Jeff Van Arsdale
Jeff Van Arsdale knew at a very young age that he wanted the connections that his family members, who were teachers, built with their students and their teams. He wanted to be that role model. Therefore, he attended Capital University, Columbus State Community College, and Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Leisure Studies: Physical Education.
Jeff taught K-8 PE while coaching at a high school in Ohio. In 2010, he moved to Tucson to teach K-5 PE but moved on to Empire High School a year later to teach Health and PE. In his seven years at Empire, he has enjoyed teaching Adventure Education, Education Professions, Health and Wellness, Student Wellness Advocacy and Policy, Team Sports, and Weight Training. Clearly, the Empire Health and Physical Education department, under Jeff’s leadership, has diversified well beyond the standard. Jeff is an ardent believer that lifelong practices of health and wellness for ALL students are of utmost importance.
Jeff has coached boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, and track and field, but his passion at Empire is SWAT – his Student Wellness Advocacy Team. SWAT is a student led, project based club with seven unique communities that focus on various areas of wellness including: nutrition, physical activity, anti-tobacco, anti-violence, mental health, school culture, and alcohol and drug awareness. Recently, Jeff’s students met with anti-tobacco specialists and developed a presentation for the mayor and city council on raising the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and vape products from 18 to 21 in Tucson. Students are advocating for their health by working to eliminate tobacco and vaping products from their campus!
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