Each year, the Chilliwack Progress teams up with Brad Geary’s English 10 Honours class at Sardis secondary school, inviting students to write sports articles.
The best of the best get published in the pages of the Progress sports section. Today’s is the second of four articles, detailing the accomplished career of Chilliwack middle school teacher Bev Hutton.
Carmen Taylor
Sardis secondary school
This June, PE teacher Beverly Hutton will be finishing her 33rd year of teaching and coaching sports in School District 33.
When Beverly Hutton was 10-years-old, she said goodbye to the windy plains of Saskatchewan and moved to the lush coastal mountains of British Columbia.
While growing up in Chilliwack, she wasn’t quite sure what career path she was going to take. The turning point was the summer of Grade 9 when she cinched a summer job as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the local Rotary Pool.
She had always had an active lifestyle and was involved in sports during her time as a student; she was a proud member of the volleyball and track and field teams at Chilliwack secondary school. When she started her new job at the pool, she realized the potential of becoming a teacher and coach. During high school, she was also greatly inspired by former PE instructor Mrs. Hayes, who talked about how rewarding it could be.
After graduating with her bachelor of education, Hutton taught at several local elementary schools, including Cultus Lake and Strathcona. She eventually settled into a position at Chilliwack middle school which has lasted for 29 years.
Over the course of her career, her highlight of teaching in the PE department is the aspect of interactive learning; during physical education the student’s level of communication and involvement is higher as compared to a regular classroom.
Despite popular belief, PE is a critical requirement for success in academic subjects. The level of activity experienced during exercise is known to improve brain activity, and proves to be beneficial during other classes.
Other than the interaction with students, Hutton enjoys coaching sports teams at CMS.
With her background in volleyball and track and field, she is able to effectively coach both sports and has received recognition for her effort.
According to Hutton, “it’s all about the group of kids you have.”
Some years have been more successful than others due to the level of teamwork and dedication. However, every year has proven to be both significant and enjoyable as Hutton always seems to learn something new from each team.
This dedication is often seen in the community, since she sets aside some of her free time to be actively involved. Her daily routine includes working out at her local gym, and practicing both golf and curling.
Hutton says seeing the students she has taught during her 33 years of teaching participate and be active members in the community is one of her favourite elements of the job.
In addition, she says that over the span of her career, she has come across many promising and dedicated athletes within the community.
Hutton has made many plans for the future.
Three of her goals are to travel, advance her personal fitness and continue to be involved with others in the community. Hutton will always have fond memories of her 33 years working in the Chilliwack School District.
