A special thank you to Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Corpus Christi District and Bill Strawn, TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist, for hosting the January 23, 2008 SuperCyclist teacher training. The training room was perfect for the PowerPoint lecture part of the training. The large screen, good sound system and comfortable seating was appreciated by all. In addition, the weather turned cold and the room was large enough we could pull back the tables and set up a Skills Course and play the games inside. The Skills Course is a safety course designed for children. They can use “virtual handlebars” as opposed to bikes when real bikes are not available.
The teachers came from all around the Corpus Christi area. Kristine Holloway, Annette Smith, Kara Wallace and Amy Seeds came from Flour Bluff ISD, Adolfo Silvas from Santa Gertrudis ISD, Tara Haney and Gabriel Fernandez from Seashore Middle Academy and Learning Center, Laura Salinas from Ramirez Elementary in Realitos, and Teresa Hampton from Aransas Pass ISD’s Kieberger Elementary.
TBC also wants to extend a special thank you to Kristine Holloway, who is an Adaptive PE teacher. Her enthusiasm for the SuperCyclist Curriculum is what helped spur the training. It was evident that she is a dedicated teacher, always looking to learn more for her students.
The training was enhanced by the participation of two Dept of Public Safety officers, Charlie Ramirez and Johnny Hernandez. Charlie and Johnny have been teaching bicycle safety for years. Their experience and input were invaluable.
Regina Garcia was the field instructor for the class. Regina’s skill as an instructor and her dedication to bicycle safety instruction always makes the class enjoyable. She was voted Bicycle Educator of the Year by the League of American Bicyclists in 2007.
Brenda Chuleewah coordinated the event and especially enjoys sharing the games with the teachers. She has worked with elementary students and has refined the games from those experiences.
The enthusiasm of these teachers and officers, the quality of the TXDOT facility, Bill Strawn’s assistance, Regina’s skillful instruction and Brenda’s games made for a successful training. The hope is for them to all go forward to share these life-saving lessons with the children of Corpus Christi.
