Teacher of the year finalist’s health, fitness efforts impact students

There was a time when Beau Bragg wondered if teaching was right for him.

Beau Bragg (far right), Bonner Springs Elementary School physical education teacher, leads a group of students on National Walk to School Day. Bragg was one of eight finalists for Kansas Teacher of the Year.

The Bonner Springs Elementary School physical education teacher was in his early teaching classes at Wichita State University and had chosen a physical education focus rather than a math focus, but he was feeling a little intimidated.

“About partway through, I went to my advisor and said ‘I don’t know if this is for me,’ because I was very introverted growing up,” Bragg said. “I only talked when I needed to, and even if I knew the answer I’d never raise my hand to answer a question. After doing a few observations seeing other teachers teach, I was like, I just don’t know if I can put myself out there like that every single day.”

Thankfully, Bragg’s advisor was able to pair him up with a teacher who had the same introvert tendencies but who had, through the Kansas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance professional organization, earned a teacher of the year award both at the state and national level.

“It kind of put me outside my box, but it was good, and I challenged myself,” Bragg said. “Being around kids now every day, it’s nice to see their smiling faces and be able to have an impact on them every day — that’s just kind of a bonus.”

It’s a good thing, because now Bragg is up for a prestigious award: he is one of eight finalists statewide for Kansas Teacher of the Year.

Kim Mitchell, principal, said in addition to his abilities as a teacher, Bragg has earned the award for his efforts to create a culture of health and wellness at the school.

“He has designed a wellness program for our students, families and staff that is heads and tails above other programs in the state,” she said. “He focuses on fun, school-centered activities that help make wellness practices a part of daily routine.”

Bragg grew up south of Wichita and said he was influenced both by relatives who were teachers and some of his high school teachers to go into education.

His wife got a job with Kansas University Hospital in 2003, bringing them to the Kansas City area, and Bragg substitute taught for a year before taking the BSE position in 2004.

Bragg said he didn’t particularly enjoy P.E. class as a child, so he set out to make his classes different.

“I feel like when they come to my room, we need to be moving right away,” Bragg said. “Kids are smiling as they come in because they know they get to come in and start moving, so I try to create an environment where we’re on the go all the time to keep them on their toes.”

Bragg said he also tries to focus on building relationships with students and being a mentor, which can be difficult when he only has them for a 25-minute period. However, Mitchell said he excels in this area.

“He not only focuses on health and physical education, but also keeps the importance of building positive relationships with our students his priority,” she said. “He is kind, patient, and always thinks in terms of what is best for kids.”

Bragg set up a Wellness Program that includes daily themes — Moving Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Walking Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, and Fit Fridays — as well as daily Brain Breaks, Stacking Club, the Rise and Shine Walking Club, and the Kid’s Wellness Crew.

“Beau works with our students to set personal fitness goals and then helps them track and adjust their progress,” Mitchell said. “The positive impact he has made on our school community will stay with our students throughout their lifetime.”

Tammy Dooley, school nurse, has worked with Bragg for the last four years on the school and district wellness committees.

“He has been a major motivating factor in our wellness theme, and is dedicated and passionate to it,” Dooley said. “We have won grants and awards due to his plans and leadership.”

Bragg said he had only grudgingly accepted the original nomination from Tammy Meisenheimer, as he isn’t one to seek the spotlight, before learning that the entire BSE staff had rallied behind his nomination.

“Hearing your name get called was very strange,” Bragg said. “I was blown away … it was a little overwhelming.”

Ultimately Bragg didn’t win the final prize. Shannon Ralph, a high school biology teacher at Dodge City High School was named the 2015 Kansas Teacher of the Year during ceremonies in Wichita on Saturday night.