North Lake Tahoe Bonanza: Local primary and secondary school educators were honored this week by the North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, including IAO coach Michael Smith, physical education teacher at Incline Elementary School.

What is a brief history of your career in education?

I've been a teacher for 16 years, and spent five years teaching overseas at international schools.

What do you do in your current position?

I teach children the importance of exercise and how making appropriate choices impacts their health and well-being.

What do you like most about your job, and why?

I love helping kids succeed. It is very special to be in a position where you can have such a positive influence on so many children.

What do you consider to be your best contribution to the students in your school?

My greatest contribution to my students is that I am very enthusiastic about exercise.

I teach children the value and importance of living a healthy productive life. I believe by displaying positive attitude toward health and fitness, I encourage students to try their best.

What qualities does a person need to be able to successfully work with students every day?

The most important quality an educator must have is that they genuinely care for the well-being of all students. I want them all to work hard and have fun.

What is the greatest challenge to education today?

In my field, keeping physical education in the curriculum is a huge challenge. Many physical education programs have been cut so that schools can provide more focus on core subjects. However, several states across the nation are now mandating physical education for elementary grades.

We must never forget that a sound mind must have a sound body.