| After graduating from Kean University in Elementary Education and substituting for a year, I witnessed students playing kickball daily. Realizing I had more to bring to the health and physical education curriculum, I returned to Kean with a passion in this subject, obtaining certificates for these specific areas and adding driver education. In 1982, I brought this passion to my first teaching position at Mount Saint Mary Academy, where I also coached varsity softball and basketball. I spent two years at M.S.M.A. creating a foundation for my career, learning everything from lining a softball field to using a mimeograph machine and driving players to away games! In 1985, Wallkill Valley High School appointed me to their physical education department. This excitement has carried me through twenty-seven years at Wallkill allowing my initial passion to thrive. Today, I find myself teaching students, whose parents I once taught. Watching the families in the community grow as I do in my own life and career is thrilling. I am using new technology and various teaching methods to connect with my students. These connections have helped me to build a good rapport with them. I’ve found it incredibly beneficial to work with my colleagues to aid me in providing my students with pathways leading to success. Being selected “Teacher of the Year” has made me realize the impact I have had on my students. I am proud of my accomplishments and those of my students. May they always carry with them the skills they have learned in my classes to make good choices once they leave high school. When they are making decisions regarding driving, being active, and staying healthy, I hope they hear, Ms. Krawz’s voice to steer them in the right direction. |
