“For the past ten years, I have been a physical education teacher in the Denver area working with students in grades K-8. As an elementary school P.E. teacher, I work with students who have vastly different athletic abilities. I am constantly looking for new ways to get students involved in activities or sports where they can all find success in their own way. A few years ago, I started working with the National Archery in Schools Program to become an archery instructor. When I started teaching archery to my students, I was surprised by the interest level they had in the sport. All the kids, no matter their physical prowess, were excited to pick up the bow and shoot an arrow at a target. I use a lot of creativity during my lessons. I love getting props and finding new ways for the students to engage. It makes the class a ton of fun and provides the students with a memorable experience and new skills to practice outside of school. The course is designed to promote a positive team atmosphere, where students can celebrate each other’s accomplishments and company. The success of teaching archery at my school is what inspired me to join fellow physical educators in creating the Colorado Archery Academy.”

Zach Hodges- Denver Public Schools Teacher