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What happens when a physical education teacher prioritizes relationships over rules and student choice over standardized instruction? Nick Morse, a health and physical education teacher at Hartnett Middle School, reveals how his innovative approach is transforming how students experience physical and health education.
Nick's journey begins with a pivotal childhood experience at summer camp that sparked his passion for physical activity and education. Years later, as a high school student working at that same camp, a mother's phone call thanking him for supporting her children after their father's passing solidified his career path. This foundation of meaningful connections continues to guide his teaching philosophy today.
At the core of Nick's approach is Self-Determination Theory – the belief that students engage most deeply when they experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This manifests in his classroom through competitive and recreational options for activities, walking-and-talking attendance procedures, music during class time, and free choice days that empower students to direct their own learning. His health classes feature project-based assessments rather than traditional tests, allowing students to demonstrate understanding in ways that resonate with their learning styles.
Perhaps Nick's most impressive achievement is the "Healthy Start" morning program he established, which now attracts 50-75 students daily (in a school of 450) for pre-school physical activity. The program serves multiple purposes – providing structured movement for sports enthusiasts, social time for friends, and early drop-off options for working parents.
Nick's story illustrates how physical education can extend far beyond sports skills to create lasting healthy habits. His advice for new teachers is refreshingly simple yet profound: build relationships with your students and get involved in their lives outside your classroom. As he puts it, "It doesn't matter how good your lesson plan is if kids don't feel safe in your classroom and connected with you."
Ready to rethink how you approach physical education and student engagement? Listen now to discover practical strategies for creating a PE program where every student can thrive – regardless of athletic ability.

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