Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Mastrangelo, who is a Physical Education teacher that works at New Castle High School.  Recently, I had the opportunity to interview him during a break from his  schedule.

• Did you graduate in New Castle?

No, I didn’t graduate from New Castle.

• Where did you graduate?

I graduated from Laurel High School.

• Where did you go to college?

I went to Slippery Rock College.

• What did you like most about college?

I liked meeting a lot of people from different areas of the U.S. I have a lot of friends that are just spread out now.

• What do you like most about New Castle?

I like that people are proud to be from New Castle. It feels like family, and there are a lot of traditions.

• Why did you go into teaching a PE class?

I went into teaching a PE class because I have always liked sports and I played sports, it was fun. I enjoy the major.

• What do you like to teach the most in PE?

I get to have all the kids in the school at one point in another. I have been here for over 30 years (started at the age of 22). I coached three years of High School football. My family members were always involved in Education and I was taking two majors at once (education and business) and chose education because it is fun.

• What is your best quality as a PE teacher right now?

I have a positive attitude towards physical fitness and towards the students. I encourage them to try harder.

• Why are you so interested in being a PE teacher?

I enjoy exercise and sharing the knowledge with the students. It’s more important now than ever because they’re always on their phones.

• What task do you find most difficult being a PE teacher? Why?

The task I find most difficult in being a PE teacher is motivation because you can’t force them to do what you know they should do. It’s very frustrating because I’ve seen them become lazy. They would rather play games on their cell phones, rather than being on the actual floor.

• How do you ensure the safety and well-being of all students in a physical education class?

Structure. I make sure everything is structured as good as I can get it. Make sure everything is fun so everyone has a good time.

• Please explain the difference among physical education, physical activity, and exercise.

Physical education is having kids do physical and mental skills and interact with another. Physical Activity is any kind of movement (walking, running, etc). Any kind of movement is good. You don’t have to necessarily run to exercise. Exercise really includes everything. Exercise is basically working out.

• How has PE changed over the years?

It used to be (when I was first hired) fitness and games. Everything was highly competitive. Now, it seems like kids have lost the competitiveness.