Hedgcoxe Elementary School 2026

Renee Javornik

Hedgcoxe Elementary School - Elementary PE Teacher; Specials/AMPed Team Leader
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Elementary Physical Education is an opportunity to invest in the whole child and build a strong foundation for lifelong health and physical activity. I believe Physical Education plays an essential role in helping students develop confidence, leadership, cooperation, and respect for others. Through positive movement experiences, students learn valuable life skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and responsibility that extend beyond the gym.

As an elementary Physical Education teacher, my goal is to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where all students can experience success. I recognize that children come to class with a wide range of abilities, interests, and experiences. By providing developmentally appropriate activities and differentiated instruction, I strive to meet the needs of every learner while helping students develop fundamental motor skills and an understanding of fitness. I aim to keep students active, motivated, and excited about physical activity. My lessons include a variety of activities such as games, fitness challenges, dance, and cooperative tasks that allow students to explore different ways to move and stay active. By offering choices, encouraging goal setting, and celebrating individual progress, I help students build intrinsic motivation and a positive attitude toward physical activity that can last a lifetime.

I believe the gym should be a supportive and respectful space where students feel a sense of belonging and ownership. When students feel safe and valued, they are more willing to participate, take risks, and work together. Positive relationships, clear expectations, and open communication are essential to creating a learning environment where students can grow both physically and socially.

In addition to promoting health and wellness during the school day, I believe in encouraging healthy habits beyond the gym. I strive to involve families, staff, and the school community through activities such as walking and jogging clubs, school-wide events, assemblies, and parent newsletters. By reinforcing the importance of an active lifestyle, I hope to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to live healthy and active lives now and in the future.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

It is with great enthusiasm that we recommend Renee Javornik for Teacher of the Year. She is an exceptional educator who inspires everyone she encounters. Her passion, genuine care for others, and willingness to take ownership for the betterment of students clearly set her apart. These qualities not only make her an outstanding teacher of 15 years on our campus, but also a true leader within our school community.

Renee's dedication to supporting and enriching the educational experience at Hedgcoxe extends far beyond her role as the Physical Education teacher. She is a true pillar of our campus and community. As the team leader for the AMPed team, she plays an essential role in bringing multiple campus-wide events to life, including Field Day, Fine Arts Day, and after-school grade-level events. These experiences are thoughtfully planned, inclusive, and meaningful, creating memorable moments for students while strengthening our campus culture.

One of Renee's greatest strengths is her ability to make curriculum come alive. She routinely incorporates technology into her lessons and transforms physical endurance into engaging, joyful experiences through seasonal-themed activities such as running as bats or snowmen. During her health unit, she turns the gymnasium into a life-sized heart, where each level represents a different function, every vein holds a task, and every student actively participates in learning. This immersive approach ensures that all students not only understand the content but truly experience it. Her creativity and intentional planning bring learning to life in ways that leave a lasting impact.

Her influence as a community member is equally significant. Renee fosters meaningful connections and collaborations that enrich the entire school environment. She is an integral part of Hedgcoxe, driven by an altruistic and selfless desire to serve others. She has taken ownership in creating a space where teachers can thrive—transforming what was once a traditional room into a decorative, collaborative environment. The themes of this space continually evolve, reflecting staff input, ideas, and needs, while reinforcing a positive and supportive school culture. When students return to Hedgcoxe, they frequently speak highly of her, which is a powerful testament to the lasting relationships she builds and the impact she has on our community, campus, and district.

Renee's dedication to ensuring that every staff member and student has what they need to grow and succeed is truly outstanding. Her character and heart are consistently evident as she supports our struggling students. When students require additional support, she is hands-on and proactive, serving as a calming presence and trusted resource. She builds strong relationships with students, allowing her to guide them toward positive paths even on their most challenging days. She also supports and mentors’ new teammates, helping them understand and believe in Hedgcoxe's systems for success. As an active partner and collaborator, she plays a vital role in driving our campus systems and PBIS initiatives.

Renee Javornik exemplifies everything a Teacher of the Year should be. Her leadership, compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to students and staff make her an exceptional educator and community leader. I am honored to recommend her and fully support her consideration for Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Kristi Graham
Principal
Hedgcoxe Elementary School