From the Sidelines to the Gym: Jenna Kaufman Shows Up for Students On and Off the Court
As a student, you don’t expect to see your teacher outside of school. But at Jones Lane Elementary School, physical education teacher Jenna Kaufman is changing that expectation.
On weekends, Kaufman can often be found on the sidelines of local fields and courts, cheering on her students as they play basketball, baseball and soccer. What started as simple conversations in class about weekend plans quickly turned into something more meaningful.
“I often ask students what their weekend plans are, and some have told me about the sports they play,” Kaufman said. “I had the idea to go watch them to show support. I want them to know I care about them and their interests.”
This year, she has attended several student games, with plans to catch even more this spring. For her students, especially the younger ones, seeing their teacher show up in their world outside of school is both surprising and unforgettable.
“We loved having Ms. Kaufman at our basketball game,” said a group of kindergarten students after she attended their game.
“This impact is huge for the girls,” said one parent. “Ms. Kaufman doesn’t have to spend her weekends with our kids, so the fact that she came shows them that she truly cares about them. That means a lot as a parent.”
That commitment to connection carries into everything Kaufman does at Jones Lane, where she is in her fourth year teaching physical education. A lifelong athlete, she was inspired to become a PE teacher by the positive impact sports and an active lifestyle had on her own life.
“I learned a lot from playing sports and living an active lifestyle, so I knew I wanted to teach kids that, so they can learn how to live healthy lives too,” she said.
In the gym, Kaufman creates a space where every student feels welcome, supported and excited to participate. Her lessons are intentionally designed to be engaging and inclusive, often incorporating upbeat music, from K-Pop Demon Hunters to I Like To Move It Move It, and opportunities for students to connect movement with fun.
“I try to lead my teaching with empathy,” she said. “I want all students to feel welcome and comfortable in my classroom space, and look forward to coming to P.E. each week.”
Principal Ron Morris says that approach is what makes Kaufman stand out.
“Ms. Kaufman ensures that every PE lesson is engaging, creating a positive, inclusive, and fun environment,” Morris said. “She is intentional about highlighting diverse cultures in her lessons, helping students appreciate the meaningful contributions different cultures have made to various sports. Her classes are filled with energy—always incorporating music—which keeps students smiling, active and excited to learn.”
Beyond the gym and the sidelines, Kaufman also helps lead community-building efforts like National Walk to School Day, encouraging students and families to stay active together.
Whether she’s leading a lesson, playing music that gets students moving or cheering from the stands, Kaufman’s impact is rooted in one simple idea: showing up.