Provo Way Recipient: Kathleen Tessem, Sunset View P.E. Teacher

October 31st, 2022 /
Spencer Tuinei /
News, PCSD School Board, Public Relations, Recognitions and Awards, Schools, Sunset View

The Provo City School District and Board of Education awarded five Provo Way awards in September.

The Provo Way award is an opportunity for the district to celebrate the positive things students, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff do for the community.

This week, we’d like to celebrate and congratulate Sunset View Elementary Physical Education Specialist Kathleen Tessem.

Looking around her gymnasium, you can immediately sense an atmosphere unique to Sunset View. Like a traditional “core” classroom, Kathleen displays festive symbolic decor, informational fitness posters on locomotion, classroom procedures and etiquette signs, and various multicolored equipment in designated gym areas. She’s taped plastic hands on the side of the door exiting the gym that leads into the hallway set at multiple heights; students hop as high as they can for high-fives.

Her gym sets a positive tone and culture of safe play that stands out amongst the best elementary P.E. Teachers.

Kathleen Tessem’s nomination came from fellow teacher Karalee Hunt, who knows how often Kathleen extends herself to make Sunset View an incredible place to attend and work:

Coach T goes above and beyond for our students. Kathleen makes physical education achievable for all, even those who don’t feel they have any athletic ability. She always comes up with fun, innovative ways to teach new skills to students. Kathleen is fun to interact with, and students always look forward to her class. Students know she’s a safe adult to turn to when they need help, and she always seeks to ensure all students feel included.

Kathleen always puts students first. She’s given up her prep time on numerous occasions to host extra activities, including structured recess, basketball tournaments, choreographed dances, and more for students to participate in when she knows they need something to brighten their day. For the last several years, she’s organized a field day for the whole school by herself– not because anyone asked her to help, but because she wanted to do something for the students.

Our school is better because of Coach T and what she brings to our students. We are all healthier and happier because we have her here. We love having Kathleen at our school, and she doesn’t get enough credit for what she does.

Congratulations, and thank you, Kathleen Tessem.