Article 1

By: Tashaima Person

Erica Grunder recently joined the Athens Drive faculty as a physical education teacher. Grunder has taught physical education for about five years, and graduated from State University of New York – Cortland where she got her masters and bachelors degree.

She worked at Clyde-Savannah Elementary school for three years and Clyde-Savannah High school in New York for two years. This year at Athens will make for her sixth year teaching physical education.

“The transition from elementary to high school wasn’t that much different because I’ve taught physical education to high schoolers before,” said Grunder.

Grunder taught elementary students right before she came to the Drive, so although she works with high schoolers now she said she misses her little athletes.

Grunder played softball, field hockey, and basketball when she was younger which resulted in her job as a physical education teacher. “I always liked sports and always wanted to coach children,” she said.

Grunder loves interacting with her students and helping them achieve their goals inside and outside of the classroom.

“I love my job and I like everything about it,” said Grunder. Her positive personality seems to have reflect on her students as well. It has changed their outlook on their health. As a physical education teacher, ones job is to promote your students’ health, and help them become physically fit without losing their interest. Coach Grunder knows this and so do the students.

“Coach Grunder’s class made me change my view on physical education,” said Tanara Canade, freshman. “I am always looking forward to her class in the afternoon. We always stay active and have fun.”