Mrs. Fencl - TOP NOTCH TEACHER

COON VALLEY, Wis. (WKBT) -- Local physical education teachers can lay the groundwork for years of healthy lifestyle habits.

In the Westby school district, one P.E. teacher is going the extra mile to inspire physical and social health for students of all abilities.

There's no shortage of smiles in Stephanie Fencl's classroom.

Fencl is in her fourth year teaching unified physical education for grades 6-10 in the Westby area.

"It's made up of students with disabilities learning right alongside their peers without disabilities," Fencl said.

The idea is to build a supportive environment so kids of all abilities can learn fun ways to stay active, whether it's jumping rope, or throwing a frisbee.

"This is the product of a lot of staff, administration, and these incredible students we have being able to make this class a success," she said.

But it's not just physical education that Fencl focuses on.

Fencl, "We also want kids to know the value of relationships and friendship, which is part of this class. We take time to get to know each other, to learn and laugh together."

And it works. Colleagues who see the class for the first time are blown away.

"Mrs. Fencl deserves this award more than anyone because of her dedication to students," said Becky Molledahl, Coon Valley Elementary Principal.

Fencl's student teacher Anna Caswell says she's got the ultimate mentor in Fencl.

"I just see myself being a teacher just like her, just how she runs her classroom, her structure," said Caswell. "The biggest part is just how much the students love her. Every time they come to class, they're so excited to see her, and I want to be that for students."

An inspiring presence for students and coworkers alike. But for Fencl, she's the one being inspired, every day.

Said Fencl, "Our kids are so much fun to work with. Everybody shows so much kindness and empathy and care for one another. I'm the lucky one because I get to be part of it with them."