William Floyd Faculty District: Nicole Alesi Named Suffolk Tailored Bodily Schooling Trainer Of The 12 months
September 28, 2021
Nicole Alesi, a physical education teacher at William Floyd High School, was recently named this year’s Suffolk Zone Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) to honor those who demonstrate excellence in teaching and overall performance in physical education.
Ms. Alesi, who served as both a physical education teacher and a customized physical education teacher at William Floyd High School, has implemented creative teaching methods such as the use of technology through Wii Sports to help students achieve healthier fitness, as well as teaching movement through dance and fitness via the Promethean interactive board.
Outside of her role as a physical education teacher, Ms. Alesi has volunteered her time in the William Floyd community specifically with students with special needs. She is the Special Olympics trainer, has accompanied Special Olympics dances and bike-a-thons, as well as virtual activities during the pandemic to keep in touch with her students from afar. She also serves as the head coach of Unified Basketball – a team made up of students with special needs and general education students who work together to have fun and compete against other local schools.
Joanne Hamilton, Chair of the Suffolk Zone Professional Awards Committee, added, “I believe Nicole should be nominated for this award because of her passion, creativity and willingness to grow and learn as an educator. Nicole’s passion for working with students with disabilities has an infectious effect on the culture and behavior of her classes. “
Ms. Hamilton added that Ms. Alesi does an amazing job offering her students a variety of activities that promote health and wellbeing as a lifelong skill. She encourages her students to exercise, join gyms, use their community resources, and be active in their own backyard.
Ms. Alesi has devoted most of her adult life to physical education. “Before joining William Floyd, I was a teaching assistant in a 12: 1: 2 Life Skills classroom. I learned so much about myself and developed a passion for working with students with special needs.”
“It is an honor to be named Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year,” said Ms. Alesi. “As someone who volunteered for the Special Olympics and worked in some capacity in special education for nearly a decade, being nominated for this award is a huge compliment.”
Ms. Alesi is to be honored by NYS APHERD at the Suffolk Awards Dinner in January 2022 at the West Sayville Country Club.
This press release was prepared by the William Floyd School District. The views expressed here are your own.
