Getting to Know: Minot native excels in her teaching
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Alyssa Cool has been given a unique award for her passions, helping students overcome their own adversity that disabilities handed them.
Going to both Minot High and Minot State University, Cool earned her Bachelor of Science in physical education and master's degree at Minot State University.
After graduating from MSU, she spent nine years at Minot High teaching both health and physical education before moving on to Fargo. Then in 2022, she moved to West Fargo to teach at Liberty Middle School.
This year, Cool received the award of Adapted Physical Educator of the Year, which was awarded through North Dakota Society of Health and Physical Educators.
Cool said it wasn't so much her education but her parents who helped her get this award. Her parents both did foster care and worked for Easter Seals Goodwill in providing respite care. Cool and her sister did this as well.
As a teacher, Cool said it is her job to make sure the children who are disabled receive physical education.
She went on to describe her role as an adapted physical educator. She assesses the student's motor skills, writes goals related to motor development, physical fitness and movement skills and designs and teaches lessons that are modified to meet each student’s needs and abilities. She also makes adaptations for individuals to be successful. She monitors the progress of the goals that are set, and she uses creativity daily to encourage each learner to get movement in and have a great experience.
She said her goal is for all learners to feel included and valued. She wants them to experience success, participate and enjoy physical education. She said that looks and feels different with every student.
Besides adapted physical education, she has a club during the day called United Sports. The club is for those who wish to gather together weekly and participate in sports. The club allows students with and without disabilities to play together. It encourages inclusivity and acceptance, and reduces stereotypes to help foster a more positive school culture. The program also allows each learner to learn from one another.