There are so many benefits to daily physical activity: improved cognitive functioning, academic achievement, strength, health, and not to mention, joy! At Arco Iris Spanish Immersion School, we cultivate balanced learners by offering daily recess and 30 minutes of daily physical education instruction taught by certified PE teachers. We’d like to introduce you to our two beloved PE teachers, Jasmine Burch and Jared Clarke. They bring enthusiasm and expertise to their classes, building a foundation for a lifetime of healthy movement for Arco Iris students.
Get to Know Jasmine Burch:
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
After college I recognized my affinity for people could be a happy marriage with my insatiable appetite for learning. To teach someone requires a constant flow of learning, to serve others needs well. When you learn about the students you serve, you can create positive ripples in their lives. While it is challenging work, it is a sacred privilege to be a teacher. We have to meet students at their own levels of thinking, life experience and inspire action.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was a high school physics teacher. He really enjoyed his job but he often made mistakes in labs. Nothing too detrimental, often comical but it helped me recognize that mistakes are necessary in learning, even as I become older. Everyday is progress and perfection is a myth.
What do you love most about your role at Arco Iris?
I get to teach children how to keep their bodies healthy. Movement is empowering and is activated through culture; performing arts, sports, language. Taking care of your body and mind at an early age lays the foundation for a lifetime of health and wellness. I get to see students grow in their language skills, movement challenges and celebrate with them when they get it. For me, it's the greatest gift.
What else would you like us to know about YOU?
On any given day, I am outside exploring parks, skating, golfing and surfing.
Get to Know Jared Clarke:
When did you know you wanted to be an educator?
I knew I wanted to become an educator during my time working for Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District as an after school counselor and sports instructor. Being able to help empower children through growth and learning was a very fulfilling experience. Teaching also provides the opportunity for continued growth and learning from students, community, and peers.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teacher was Maestro Luis when I was attending the International School during my elementary years. Maestro Luis was also a physical education teacher and throughout my years, PE has been that cornerstone which has promoted an exciting, engaging, and meaningful learning experience as both a teacher and student.
What do you love most about your role at Arco Iris?
What I love most about my role at Arco Iris are the authentic bonds and relationships that are developed with the students. With Arco Iris being a smaller school, you really get to know your students while forming connections with them on a deeper level. It’s a great feeling to see how excited and engaged they are during PE class, it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
What else would you like us to know about YOU?
This school year is my 9th year working at Arco Iris. I truly feel privileged and honored to have had such a tremendous impact in the lives of all the students who have spent the majority of their educational journey at Arco Iris.
Thank you, Jared and Jasmine, for your contributions to our school and the health of our students. We’re enrolling for tuition-free daily PE and Spanish immersion for the 2023-24 school year. Don’t miss out!
About Arco Iris
Arco Iris Spanish Immersion is a small tuition-free public charter school providing a rich, immersive Spanish language experience and robust academics in a true multicultural setting. Centrally located off 217, between SW Portland and Tigard, we serve K-5 students in the greater Beaverton area to become bilingual and biliterate leaders of the future. Come see why we’ve earned the title Oregon’s #1 charter school. We’re enrolling for Fall 2023-24.