Teacher Appreciation Week: Nathan Novsek Finds Connection with Every Student

EDWARDSVILLE - Nathan Novsek works to make PE fun for all students.

Novsek teaches PE to third through fifth grade students at Worden and Woodland Elementary Schools in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. This Teacher Appreciation Week, he’s remembering why he decided to pursue education and his goals for every class he teaches.

“I have a positive impact on kids’ lives and prepare them for their futures,” he said. “I had some incredibly influential teachers help me along my journey and I want to do the same.”

Novsek noted that PE class is often “the highlight of the day” for these elementary students, but he tries to go beyond the games and also talk to them seriously about health, nutrition, and making positive life choices. He enjoys teaching students basic skills, like dribbling balls and jumping rope, and he loves to see “the excitement” that students experience when they learn something new.

He challenges himself to “find new and creative ways to teach” by searching for ideas and experiences that students might not get outside of his class. It’s important to Novsek to be a positive, supportive force in his students’ lives.

He recognizes that not every child loves PE, but he makes it a point to connect with each student. He works hard to encourage them through whatever challenges they face. His students know they can try their best and have fun in his class.

“I get to be a source of consistency and positivity on a daily basis,” he said. “Whether they enjoy PE or not, I try to connect with them so they are happy to be here.”

Beyond school, Novsek enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young kids. He especially loves boating, traveling, fishing, golfing, and coaching his 6-year-old’s sports teams.

As Teacher Appreciation Week comes to a close, Novsek has a final reminder for teachers out there. These are words that he also lives by.

“Do your job and make the best of it,” he advised. “You are here to influence and teach the future. Be the person others would be proud of.”

Thank you to Nathan Novsek for your work as a teacher!

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