After a long road of twists and turns, it seems Chris Weide has found the right spot, which happens to be as the newest P.E. teacher for USD 257. WEIDE SAID it is important to get kids working on their team-building and locomotor skills early, especially in a society that is becoming more sedentary.
“This is perfect,” Weide said in between gym periods at Lincoln Elementary Friday afternoon.
Weide, 39, graduated from Emporia State University in 2011 with a degree in physical education, 19 years after he graduated from Iola High School in 1992.
He began working at Haldex Brake after high school before going to work at D of K Vaults. When a position opened at Gates Corporation, he took the opportunity because it gave his wife, Alicia, the chance to go to nursing school.
When he was let go from his job, both he and his wife saw it as a blessing in disguise.
“I thought it was kind of a sign telling me to move on,” Weide said. His wife had finished nursing school, and now it was his turn. He began taking classes at ESU to become a P.E. teacher.
“I’ve always enjoyed sports, and I love working with kids,” he said of his career choice. Although P.E. jobs are tough to come by, Weide said it was a risk he was willing to take.
After teaching P.E. at Emporia Middle School, he applied for a job in Iola. Larry Regehr, the former P.E. teacher, was stepping down and Weide knew it was his chance.
“I just committed to the application process and gave it my all,” he said.
He was offered the job, replacing the same P.E. teacher he had in elementary school.
“I try to get the kids moving quickly,” he said. “They are not here to listen to me talk.”
What may seem like fun and games is actually an important early development for the children; it keeps them healthy, mentally and physically, as well as creates good exercise habits.
“They’re all excited, but you can tell they don’t get out as much at home,” Weide said. “There are so many distractions today.”
Weide teaches P.E. four days a week. His time is split between Lincoln and McKinley Elementary — two days each — and he teaches a class every day at Iola Middle School.
He has one son, Landon, 7, and two step-daughters, Megan, 15, and Hannah, 14. He said it has been interesting having Landon in his P.E. classes, he keeps trying to call him “Dad” instead of Mr. Weide. But, Weide said his son — like the rest of his family — is excited about his new job.
“I think Landon was more excited than me about getting the job,” Weide laughed.
Right where he wants to be Weide at home as new P.E. teacher
