PHYSICAL education teacher Chloe Dew's motivation is to help young people develop a lifelong love for moving - and not just those who wear the Black Hill primary uniform.
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PE was a subject Ms Dew "loathed" as a student until her high school teacher at Loreto, Kelli Baird, changed her whole perspective to understand you did not have to be competitive or have a sporty nature.
You just had to give things a go, have fun and find exercise you like doing.
Ms Dew pursued the subject as a career path and has now been shortlisted as one of three nominees for Outstanding Physical Education and Activity Teacher in the annual Victorian Education Excellence Awards.
This was an honour Ms Dew said was exciting, but all teachers strive to see the best in their students.
Ms Dew's attitude to keep evolving lessons and find ways to motivate children and families to exercise in home learning has had her lessons picked up as far as New South Wales.
Kids have dropped off a lot in motivation. Now well-being is the focus and making sure they're okay.
- Chloe Dew, Black Hill Primary School teacher
"Feedback from the community was they wanted more activity and shorter lessons," Ms Dew said. "In the initial lockdown I was making hour-long videos that were completely interactive with a focus on things like yoga and balance.
"...I changed to virtual classrooms where students can click on a picture of a piece of equipment, something they have at home, they can use. We had competitions like best trick-shot video, which kids thought was pretty cool.
"Kids have dropped off a lot in motivation. Now well-being is the focus and making sure they're okay."
Ms Dew is also on the state board for Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation to help teacher development, she coordinates Victorian primary school sports competitions for the greater western region, working with schools as far away as Nhill and Lorne, and coaches the state school swim team.
Ms Dew said she liked to dabble in lots of activity, including the school news program, but she also had a great teacher support team.
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The Victorian education excellence award recognises "an exceptional teacher in a Victorian government school who has demonstrated leadership and excellence in teaching physical education that has led to significant improvements in student achievement, engagement, and well-being", according to the state government.
Wendouree MP Juliana Addison thanks all Ballarat teachers for helping students develop a curiosity, courage and skills for life. Ms Addison congratulated Ms Dew for her nomination.
"Chloe is an inspirational teacher and it is fantastic that her contribution to the school and broader community is being acknowledged," Ms Addison said.
Award winners will be announced on October 22.
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