Back at Radford this school year is Patrick Strine, a dedicated health teacher who keeps things fresh and relevant for students. His journey into teaching health was pretty straightforward: he loved working with kids and was super into education, so combining those passions just made sense. As Strine put it, “I always liked working with kids and had a passion for education. Combining these two interests seemed like a natural fit for me.”
To stay on top of his game, Strine makes sure to renew his CPR certification every year. “It helps me keep up with practical skills,” he said. But it’s not just about the basics—he also dives into health trends and research in his free time. “Health is something I’ve always been interested in, so I make it a point to read up and explore new trends,” he explained.
When it comes to teaching, Strine knows that every student learns differently. He shared, “I get to know my students and understand how they learn best. I then modify my teaching methods to match their needs.” This way, he can make sure that everyone gets the most out of his classes.
Mental health is a huge focus for him. He believes it’s super important and said, “Society has made strides in acknowledging mental health, but there’s still a long way to go.” He’s also really into physical health, including nutrition and fitness. “I love researching and talking about diets and fitness,” he added.
Substance abuse prevention is another critical topic he handles with care. Instead of just saying “don’t do this” or “don’t do that,” he prefers to engage in real conversations. “Kids today are exposed to so much more information and influence,” he pointed out. “I focus on counseling and teaching them about substance abuse in a way that really resonates with them.”
For teaching tools, Strine finds that real-life examples work best. “Using real-life examples and talking to students as young adults really helps,” he said. It’s all about connecting with students and understanding the challenges they face today.
When asked about adapting lesson plans on the fly, he couldn’t recall a specific situation but acknowledged that being flexible is key. “Being prepared with backup activities or topics always helps when things don’t go as planned,” he noted.
Overall, Strine brings a mix of passion, flexibility, and dedication to his role. He’s committed to making health education engaging and meaningful, and it’s clear he really cares about his students’ well-being.