Teacher of the Week: Wanzalla Jackson

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Physical activity is a pivotal part of leading a healthy lifestyle. To make for a healthy future, you have to plan for it.

At Winter Park Elementary School one teacher makes it his mission to motivate our youth to get off the couch and be active.

Wanzalla Jackson has more than two decades of experience as a physical education teacher. He says over his 22 years, his job has become increasingly more difficult.

“It can be a challenge to get the kids up and outside,” he said. “It is more challenging each and every year.”

With the constant lure to the computer, television, tablets, and cell phones, Jackson focuses on teaching his students there is more to the life than just a screen.

“They can do 1,001 things sitting in front of a computer. But we try to keep them moving,” Jackson said.

Jackson finds fun games to play with energetic music to accompany them. But as the summer inches closer and closer, he urges his students to keep up the good work during their break.

“I want them to pick something they really enjoy that keeps them moving, whether it be walking their dog or playing a sport. Anything that gets them moving,” said Jackson. “I just want them to realize how important it is to get up and move. It is all about moving, health, and activity.”