Whether it’s playing sports or teaching physical education, it’s undeniable, Scott Ellis’ passion lies in athletics. This year Ellis has joined the Iola school district as new health teacher for Iola’s middle and high schools and Lincoln Elementary.
Ellis, who grew up in Humboldt, played as many sports in school as he could get his hands on — baseball, basketball and football, he said. It was during the countless hours spent in games and practices where he realized it was his passion.
Instead of going for a career in professional sports, he decided he wanted to give back to the county he grew up in and pursued a job in teaching.
He attended Pittsburg State University and after graduating he worked at Midway Cooperative in Osborne for five years.
He moved back to southeast Kansas and became the adapted physical education teacher at ANW Co-op, in Humboldt.
“I always had an interest in working with kids,” Ellis said. “It is important to teach the kids that health is part of physical education.”
He teaches his students the gateway to healthy living is through physical activity and nutrition, in addition to being aware of physical and mental health.
“I want to teach the kids to be active. To get out of those chairs and get outside,” Ellis said. “It is important for kids to get into activities, school or even non-school related.”
In the classroom, Ellis makes it a priority to use some of the most up-to-date technology.
When the class gets to the substance abuse unit, Ellis will use a computerized fitness pad that will allow students to experience the effects alcohol has on the mind and body by following a set of instructions given by the interactive system.
This will show students the dangers it can lead to,” Ellis said.
“I am always looking into new technology,” he said. “Teaching with the latest technology always peaks the students’ interest.”
In addition to teaching physical education he is the middle school assistant football coach.
“I always wanted to coach football, so I jumped at the opportunity when it came up,” Ellis said.
