Q&A

An Independence faculty member since 1999, Heather teaches physical education, serves as co-athletic director, and coaches cross-country and indoor track. She is also a coordinator of the Character Development Program and supervisor to the Student Government Association. Heather is the recipient of the 2022 Patricia A. Ireland Faculty Award, honoring the qualities of professionalism, compassion, and good nature, exemplified by the school’s retired head. With Heather Horsey& AQ Can you share a lesson you’ve learned about good teaching over the course of your 23 years? I’ve learned not to worry about little things. If something doesn’t work, try again or change it up. Have fun with it. It’s exactly what I tell the kids, too.

What brought you to Independence?

I had graduated college and needed a job—and a position opened up here, first for an aide, then a full-time faculty position. Although I did not go to Independence myself, I knew about the school and its reputation because my father was the business manager here through the 1990s and my brother went here.

What is the best part of your job?

It has to be the kids. Working with them—all of them, from four-yearolds to eighth graders. That brings me happiness every day. I love Independence. I’ve been here almost half my life. It’s like a second home to me.

Are there educational opportunities you have as a PE teacher that other teachers might envy?

Physical education is especially good at teaching socialization and teamwork. There are so many chances to practice working together, and doing that well is a life skill that will be essential for all of our students through the years.

What makes you most proud of the athletics program at Independence?

I love the fact that our students are not required to play a sport, yet so many do. Something like 90 percent of our middle schoolers play by choice. So many memories come out of that experience and such important personal strengths are developed. Our student-athletes leave us ready for high school. My goal is to make fitness a lifelong skill, and to do that I try to introduce exercise in a way that’s fun so that they will always want to be active. That means creating activities that are enjoyable for kids with a range of abilities and sometimes finding less competitive ways to practice skills.

How did you end up playing such an important role in the Character Development Program?

I had always played an active role in the advisory program. A colleague and I had been talking about the importance of qualities like respect, responsibility, and maturity, and how to teach and reinforce those qualities. With the influence of professional development, this led us into revising the Advisory program into the Character Development Program to focus on these characteristics as well as leadership and teamwork.

How do you like to keep fit yourself?

In school, I played soccer and field hockey and also swam and ran. Running is my favorite and I still do it. In fact, I have just completed my first marathon!