In the Gym, Everybody Wins: Take Five with Lynn Terri

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Lynn Terri, a physical education teacher at Dr. Edward A. Bouchet International School! Mrs. Terri, who teaches students in pre-k through 3rd grade, is known for her warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to promoting both physical and mental health! Mrs. Terri wants her students to understand that physical activity isn’t only good for their bodies—it’s good for their minds, too! She sees her class as a space where children can come get their energy out, have fun, and leave in a better mindset.

Learn more about Mrs. Terri below!

What are your favorite activities to do in P.E.?

The parachute, of course! It's good physical activity, and it helps us bond together as a class because you can't do the parachute by yourself. You need to work together as a team! I also love to encourage students to just run and have fun. Exercise puts you in a good mood and you’re getting healthier—everybody wins. My job is a lot of fun. I always say: “I can't believe I'm getting paid to do the parachute today! I can’t believe I'm getting paid to teach kids how to shoot a basketball!” It's the best.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I am very empathetic and treat each student as an individual. If a student walks into the gym and they’re not having a good day, I always invite them to talk to me about it so we can work together to figure it out and make the rest of the day better. I always say that we all have a fresh clean slate when we come to the gym. We’re here to have fun and we can leave our problems at the door.

What are the top lessons you want to teach your students?

I was hired as a physical education teacher, but I always say that I’m a character education teacher too. I’m all about fitness, health, and nutrition, but my class goes far beyond those topics. I teach the whole child. We talk a lot about treating each other with respect and kindness, being inclusive, respecting each other’s personal space, treating the earth better by not littering, and loving other people for who they are. If your neighbor falls down, you don’t just keep walking, you help them up. To me, these things are just as important as physical education.

What is your biggest goal for the end of the year?

My biggest goal is helping my students look toward the future and make a plan for what they’re going to do to stay healthy over the summer, like making sure they’re getting good sleep, drinking enough water, and minimizing screen time!

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not teaching?

I love spending time with my awesome family and dog. I have four teenagers, so things are busy! I also love being in nature, spending time with people, and helping out neighbors.