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Zach Johnson aka "Coach"

Physical Education Teacher
zachary.johnson@ousd.org

How long have you been teaching at Thornhill?
I started working at Thornhill in November of 2014—​first as a substitute PE teacher, then as a full time one. I’ve been a classroom teacher for Oakland Unified since 2000, and I've been a school teacher since 1992. Most of that time, I taught 2nd grade, but I've also taught 1st, 4th, and 5th.
 
What do you like best about the students and community at our school?
The community at Thornhill is wonderful—the interconnectedness, the involvement of the parents. The way that the kids get along; both inside and outside of school, inside and outside of class. I see kindness and respect, in the way that older kids look after and mentor younger ones and in the way all the children play together, irrespective of whatever differences they may have.

❝ A healthy lifestyle, with physical activity, will result in a much higher quality of life and have long-lasting, positive health effects...I feel it is important to offer an opportunity and an example of how fun and easy healthy exercise can be.❞ 

Why did you choose to become a PE teacher?
PE is really important, particularly to elementary students. A healthy lifestyle, with physical activity, will result in a much higher quality of life and have long lasting, positive health effects. Kids these days have so many options and distractions that encourage sedentary activities. I feel it is important to offer an opportunity and an example of how fun and easy healthy exercise can be.

I was not a jock, or even a sporty kid, growing up. I didn't like PE as a kid (gasp!), so I know and understand the reluctance that some kids feel about it. Those are the kids that I really want to reach, that I think I am best at reaching, and that need the knowledge of how physical activity can be something for them.
 
What is PE so important for K-5 kids?   

• PE Reduces Stress. Physical activity becomes an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety, and facilitates emotional stability and resilience.
• PE Supports Learning in Other Subject Areas. PE reinforces knowledge learned across the curriculum. It serves as a lab for application of content in science, math, and social studies.
• PE Strengthens Peer Relationships. Physical education can be a major force in helping children socialize with others successfully and provides opportunities to learn positive people skills.