Lanie Roy
Health & Physical Education Teacher, National Honor Society Advisor
Bachelor of Science, Physical Education, University of Maine at Presque Isle; Master’s Degree, Health and Wellness Education, American College of Education
Two different teachers inspired Ms. Roy to be the educator she is today – and only one taught physical education. “My art teacher,” she says when asked to name her mentors growing up. “He made school and learning fun.” The second? Her high school physical education teacher. “He guided me to collegiate sports and the profession I absolutely love!”
Different Students, Different Fitness Topics
Ms. Roy has been teaching since 2007. She has worked with students at every grade level, at both private and public schools. “I also have experience teaching overseas,” she reports, “two years teaching in the Philippines.” Wow!
In 2021, Ms. Roy joined the faculty of Maine Connections Academy in 2021, where she teaches health and physical education to students in grades 7–12. Having now worked in both brick-and-mortar and virtual environments, she is well aware of the differences. One benefit is the breadth of students she reaches. “I enjoy connecting with students and families from all over this wonderful state we live in,” she says.
But the biggest advantage of teaching at an online school, she says, “is being able to connect with students one-on-one or in small groups.” That kind of interaction isn’t common at traditional schools. “My focus in Live Lessons is to discuss health or fitness topics that the students are interested in.” She polls students about what they would like to learn about, then follows up with group discussions. Each student is “given time to find and explore important and helpful health resources … for the topics they are interested in,” Ms. Roy explains. Ultimately, everything comes together “in a fun educational game.”
More Than Just Sports
When she’s not teaching others about the countless benefits of physical activity, Ms. Roy is engaging in those activities herself. “I enjoy all things that have to do with the outdoors,” she says. That includes “sports, travel, and adventures.” She even coaches high school baseball.
But Ms. Roy’s first mentor long ago, her art teacher, seems to have also inspired her beyond enjoying learning and school. “I also have an interest in the arts,” she says. When she’s not enjoying the outdoors, she’s equally happy indoors – painting with watercolors.