By Jo Mathis / AAPS
JoAnn Rushdan was born and raised in Saginaw. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from Ohio University. After graduating, she worked in the PE department at Scarlett Middle School where she began her coaching career, coaching girls and boys track and field, volleyball, and basketball.
She then became the PE teacher at a charter school in Detroit for four years before making her way back to AAPS by way of Mitchell Elementary. This is her eighth year as a Mitchell Mustang.
She has a 3-year-old son, an older brother, Amir, and a large extensive family consisting of 41 first cousins and a vast number of sorority sisters from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her hobbies include playing basketball, pickleball, roller skating, and “spending precious time with my little guy.”
Intervention Specialist Melissa Smith calls Rushdan “a gem in our community at Mitchell Elementary” and says she’s proud to be her colleague.
“She is unflappable, and allows students to make their own choices about their learning but always provides a path for them to make the right one,” says Smith. “She holds high standards for her students’ behavior but because of her connection with them, they choose to rise to those standards. Jo thoughtfully plans developmentally appropriate activities and makes the gym a fun place that kids want to go to. Far different from the PE that I and many others grew up with, Jo teaches physical education in the way that all students, regardless of their athletic ability, deserve to experience.”
Rushdan is the “epitome of a quality PE and health teacher” says Katie Hamilton, a PE teacher at Allen Elementary and the district’s elementary PE/Health Department chair.
“Her lessons not only creatively teach the PE standards but also include cross-curricular material, and interpersonal skills, and provide a safe and fun learning environment in which everyone is represented and included,” says Hamilton, a colleague and friend for more than 20 years. “More importantly, JoAnn teaches students the necessary skills to develop into well-rounded, positive, and productive members of society. JoAnn is a hard-working person who can always be depended upon. I consider JoAnn to be one of my best friends and admire her honesty, strength, and independence. AAPS is beyond fortunate to have JoAnn Rushdan as an educator and role model.”
Why did you pursue a career in teaching?
Teaching allows you to stay connected with the youth, see them experience their first ah-hah moments, and help them to navigate the trials and tribulations they will face as they learn about themselves and how the world works, and how they can play a major role in bringing joy to it.
Why physical education specifically?
I’ve always said that my career path found me. Working with children was always a passion of mine but I wasn’t sure in what capacity I would fulfill that dream. In the hallways of the CCRB on the University of Michigan campus, I was introduced to the School of Kinesiology. My professors were the epitome of kindness, dedication, and determination for the success of promoting physical activity at an early age, and I wanted to be a part of that movement. My passion for sports and working with children meant that P.E. was a no-brainer.
Describe an average workday.
An average workday consists of my students entering the gymnasium eager and ready to partake in whatever activity or game is planned to enhance their skills. Warming the body up, working on flexibility, practicing the proper steps for skill performance, and putting that all together on a playing field setting.
Do you get to decide what you teach? What are your favorites? What are the kids’ favorites?
The amazing thing about our PE program is that I can teach skills in multiple different ways and make connections with specific sports students are already familiar with. Some of my favorites are the teambuilding unit and the fitness unit where they truly are learning about what is happening inside their body. My kids favorites so far have been the tournaments we’ve created: cornhole, badminton, and pickleball tournaments. They have expressed that these were their favorite moments in PE.
Why did you want to work for Ann Arbor Public Schools?
I completed my student teaching at Carpenter Elementary and Scarlett Middle School and I was engulfed with the amazing community from the students, staff, administration, and parents. From this experience, I wanted to be a part of the AAPS way, to Lead, Care, and Inspire.
What do you like about working at Mitchell specifically?
Mitchell is a unique and amazingly intricate environment to be a part of. Our student population is a representation of who you will meet while traveling around the world. I am always boasting about the diversity in my building and how much I learn from my students.
What do you want most for your students?What I want most for my students is that they know their health and well-being is their choice and that I am here to guide them as best as possible. I want them to develop a sense of belonging and acceptance of who they are and that no matter how fast anybody else can run, or how many baskets somebody can make, doesn’t determine how good they are. I want them to find enjoyment and peace in being physically active so they can continue to do so throughout their lifetime.
What are your thoughts on the district’s focus this year on dignity, belonging, and well-being?
I commend the district for highlighting these needs and as a community, we can all become more aware of what’s happening around us and to us and how to stay positive in our responses and relationships.
What advice would you give to a first-year teacher?
Find the work-life balance as best as possible. Establishing your expectations from the moment your students walk into your classroom, and not lowering them. Show your students that they can meet them and go above and beyond.
What do you wish everyone realized about the work of a P.E. teacher?
The work of a P.E. teacher is laying the foundational groundwork for lifelong health wellness. That we are a fundamental part of our kids’ academic studies.
Must see TV:
The Amazing Race is my absolute must-see. The show travels the world and the players partake in activities that are a representation of that country’s culture.
What’s the best compliment anyone could give you?
That my students would rather go to PE class than recess!
What is the most rewarding part of teaching?
The moment when kids can laugh at themselves and know it’s ok to not catch the ball every time. Making connections of how to be positively competitive, displaying sportsmanship, and taking what they have learned and transferring those skills outside of the classroom.
If you could keep only five possessions, what would they be?
My bible, family photo album, my son’s first ultrasound picture, and my grandmother’s nightstand.
Was there a teacher who had a particularly strong influence on your career? If so, what did you learn?
My older brother, Amir Rushdan, played a major role in my career. Before I even knew I wanted to be a teacher I was assisting him with his students. He taught in Detroit Public Schools for years and within those times of watching him with his kids, he taught me that when a child knows you truly care they will move mountains for you. His students knew that his management and demeanor in his classroom meant that he wanted what was best for them. He taught me to treat my students like they are people, respect them for who they are and to be as real and honest as possible.
