Special Feature - Insights from 2023 OPETA Winner

Cassandra Siua is the recipient of our 2023 Outstanding PE Teacher  (OPETA) Award. In this issue, we gain insights from her journey as a PE teacher.

As a strong advocate of inclusion, Cassandra paces her lessons with developmentally appropriate and differentiated activities that address her students' varied learning needs and readiness. Cassandra believes that when we start focusing on abilities instead of disabilities, no child is left behind. Her most treasured experiences has been her learning journey with a student with SEN, who has gone from “I don’t want to take part in PE today” to “I think I can change to a softer foam frisbee and throw it into the hula-hoop!”. Cassandra is heartened and proud that the journey has transformed her student into a confident and proactive girl who always seeks to participate in activities and exudes the joy of learning through her beautiful smile and enthusiasm.

She is inspired to learn from her students every day. She constantly explores new ways to keep them engaged and motivated through various pedagogical approaches and teaching strategies and designs activities differentiated to meet their abilities and needs. She believes strongly that by establishing a positive, safe and nurturing learning environment, her students become empowered & passionate learners, innovative thinkers and competent movers.

Cassandra is a believer in developing self-directed and collaborative learners through the use of ICT and MTV in her lessons. She introduced the use of apps like Plickers, Padlet, Flipgrid, Active Arcade and the use of Visible Thinking Routines to her PE Team. This has strengthened her team’s pedagogical content knowledge and broadened their repertoire of teaching strategies to ensure learning is more meaningful and engaging. She dons the mantle of a Physical Education Knowledgeable Other (PEKO) in Mentoring and Inclusive PE. As a PEKO, she conducted a cluster workshop. She shared ideas on lead-up activities for the P5 and P6 gymnastics syllabus and invited fellow teachers to share their good practices and challenges in conducting gymnastics lessons.

She feels that her students are her greatest teachers and the demonstration of their learning is the best feedback for her. She is constantly motivated to mentor and learn with and from her peers in the PE fraternity, and she hopes that by doing so, she can further impact and influence her students’ learning experiences during PE. 

1. What was your initial reaction when you were nominated for the Outstanding Physical Education Teacher Award/Outstanding Teacher Coach Award?

I gotta say it was definitely a surprise when my vice-principal then informed me about it. While I was honoured yet humbled and at the same time grateful for the recognition by my colleagues and school leaders, I was of course apprehensive as I strongly believe that there are many PE teachers out there who are truly deserving and need to be recognised too!

2. Can you describe the emotions and thoughts that went through your mind when you were announced as the award recipient? 

Honestly, I was away from school for the Teacher-Leader Programme then. When I received the email during a tutorial session, I yelped in excitement. It was also a relief as much effort and preparation were put in for the write-up, lesson observations and interview! 

3. How do you think your teaching or coaching philosophy contributed to your nomination and eventual award?

I believe every child wants to and can learn when we provide them with a safe and inclusive environment - an environment wherein they can learn at their own pace and in their own space, empowered to have a choice and given a voice to take ownership of their learning. This applies not only to my students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) but to every student with varied needs and readiness, abilities and capabilities, attitude and aptitude. ♥️

Living by a quote from the late Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I believe that a strong positive classroom culture and teacher-student relationship is one of the most important factor.

4. What advice would you give to a beginning PE Teacher?

Be kind to yourself, and remember that it is okay to be a beginner. We all know that even the most experienced and outstanding teacher was once a beginner. 

Do not be afraid to try, to ask questions, to make mistakes, and to ask for feedback because it is through the lens of a critical friend, a dear colleague and a trusted mentor that we can improve and embark on a journey of continual learning. 

Teaching is like a marathon. Take it in your stride. Go slow and steady to go far :)

5. Any other thoughts (Notes of appreciation?)

I want to say a big “Thank You” to my school leaders for the recognition and nomination and my PE team, who was there with me throughout the entire journey to receiving the OPETA.  I would also like to thank my #forevermentor, Mr Hanif, who constantly instils confidence in me and making me believe that nothing is impossible as long as I give my very best. 

Last but not least, thank you SPEA, for your hard and heart work throughout the entire OPETA process. You've made it an amazing experience too :) 

SPEA is also delighted that Cassandra was featured in The Straits Times. Click here for the coverage. 

Photo Credits:  The Straits Times

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