Teacher spotlight: Meet Ross Potter, IS/ES physical education teacher

Teacher spotlight artwork

Ross PotterMeet Ross Potter, a physical education teacher at the Intermediate School and MV Elementary School!

What’s your favorite aspect of your job?

My favorite aspect of my job is definitely the kids! I never have a dull day working with K-5 students. I love how much enthusiasm the students bring into school each and every day. It is contagious and makes my job of being a physical education teacher one of the best on Earth!

I also love that I am able to switch gears and coach at the high school level as well. Watching student athletes work hard to achieve their goals is extremely humbling and rewarding.

Why do you believe in and support the work of the Minisink Valley School District and what it does for the community?

One big reason is that I have been a part of Minisink my whole life. I graduated from Minisink, as did my parents and many of my family members. The school, athletics, teachers, and coaches played a huge role in my life growing up. Aside from my parents, it really shaped who I am today and I know that is the same for many of the students who go here now. Unlike other areas, the school is the hub of the community…whether it’s on the athletic fields, band and chorus rooms or on stage. The school is the heartbeat of the community.

How has this pandemic refocused the work you do every day?

The pandemic has made me realize just how important physical education is for students. Not only from a fitness standpoint but also from a social-emotional aspect. Physical education is a time to be active and learn how to take care of your body. But, it’s also a time that students learn to work together and interact with one other. Teaching during this time has been a huge challenge but has made me really think out-of-the-box. I feel that I became a better teacher because I was forced to learn so many new things in a short amount of time.

What do you want to say directly to the community about the importance of your work?  

I would want to say thank you to the community for supporting all the teachers and students during this crazy time. I feel that being a teacher is extremely important because, as educators, we have an opportunity and privilege to impact students’ lives in a positive way. I hope to one day impact students the same way that I was impacted by teachers, coaches, and the Minisink community as a whole.