Growth beyond the Court and Classroom

AZTF Fellow - Yani Delima

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

AMY HOUSTON BOYS BASKETBALL 2011-2012 RECORD: 2 wins-0 losses 

As a special education teacher at a school that offers services to students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, teaching is more than just academic content. Teaching involves modeling and demanding appropriate behaviors from students in varying situations in the classroom and otherwise.

At my school I serve as one of the assistant basketball coaches. Seeing the transformation of my team has been one of the most gratifying moments of my teaching career. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys who continue to learn the importance of appropriate interaction and sportsmanship. Moreover, the skills they are learning on the court are being displayed in the classroom.  A team environment has been motivating for the boys involved and has brought forth a sense of confidence that would have been difficult to foster otherwise. Additionally, other students and staff have become inspired by the “can do” attitude of these athletes. 

               

Our team is small, sometimes playing with no more than five members. Our school is unable to offer afterschool extracurricular sports activities.  Students choose to give up their lunch and free time to dedicate to basketball practice. These young men have shown dedication and passion beyond their peers and have held their team members accountable on the court and in the classroom, working diligently to complete homework before practice. As coaches we enforce an academics first mentality and the team is taking that message seriously.

All children can succeed and grow.  However, it takes the right motivations and guidance. I am glad to be a part of the changes I see in these boys and look forward to observing their continued success both on and off the court!