Skip to main content

Meet MBUSD PE Teachers

By December 16, 2021Uncategorized

Ask any elementary student what they look forward to most during their school day and, more often than not, they will say PE. There are many reasons why PE is a student’s favorite – fresh air, playing with their friends, and just plain fun – but there are also important benefits inherent to a structured physical education curriculum. The more obvious benefits are learning teamwork, sportsmanship, and strength. However, physical activity has been proven to help children improve their concentration, memory, and focus in the classroom.

California state standards require 100 minutes of physical activity during the school day each week. MBEF funding provides for credentialed teachers to teach PE, ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction and specific curriculum. Having credentialed PE teachers at the elementary level is key to ensuring students get the most of out the experience while also developing a wide variety of athletic and teamwork skills. Plus, classroom teachers are then able to use the time to focus on prepping for the core coursework in the classroom.

We invite you to learn more about the PE teachers who brighten the days for all students here…

Tony Bartovich “Coach T” – Meadows & Robinson Elementary

How it started:
Coach T finished student teaching in the Fall of 2020 and is excited for his first job to be in Manhattan Beach.

Favorite part of the position:
Coach T’s favorite part of the position is seeing the students run to PE excited to do an activity and hear students talk about how much fun they are having.

What he hopes to bring to the students:
He is looking forward to bringing a positive outlook on being physically active and developing a healthy lifestyle.

Favorite physical activity of all time:
Coach T enjoys surfing, which he has been doing since he was seven, and martials arts, another favorite activity since he was seventeen.

Ryan Newman “Coach Newman” – Grand View Elementary

How it started:
Out of the eight years Coach Newman has been teaching PE, seven have been with MBUSD. And even though he has been around for a bit, he still feels like every day is a fresh start!

Favorite part of the position:
Coach Newman says, “The best part of my job is seeing students learn how to become better teammates and exhibit sportsmanship”.

What he hopes to bring to the students:
His goal is to bring a safe environment to his students that encourages them to enjoy participating and have fun.

Favorite physical activity of all time:
Coach Newman played baseball throughout high school and college, and currently coaches a high school team. It would be safe to say, baseball is his favorite activity!

Theresa Tower “Coach Tower” – Pacific Elementary

How it started:
Coach Tower started teaching 31 years ago in Michigan and decided to move to California in 1997. Eventually she made her way to Manhattan Beach and has been with Pacific for the last six years.

Favorite part of the position:
Her favorite part of the job is seeing students run out to her with excitement and joy, jumping as high as they can for a high five before starting the lesson!

What she hopes to bring to the students:
Coach Tower is veteran when it comes to teaching PE and tries to bring confidence and fun through movement to her students each and every day.

Favorite physical activity of all time:
When it comes to her favorite physical activity, Coach Tower has a hard time deciding between snow skiing, hiking in the mountains, and surfing. She is lucky to live in a place that offers her the chance to do it all!

To see her teaching in action, check out Coach Towers Website.

Chase Sramek “Coach Sramek” – Pennekamp & Robinson Elementary

How it started:
Coach Sramek (pronounced “Shuramick”) has been teaching for 15 years, five of which were right down the street at Redondo Beach Unified School District. This is his first year at Pennekamp and Robinson – where the students are loving his impact.

Favorite part of the position:
He loves every part of the job, from working outside with students, to coming to work every day where all the staff and students are so kind and helpful.

What he hopes to bring to the students:
Coach Sramek hopes to bring a fun, positive approach to exercise, teamwork and sport skills. His goal is to ensure students enjoy experiencing the benefits of exercise and leave his class sweaty but with a smile!

Favorite physical activity of all time:
Football will always be Coach Sramek’s love of all time. He has great memories of playing at Fullerton College and earned a scholarship to play at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Today he likes to bike ride, swim and weight lift, and spends most of his free time playing with his three young children.

< >