a person who loves to immerse myself in a variety of communities and their traditions. My initial impression of school meant strict rules, Wednesday chapel services, and instruction focused on the strengthening of my faith as well as my knowledge. Having an elementary and middle school upbringing in a private school allowed me to gain insights and receive more individualized instruction other public school students potentially may not have received. Although my younger school years were completed in a private school, I chose to attend public high school, which offered me an array of opportunities outside of the community that I lived in and led me to where I am currently today.
Throughout my years at Winona State University in Winona, MN, I have made one very influential decision that has shaped both my personality as well as my professional philosophy on life and education. My sophomore year of college I chose to participate in a travel study experience to Australia and New Zealand. My interest towards physical activity was only heightened throughout this experience. I spent the majority of my trip being active and involved in outdoor recreational sports specific to the culture and area in which I resided. Being involved in this experience taught me to challenge myself, mentally and physically, complete tasks in collaboration with others, and experience and accept a culture with traditions very different from mine.
Collaboration has always been something very important to me. Involving other’s opinions during a decision making process has always allowed me to feel confident about a final decision in a situation. This skill was put into play throughout my college years both while I coached youth basketball and when I was a senior camp counselor for a summer. Coaching youth girl’s basketball had always been of interest to me because I have always been an active person and the idea of molding young athletes was an extremely appealing challenge. I was blessed to work with the same athletes for four years and in conclusion of our time together, they were able to win the State of Minnesota 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament in Minneapolis, MN. Throughout my time with the girls, I was able to collaborate with my high school coaches, professionals in the area, and my instructors for advice on the best methods to help my girls succeed. I also requested their help when I became a camp counselor at Camp WENONAH over the summer of 2008. This experience was a snapshot of beginning my career as an educator. I was able to enjoy the outdoors for the majority of the learning time and this was something I knew I was going to truly love.
To me, teaching is an opportunity that allows students to develop lifetime skills and a strong knowledge background in several content areas, specifically physical education and health education. Through a positive and safe learning environment, both physically and mentally, students have the opportunity to learn and grow socially, cognitively, and through kinesthetics. It is my goal that students are challenged to become decision makers throughout their educational experience as well as their daily lives. Young people are surrounded with choices and decisions. In order for them to make an educated decision, tools and strategies must be used to help guide their commitment towards a positive outcome. Students must also be challenged at a greater achievement level than they feel is necessary. In order for students to make a change in both their mental and physical sense, a student’s mind and body needs to be challenged above and beyond his or her comfort zone. My students will face challenges that force them to think critically and overcome feats they may not have thought possible, ultimately to achieve the unthinkable.
Michele Van Bibber's Professional Portfolio 