SuperCyclist Teacher Training Held April 5 at Houston’s Barnett Sports Complex

Jose Santiago, Manager of the Elementary Health/PE Curriculum Department for Houston ISD (HISD) played host for the Texas SuperCyclist Teacher Certification Training held on April 5, 2008.

The threat of rain was no problem since the training was held at HISD’s Barnett Sports Complex. The beautiful facility was perfect for the training and Texas SuperCyclist instructor Dan Raine put forth his deep knowledge and subtle sense of humor to bring the bike safety material to life for the teachers.

Nine enthusiastic teachers attended the Saturday training. Pictured left to right are Lonnie Reynolds of Dogan Elementary (EL,) Marshal Lyons of Whidby EL, Richard Lee of De Chaumes EL, Gerome Wintz of Gray EL, Stacey Buonarosa of Tomball EL, Jason Lewis of Codwell EL, Richard Solis of Whittier EL, Everett Dickenson of Hartsfield EL and Instructor Dan Raine. (Roscoe Farmer of Tinsley EL had to leave right before the final group shot.)

The teachers learned how to teach the seven Texas bike laws using two different active games. During a SuperCyclist training, the teachers actually play some of the games outlined in the 15-unit SuperCyclist Curriculum to prepare them to go back to their schools and teach the game to their young students. They learn the Bike Hang Tag game, a relay type race which teaches the parts of a bike. By knowing the parts of a bike, a student is able to understand the Vehicle Inspection Checklist and is better prepared to check their bike daily for safety.

Each SuperCyclist training gives more teachers the tools they need to go forward and teach lifesaving bike safety skills to their students. The Texas SuperCyclist program is funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT.)