Physical education more than 'gym' class

On March 11, I attended the Shape Up Illinois convention in Springfield. As a physical education major at Western Illinois University, I traveled with colleagues to promote physical education in schools and to oppose House Bill 1330 proposed by Rep. Ron Sandack. I was thrilled to see an article written about our experience the following day but was immediately put off by the title "Should state drop gym class requirement?"

Referring to physical education as "gym" is disrespectful and derogatory. We are not gym teachers. We are physical educators. Articles such as Erin Hegarty's are part of the reason we lose the respect we deserve.

The goal of a quality physical educator is to align lessons according to the state standards and choose activities that will address the students' psychomotor, affective, and cognitive domains. We strive to create a safe learning environment where all students have the opportunity to be successful.

Physical education is a learning experience that is essential to a child's education and lifelong health. Physical literacy is just as important as reading literacy.

I am insulted by this article that repeatedly refers to PE as "gym." If using this term was logical, why aren't we referring to art class as "studio?"

I hope future articles on this subject will be written using the correct terminology.

Stacey Hnytka

Palatine