Tag Archives: Physical Education Teachers

Patricia Haddad: Former teacher and current Representative in the Massachusetts State House

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Patricia Haddad

Former middle school teacher and current Representative in the Massachusetts State House Patricia Haddad

There are many examples of fine classroom teachers who are also accomplished politicians. One of these is Patricia Haddad, a teacher from Somerset , Massachusetts who also serves in the Massachusett State House of Representatives.

Patricia was born on May 7, 1950, in Fall River Massachusetts. She attended Mount Saint Mary Academy, where she graduated in 1968. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College in 1972. In 2010, Patricia garnered an honorary Ph.D. in Public Administration from Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Patricia served 14 years as a middle school health and fitness teacher in Somerset, Massachusetts. She was also a member of the Somerset Recreation and Playground Commission, the Somerset School Committee, and the Somerset Democratic Town Committee.

In 2001, Patricia was elected on the Democratic ticket to serve the 5th Bristol District, located on the south coast of the state. Since her election, she has served as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education (20-04-2008), and the House Assistant Majority Whip (2008-2010). Currently, Patricia serves as the Speaker Pro Tempore of Massachusetts House.

For her dedication and hard work, Patricia has earned many accolades. She has earned the Women of Achievement Award from the Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant; the Legislator of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees; the Teacher-Leader Award from the Reading Recovery Council of Massachusetts; the Massachusetts Bio-Ed Award from the Massachusetts Bio-Education Association; and the Public Service Award from the Massachusetts Association of Chapter 766 Approved Schools.

Way to go, Patricia!

Todd Gerhart: Head football coach, physical education teacher, and former NFL player

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Todd Gerhart

Todd Gerhart, football coach and physical education teacher

There are many examples of talented athletes who have distinguished themselves as coaches and teachers after they have concluded their careers in sports. One of these is former NFL football player Todd Gerhart, who became a football coach and physical education teacher in Norco, California.

Todd, who was born on December 8, 1962, attended Norco High School in Norco, California. At 5’11” and 235 pounds, he made a great choice as a running back. Following his high school graduation, Todd enrolled at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). He played football for the Titans from 1981 to 1984. Once he graduated from CSUF, Todd was drafted by the Denver Gold of the United States Football League (USFL). He also played in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Minnesota Vikings and did a very brief stint with the Houston Oilers.

When he retired from professional football, Todd returned to his alma mater when he accepted a position as a physical education teacher and Head Football Coach at Norco High School. During his tenure, which lasted nine years from 2004 to 2012, the Cougars posted a combined record of 85-28. Two times in three years, the Norco team advanced to the CIF championship, and they won the title in 2005 and 2006. Currently, Todd teaches physical education at Auburndale Junior High School in Corona, California.

To read more about this amazing educator, read the article at CNS Sports entitled Gerhart Juggles Fatherhood, Coaching and Heisman Hoopla.

 

The amazing educator and football coach Jeff Carnazzo

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Jeff Carnazzo

Palma High School Varsity Coach and educator Jeff Carnazzo

Football is the lifeblood of many high schools, so it’s no surprise when a football coach works incredibly hard for his team. But when a varsity coach also teaches Advanced Placement classes, you know you have a very impressive educator. This is the case with Jeff Carnazzo, a high school teacher and football coach in Salinas, California.

Jeff was born on February 10, 1967, in Omaha, Nebraska. As a teen, he attended Palma High School, a private Catholic all-boys high school located in Salinas. Before his graduation in 1985, Jeff lettered in two sports: football and baseball.

After his high school graduation, Jeff enrolled at California State University, Fresno, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Later he completed the requirements for his teaching credential and his Master’s in Education at Chapman University.

Jeff Carnazzo

Jeff Carnazzo

In 1990, Jeff returned to his high school alma mater to teach. In addition to his classroom duties, he served as the trainer for the junior varsity linebackers. He held this position for ten years. In 2000, Jeff was promoted to the position of varsity football coach. During this time, he has led the Palma Chieftains to three Central Coast Section Open Division titles, including two in his first two years as head coach. In addition, Jeff instructs courses in US History, Advanced Placement US History, and physical education.

Jeff takes his work with young people very seriously. “It’s an honor to be involved in the lives of young kids,” he once said. “I get the opportunity to see them grow. The older I get, the more appreciative I am. The staff and I get to have an impact on their futures.”

Learn more about this amazing teacher and coach at Alchetron Jeff Carnazzo.

 

New York’s Joe Lamas: Educator and Former NFL Player

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Many former athletes go on to successful careers as educators and coaches. This is the case with Joseph Francis Lamas, a New York teacher who formerly had been a player in the National Football League (NFL).

Joe Lamas was born on January 10, 1916, in Havana, Cuba. As a young man, he attended Straubenmuller Textile High School in New York City, New York. Following his high school graduation, Joe enrolled at Mount St. Mary’s University, a private Catholic institution of higher learning located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. There he played college football.

Following his education at Mount St. Mary’s, Joe played one season in the NFL. In the 1942 season, he played on the offensive line with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he started in eight games. During the game against the Detroit Lions on November 8, the 5’10”, 216-pound guard scored a spectacular 29-yard fumble recovery touchdown, leading his team to a 34-7 victory. Joe is also a United States veteran. When the 1942 football season ended, he served in the military during World War II.

In 1952, Joe accepted a teaching position at Iona Preparatory School, a private Roman Catholic boys’ school located in New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York. He was also the school’s assistant football coach for five years, and then he was named the head coach in 1957. He held this job until 1961. During his years at Iona, the former football player also coached baseball and worked as the school’s athletic director, and he also taught courses in Latin, history, and health. This accomplished educator retired from teaching and coaching in 1979.

Joe was 80 years old when he passed away on April 22, 1996, in Manhasset, New York. To learn more about him, you can click on SportsLifer Weblog.

Joseph Lamas: a chalkboard champion, certainly.

Chalkboard Champion Bryan Still: From NFL to Virginia Classroom

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There are many fine examples of professional athletes who go on to successful careers in the classroom. One such athlete is Bryan Andrei Still, a physical education teacher from Virginia who was a former professional football player.

Bryan was born on June 3, 1974, in Newport News, Virginia. As a youth, he attended Huguenot High School in Richmond, Virginia. Upon his high school graduation, Bryan enrolled at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University located in Blacksburg, Virginia. There the 5’11”, 174-pound wide receiver played college football. In fact, this outstanding athlete went with the Virginia Tech Hokies to the Nokia Sugar Bowl, where the team came from behind to defeat Texas 28-10. Bryan garnered the coveted Most Valuable Player Award for that game. You can read more about this spectacular victory by clicking on this link: HokieSports.com.

After college, Bryan was drafted into the National Football League (NFL). He played first for the San Diego Chargers (1996-1999), then the Atlanta Falcons (1999), and finally the Dallas Cowboys (1999). In total, Bryan played 52 games in the NFL. To examine Bryan’s statistics, you can check them out on NFL.com.

Currently, Bryan teaches physical education and health education at Cosby High School, a public school located in Midlothian, Virginia. He also coaches track and field there.

Charge on, Brian Still!