Teacher of the Week: Michael Froehlich, physical education, Champaign Central High School

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For Michael Froehlich, physical education is a class where all students can succeed in their own way. That's one reason the third-year Champaign Central High School teacher enjoys spending his days in the school's gyms, building positive relationships that allow students to feel comfortable enough to flourish.

"Michael is a highly effective PE teacher who is dedicated to his students' well-being and development," Principal Joe Williams said. "With a contagious enthusiasm for fitness, he employs creative teaching methods that engage even the most reluctant students. Michael fosters a positive environment where students feel empowered and motivated."

I find my work important because ... the gym is a place where all students can find success regardless of how their other classes are going throughout the year. Students have an opportunity to express themselves and let off some steam by moving and cooperating with their peers. It's also important for young people to learn the importance of being physically active and leading healthy lifestyles early in life.

I thought I might be good at it. I like to think I get along with my students really well and have built positive relationships amongst a wide range of students. I also have a passion for sport and competition, so when it came to teaching, physical education was something that really interested me.

My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... tchoukball — a game originating from Switzerland, it is dubbed as a "sport for all" as it focuses on cooperation between teammates while still maintaining a competitive feel to the game. Another lesson I enjoy is giant foosball. A variation of soccer, students are designated to a team, and then a group within that team where they must work together with teammates to move, pass and score while staying on a line on the gym floor.

My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... I see all of my students laughing and actively participating in our lessons. Specifically when a student doesn't feel comfortable initially to participate in a game or activity, and seeing them take a healthy risk and actually enjoy the lesson/activity is a great feeling.

I keep students engaged by ... creating a safe space for all. Finding the balance of fun, safety and structure helps all of my students get engaged in lessons. Sometimes high-schoolers can be hard to motivate, but at those times, it seems humor and just talking to the students as regular human beings works more often than not.

Something else I'm passionate about is ... Skee-Ball. We have played in a three-person team Skee-Ball league here in Champaign for the last three years. We are currently back-to-back champions and are looking to add a third title this coming Sunday as playoffs begin. It's a fun way to socialize and compete against other members of the Champaign community.

My favorite teacher and subject in school was ... My favorite teacher growing up was Mr. Olson, my middle school science teacher. Whether I enjoyed the content is a different story, but I always enjoyed coming to his class, because he always brought such a positive attitude and humor to his classroom. I would rarely leave his class without a good laugh to brighten my day. My favorite subject was, you guessed it, physical education.

If I weren't a teacher, I would be ... a dog trainer, fishing guide or property manager.

— ANTHONY ZILIS