New physical education and health teacher Madisyn Loken wants to show her K-12 students that PE is much more than just playing games.
After all, an increased level of physical activity not only makes for more healthy students, studies show it improves their grades and standardized test scores and helps them stay on task in the classroom, says the CDC.
“There are so many valuable life lessons you can learn from PE,” Loken said. “I also love being able to show students a variety of different ways to move their bodies and become more active.”
Loken was raised in Janesville and graduated from Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton High School there.
At Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, she majored in K-12 Physical Education and 5-12 Health Education and earned a minor in Exercise Science.
“I decided to become a teacher because I love working with kids,” she said. “I specifically chose physical/health education because of my love for sports, exercise, a healthy lifestyle and everything in between.”
This will be her first year as a teacher. Graduating from college, earning her teaching degree and quickly accepting a teaching position have made for her proudest moments, she said.
She chose Cleveland because of its positive reputation, and it was the size of district she was accustomed to.
“I have heard nothing but great things, and I can't wait to experience it for myself. Along with that, I am from a small town and graduated from a small school. I knew this aspect was very important to me when it came time to choose a school. Cleveland checked all my boxes. I am very excited to begin my teaching career, and I couldn't be more happy to do it at Cleveland.”
When she is not getting students in motion, she enjoys cooking and baking, frisbee golfing, traveling, shopping, hiking with her dogs, spending time with family and riding UTVs.
“I love spending my free time outside and being active,” she said.