Faculty Friday: Darrin Pearson - Lower School PE
"An excellent teacher creates programming that targets the development of strong character and leadership abilities in addition to physical fitness skills." Darrin Pearson
A native of Oklahoma, Mr. Pearson played football for The University of Oklahoma and later moved to Milan, Italy to start his career as a professional football player. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, a Master’s degree in Urban Education from Langston University, and a Master’s degree in Health Education from The Teacher’s College at Columbia University. Coaching is one of his passions, and has previously coached football collegiately and track at the high school level. Mr. Pearson has taught PE to both the Elementary and High School students; last school year he taught 3rd-5th grade PE and coached track at the Kent Place School, an all-girls school in New Jersey. Mr. Pearson currently teaches PE to our Lower School students, and coaches football and track at the Upper School. He resides in Ernest Dorm with his wife and infant son.
Why did you decide to become a teacher? I became a teacher because I was a student who struggled academically. I therefore know I have what it takes to inspire students with multiple learning styles and needs. I graduated at the bottom of my high school class and with much hard work and dedication; I received a second master’s degree from an Ivy League Institution. I believe students especially at the high school level can decipher how genuine an educator is and respond well to those who can relate to them. I therefore strive to create classroom environments where I get to know students’ individual needs and interests, which I use to construct my approaches to instruction.
What is your teaching philosophy? My teaching philosophy in terms of Physical Education is a holistic approach to student health and wellness. When designing curriculum, I try to implement current research particularly in regards to adolescent social/emotional, mental, and physical health. Through my program at Teachers College, I learned multiple approaches to supporting students. For example, I often utilize the Health Belief Model, which focuses on improving self-efficacy in order to change health related behaviors.
What are the qualities of an excellent teacher? An excellent teacher creates programming that targets the development of strong character and leadership abilities in addition to physical fitness skills. An excellent teacher also is culturally sensitive, committed to social justice education, and tries to instill the importance of equity and fairness.
What is the most difficult aspect of teaching today? The most difficult aspect of teaching is when you see the potential in a student and the student fails to believe in the process to achieve their academic goals.
What is the greatest success you have had in teaching? The greatest success I have had in teaching is seeing my former students graduate from college and even go onto graduate school. I am fulfilled in knowing that I was a part of their growth as a teacher, mentor, and coach.
What inspires you? Serving others and building a legacy for my family. My faith and spirituality also inspire me.
How did you get in touch with Rabun Gap and ended up working there? I stumbled upon Rabun Gap. My family was looking for a lifestyle change because my wife and I were welcoming our first child into the world. I was attracted to Rabun Gap’s family culture and supportive educational community.
Tell us about your experiences as a professional football player? I played American football professionally in Milan, Italy. This experience changed my life. I learned about the Italian culture and developed many relationships with friends from around the world. I learned how the outside world views America. I learned about free health care and free college education. I experienced traveling to many beautiful places and eating great food!
What did you want to be when you were young? I wanted to play in the NFL or coach at a major division I college or university.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I am interested in green modern homes, solar renewable energy, and solar powered cars.
What is one of your weaknesses, and how are you working to improve it? A weakness that I have is thinking that all people dream big. I am working to meet students and individuals on their level. I am working to understand that people grow on their own time and what I think may not be the best for them personally.
What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom? I am an advocate for social justice. I like to read, study, and teach about the contributions that African Americans have made to this country.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
