(Update: Don passed way peacefully on June 6th, 2018. Please see the personal comments many people have already added below this essay. If you knew Don, listened to him present, or used his materials and ideas, you are invited to share your own thoughts. His innovative thinking, passion, and friendship will be missed.)
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Many people know Don Hellison a heck of a lot better than me. But over the years our paths did cross a few times. And so, when I recently heard that Don, now aged 79, had suffered a stroke with some serious complications it got me thinking about him and the way he changed how physical education is taught today.
If you’ve been in the profession a while and taken your teaching seriously, the ‘Hellison’ name is already familiar to you. If you’re relatively new and graduated from a decent professional preparation program, while you may not recognize Don’s name you were almost certainly introduced to the idea that physical education can be an effective way to teach kids social skills and personal responsibility.
Don brought this thinking to the physical education world not by way of isolated ivory-towered theorizing, but through some tough real-world personal experience. Early in his career Don sought out the hardest inner-city teaching situations and toughest kids: Places and people that most of us would run from, not to. He dove in and together with his student-majors and graduate students tried to figure out how to improve these kids’ lives.
As you can imagine it wasn’t easy. A lot of trial and error. A lot of failures and disappointments. But throughout, Don didn’t give up. He was determined to come up with physical education teaching strategies that worked. For many kids in these harsh settings he recognized that kicking or volleying a ball correctly just wasn’t that important. He understood that these kids needed to learn how to get along with one another before worrying about skills and fitness. And so evolved his ideas on teaching personal and social responsibility.
My first contact with Don was in the late 1980s when I worked for Human Kinetics and was assigned as developmental editor for his book, Goals and strategies for teaching physical education. I’d never met Don and until then wasn’t familiar with his work, but over several months we exchanged marked-up versions of his draft document. His ideas were refreshing and innovative. They contrasted significantly with the thinking that physical education teaching was all about learning motor skills, improving physical fitness, or as a way to improve reading, writing, and arithmetic.
It wasn’t so much that traditional thinking was wrong, but rather that before getting students to do any of these things you first had to get them to listen and cooperate. Absent a willingness to learn, everything else was irrelevant. Don’s book remains a great read for a professional library. It’s also one that I’ll treasure because I took all the photos, managing to slip in several of my own young kids!
Our paths crossed next when as a new university professor I started creating instructional video tapes. At an AAHPERD National Convention I scheduled interviews with many of the day’s leading professional figures. Don was clearly one of them. I had my camera ready in my hotel room and one-by-one sat these luminaries down to answer my questions about the status and future of physical education.
I remember meeting Don in the hotel lobby and learned that he just been chatting with former students at a local bar. He was in good spirits and ready to talk. The filmed interview contains some great insights (see below for excerpt) but the thing I remember most was when I asked Don about problems facing the future of the profession and what he saw as the purpose of physical education.
He said many things but in midsentence suddenly switched to a story. He told me he’d just been talking to one of his former students who was having a hard time working with a more experienced colleague. This new teacher told Don that his colleague insisted on all students taking showers and that monitoring showering was creating a huge amount of teacher-student conflict. Don looked intently at me and said that if teachers believe forcing students to take showers is their main purpose, “that’s why physical education has problems.”
I’ve never forgotten this thought and it repeatedly comes to mind when I see physical educators worrying about students wearing the correct uniforms or proper gym shoes. For Don, the well-being of kids has always been more important than rules and regulations. I’m guessing that’s how when faced with a particularly tough class of students, he (at least once!) got away with switching the playing rules of a volleyball game to those of strip poker: Lose a point and a clothing item had to be peeled off. He reported that he instantly saw a change in the attitude and effort of the players!
Years later, Don accepted my invitation to come to the university where I was teaching to lead a workshop for our teaching majors. As he usually did, he managed to connect with former colleagues along the way and persuade one of them to drive him over the mountains to spent a couple of days sharing his unique ideas. Watching him, what was remarkable was Don’s ability to connect personally with others. There were no airs or graces or any expectation to be recognized as someone special – which he certainly was. Despite his many books and publications and countless awards, Don had a special gift of making others feel important. He listened patiently to the questions of my novice teachers and challenged their thinking. I’m pretty sure that over the years all who’ve participated in one of Don’s presentations left feeling inspired to be better teachers.
Click image to listen to an excerpt from Don’s interview in the PE Today & Tomorrow series
I’m sorry that today Don’s health isn’t so good but glad to know that he is being well cared for by his wife Judy. If you aren’t already familiar with his ideas I strongly recommend you look up one or more of Don Hellison’s books. If you teach, you will at times face challenging situations and students. You will be tempted to give up on them. But that’s not Don’s way. He saw value in everyone and would want you to do the same. Not all of your students are destined to be highly skilled or physically fit, but all of them need to learn good social skills to become responsible citizens in society. If you do this I’m sure Don will be proud of you.
Thanks Don for all that you have contributed to our profession and congratulations on a career and life truly well lived.
Steve Jefferies
(If you have experiences with Don or his teaching you would like to share please write in the comment section below this essay. I’m sure he would love to hear from you. Thanks.)
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We teach the Hellison model in our classes at Abilene Middle School. I’ve never met Don but want to thank him for showing us the way to teach our students personal and social responsibility. If ever s time that our youth need to learn these things it is now. His teachings are timeless. Thanks Don for making the PE world a better place. God speed on your recovery.
Don – you have been an inspiration for more than one generation of educators. You changed the way we looked at behaviors; especially incorporating your models in Project Adventure plus all curriculum. NYS AHPERD is proud to have had you join us numerous times and your name, your model, your concept is mentioned constantly from professionals in the field as well as pre-service educators working on their preparation for the classroom. I remember fondly our time together at numerous conferences. You continue to have an enormous effect on how we deliver curriculum and assessment to our students throughout the world. Thinking of you with our most positive thoughts! Love from NYS AHPERD!!!
Don changed my teaching forever. I heard him speak at a conference in LaCrosse, WI in the mid ’90s and have been using his model for over 20 years, tweaking it to fit my elementary students. It is our culture, where students show respect, challenge themselves and think of others. I wonder how many student have been affected by Don’s work? He has made a big ripple in the PE community!
I had the honor of meeting Don at our National Convention and spoke with him on promoting Life time activities to young students. His ideas have strongly impacted me. Now, over the last 20 plus years my company SkatingAmerica.com promotes Lifetime activity in schools, camps parks and military bases worldwide. I also own Crystal Diving, and we teach scuba from Open Water to Instructor Level. I have had the honor of placing our students in jobs in 42 countries in the world and we still am doing it stronger then ever today. I am a former Southwest teacher of the Year, and Don has truly touch my philosophy on how I run my companies, and how I taught in the pubic schools. Thank you for all you do, it’s so appreciated! With much respect
Don Hellison is, and has been, one of the giants in our field. His strong stand in favor of “kid orientation,” thinking of the student first, is something that we should all emphasize in everything we do. Don is our strongest advocate for humanistic physical education. He is also a critic of current programs and justifiably so. New and seasoned physical educators can benefit from reading his books and accepting the challenge to change the face of physical education by daring to make change even thought it is often hard to do.
Professor Hellison has had more impact than any “impact factor” or “h-index” could ever capture! We owe Professor Hellison a lot for kepeing us honest, grounded in the realities of what happens with and to the increasing number of children and youth, who hail from in especially urban, economically disadvantaged settings.
And, if you want to learn about how to be a scholar in our little community who spent time in the trenches with teachers and students follow in his footsteps!!
We love you Don!!!
Don has been very inspiration for myself, I continue to ask myself Don’s guiding questions of What’s worth doing? What’s possible? and Is it working? There is more to gym the playing games and Don has paved the way to quality health and physical education around the globe. I want to send my best wishes to Don and his wife Judy during this time.
Don’s approach to developing relationships with youth not only influenced my doctoral studies, dissertation project, and first 7 years of my professional engagement as a scholar, it also gave me a new lens through with to see and understand people’s behavior. His gentle and compassionate approach to sport leadership and urban education has made a lasting impression on the field, and on me. For that, I thank him sincerely.
Don was my mentor as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the late 80s/early 90s. When I came out to visit him from England prior to applying to the program, I accompanied him on a humid August afternoon as he taught a volleyball class as part of his after school program in a community center on Chicago’s west side. After the class ended, as was often the case with Don, we adjourned to a local bar to debrief the session! During our conversation, he asked me whether I had changed any kids’ lives during my 6 years of teaching in the UK. I wasn’t expecting such a question but it has stuck with me ever since.
As a doctoral student, I had a wonderful 5 years of experience with Don (and not just in bars!). He transformed my view of physical education teaching by always raising two questions: “What’s worth doing?” and “Is it working?” And, as we all know, for the past 40+ years, he has been a beacon for humanistic physical education (a title of one of his early books, I believe) around the world.
I have told the longer version of this story countless times, as I believe it was a pivotal point in my life path.
I transferred to the University of Illinois-Chicago in Fall 2002 as a senior, to complete my bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology, with end goal of graduating on to a physical therapy school. That first semester I took the Intro to Kinesiology Professions course and Don was one of our speakers. He included video footage of his program Urban Youth Leader in action, and I was immediately intrigued by the work he was leading with middle school students in socioeconomically depressed Chicago neighborhoods. (Even as I write that line it doesn’t come close to minimally describing the impact of that team’s efforts or Don’s collective work on students and schools.) I reached out to him to learn more and that developed into Don awarding me an assistantship following graduation, where I entered the master’s of education program focused on instructional leadership. For two years I worked in the Urban Youth Leader program.
My path from there evolved from community center program management, to community school program management, to non-profit organization director. Those experiences immersed me in school environments and introduced me to advocates and allies for equality in quality public education. As I transitioned on to CPS as a hiring manager those experiences helped me identify best-fit talent for struggling schools.
As we continue to consider the compound effect of those experiences, I then went on to co-found an education tech startup company centered on identifying the highest quality educators then enabling schools to put the best teachers in front of all students. Today I help design systems to manage a variety of school district process needs including recruitment, hiring, and professional development.
I say all of this to let you, Don, truly understand the impact of you coming into that classroom to share your passion. Thank you. I appreciate you and am sending you positive energies.
Love,
Krystal
Don has been a huge inspiration to me both professionally and personally. I worked with him in publishing his book “Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility through Physical Activity.” But, well beyond our work together, he is a friend. I learned so much from our long talks about giving students the opportunity to become accountable. That you didn’t make students accountable. You guided them. You provided them opportunities. You mentored them. Don is one of those rare folks who is both tough and compassionate. I am sending as many positive waves as I can to you, Don. Get better my friend! –scott
My first experience with Don was meeting him at the AAHPERD Conference in San Diego a few years ago. I had just begun teaching a course I had created for our Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies department in the College of Education here at the University of Arizona and I was interested in getting his thoughts about the direction I was taking with the class. Even though Don didn’t know me from Adam, he took the time to share his thoughts and to help me feel better about my initial foray into teaching this class on Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility. Don mentioned that sometimes you have to take the perspective of “ready, fire, aim” and just get the ball rolling, making sure to reflect on what you’re able to accomplish and making the necessary changes as you go along. His guidance that day and his willingness to treat me as his colleague made a huge impression and I try to “pay his kindness forward” whenever I can.
Though I only met you that one day in San Diego, I feel like I made a friend for life.
Get well soon Don.
What a great man. He completely changed my teaching and I am so blessed for having his influence on my life. Thanks for everything, Don.
I especially liked his response to someone asking about having research support for his ideas – “if it works for you, it works”.
Don was my motivator for pursuing my Ph.D. in the US. When I was a PE teacher in Seoul, Korea in the 90s, I came across Don’s holistic approach to teaching PE placing emphasis on the affective domain of learning. I was absolutely fascinated with the ideas so that I conducted action research in my middle school physical education classes using the approach. The study was evolved into my Master thesis and Don’s book titled “Goals and Strategies for Teaching PE” became my treasure. Although I did not study under him for my doctoral degree, his theory and practice have been my beacon mound for my teaching, parenting, and life living. Don, you are always in my heart! Stay strong.-Jin
I, like many of us have never had the pleasure to meet Don personally. Yet, I like many of us have met him through his work! His “kid-first” philosophy helped my teaching put my students in a better position to learn in my classes. I hope I’ve helped them learn to use each other to help them learn and to enjoy learning.
Keeping Don in my prayers. What an inspiration. I used his methods for classroom management my last several years of teaching. Wish I knew about them sooner. What a pioneer in Physical Education. Thank you Don. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Hi, Don. I hope you are feeling and doing better.
As you know, I’ve admired your work since we first met at Ohio State in 1975, and I’ve done my best to ‘behavioralize’ it while incorporating it into both my classes and research.
Believe it or not, I’ve actually required my students to buy your books! I truly miss our 30+ years of friendly bantering about educational philosophy, humanism vs. behaviorism, and research at national and other conferences.
BEHAVE!
Thom
I first met Don at a Curriculum Theory Conference in Athens Georgia, late ’80’s, where we were two of about 10 males attending a conference of around 100 professionals. At the same time, Don and I were “competing” for a job–he got it! Later at a national conference presentation, Don sat front and center snickering at an unfortunate acronym I had adopted for a study of Physical Education Methods Teacher Educators. Through all of these and other personal contacts, Don has always been one of the warmest, most supportive and engaging colleagues and friends in my professional career–the human side of the international impact of a man and his work.
I’m looking forward to hearing more of your speedy recovery.
Murray.
Don, Your work has been an inspiration to me and our many undergraduate students majoring in physical education. Around 1990 you made a trip to Cortland to present your ideas. The chance to talk with you was a professional highlight for me. Thank you for your pioneering work humanizing our field of physical education and keeping the focus on our students.
Diane, Don did an amazing job for us. Many teachers impacted in our “Celebrating Human Diversity” workshop! Don also presented in Alaska in ’93. Same significant impact! One quote of his that I citation a lot “Our role with the empowerment of students is to become “eminently superfluous” in their lives…in the background supporting them❤️ Love you, Don!
I had the privilege of being a student of Don’s at Portland State University. He had a way of connecting with his students, and his class was one that you didn’t want to miss…even if you were sick. As part of the curriculum for his class we all had to volunteer hours at the local school he worked at for high risk kids. We got the opportunity to see first hand how the Hellison’s model of social responsibility worked.We loved hearing his stories, we soaked up his teaching ideals, and to this day I still incorporate what he taught us in my own PE classes. I would like to tell Don, if I could I would raise my glass at the “Cheerful Tortoise” once again in honor of him! This was a place his students would meet with him to just talk life, teaching, etc. You are one in a million. Get well
Thanks for this article Steve, it’s a great tribute to a giant of a man and actually reminded me of when I met Don. Before reading this article, and the comments below, I thought that my interaction (singular) with Don was special and because of the warmth and depth of his responses to my questions he would certainly recall our short time together. But now I kind of doubt it. The fact that one person after another has recounted similar experiences is a testament to who the father of TPSR is. Don has clearly spent a lifetime of giving of himself completely to not simply his work but his life and the moments therein, being present before mindfulness was the new hot thing! I thank you for that inspiration Don and hope that these words find you well and growing stronger each day. My very best,
John Strong
About thirty or forty years ago while attending a national convention I had the good fortune and the privilege of stumbling into a discussion between Don and a group made up of fellow professionals and students. The topics of that discussion ranged from philosophical through practical thoughts concerning life and teaching. I left that non meeting/ meeting with a renewed enthusiasm for teaching and especially for teaching physical education. Over the years and through many conventions I searched out Don and his non meeting/meetings and I was usually fortunate enough to locate him and his ever changing group of students and others who were interested in all that he had to offer. Many of those ideas and thoughts that were shared in those sessions were taken back to my students and colleagues. We never had the opportunity to have Don physically visit the campus of Canisius College, however his spirit and ideas permeated the classes that I taught. I thank you for welcoming me and allowing me to be a part of those non meeting/meetings and for sharing your thoughts on teaching. Sorry to hear about your recent set back and I wish you well in your recovery.
Jim Sylvis
In the spring of 1985, as a first year professor, I attended the Centennial AAHPERD Convention in Atlanta and went to the presentation, “Behaviorism vs Humanism” by Daryl Siedentop and Don Hellison. To be quite honest, I was excited to listen to Siedentop’s thoughts on behaviorism. Up to that point, his text, “Developing Teaching Skills in Physical Education” had strongly influenced the behavior management strategies I incorporated into my own teaching. I knew very little about the other speaker. Little did I know how quickly that would change! I was so impressed with what Don Hellison had to say during the talk that I immediately walked out of the presentation and went straight into the exhibits areas and bought his book “Goals and Strategies for Teaching Physical Education”. I read most of the book on the flight home. The information in his book really challenged me to reexamine my philosophy of behavior management which to that point was heavily based in operant conditioning. I was also struck by that fact that Don had this unique way of writing that although theory driven was very practical and personal. Over the next few years, we corresponded back and forth as I shared how I was training my university students to use the TPSR framework with children with disabilities. He was always very positive, giving me some great feedback, but would make sure to always end with, “I wish you weren’t so “B Mod”! Ha! In the early 1990s, I invited him to be a key note speaker at our National APE conference and I was struck by how down to earth and genuine he was with audience members who talked with him after his presentation and throughout the conference. He was really good at connecting with each person he spoke with. Over the years, I have enjoyed our conversations on behavior management and teaching in general. Some of them in a pub, usually Irish, like the “Field” in San Diego. Obviously Don has had a big impact on the profession and certainly influenced my writing and thinking. Don, wish you a strong recovery. Your “B Mod” friend.
Don has been a significant mentor for me throughout my life as a teacher and currently as the person who runs a daytime drop-in center in Corvallis, Oregon. Don knows intuitively that every person has value and has the potential to become their best self.
Aleita, I don’t know if you remember me or not but I used to live in Portland, Health educator at PCC for many years. Back in 1981 Liz Nixon introduced me to Don Hellison and Don and I dated for about 4 years. Then He went back to Chicago and I moved back to Ohio. About 8 years ago I got in touch with Don again and in September of 2015 Don and I got married. We re now living in Canton Ohio. Don is not well however, he had a stroke last fall and is still feeling some of the effects. But after 30 some years we are together and happy. I have lost touch with Liz but still hear from Jan Kolden occasionally. Good to hear from you.
Judy
Good afternoon Judy. I was a student of Dr. Hellison back at PSU in the early 70’s. He not only was a favorite professor of mine but also my advisor. Little did he know how he influenced me and my objectives throughout my adult life. I know his health is not the best but if possible let him know that I look back on though years with fondness and positive memories. He did a great job. Dave Kemper (dk.kemperklan@gmail.com)
Well said, Aleita. Paul
Though, only getting to read about him for the first time just recently. I’ve taken to the consensus position that he has made landmark contributions to my darling profession – Physical Education. Wishing quick recovery. Please if somebody on this platform has any of his writings, kindly shaped me.
Though, only getting to read about him for the first time just recently. I’ve taken to the consensus position that he has made landmark contributions to my darling profession – Physical Education. Wishing him quick recovery. Please if somebody on this platform has any of his writings, kindly share me.
I was lucky enough to have already read and used your inspiring work prior to attending your workshop in Tralee at the PE conference. You embody a youth-centred approach to teaching. When setting up the new PE degree at UCC in 2006, your philosophical approach to PE shaped our curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. We encourage our 400 graduates [and current students] to augment and sustain this approach when educating children across the world. It is a privilege to have met you and to use your innovative and groundbreaking work. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don & I were in the same fraternity in college & was one of my favorite pledges. We had many interesting conversations after meals when he would bring me any fraternity announcements while I was washing dishes. I am very proud of his many accomplishments & still consider Don one of my best friends.
Hey Don, Glad to hear you’re situation is improving. I’m hoping for the best. I have so many good memories of talking about teaching over a beer. I’m sure our days of these discussions are not over and I look forward to our next meeting. Best regards, my friend.
John
Don – Has been an inspiration to all of us – keeping us honest about what’s important and how we can actually teach what’s important – Have used his work expensively and have soooo enjoyed working with him . Here’s hoping you continue to get better Don.
I have been fortunate to know Don since the early 70’s when I was still teaching middle school physical education in Kirkland Washington. When I finished my PhD and moved into teacher education, Don’s work formed one of the areas that framed my teaching and that of my students. Don, you are a scholar, mentor, teacher, and friend who I value more than you know. You are an inspiration in many parts of the world and I love hearing your name used in Irish physical education. Much love to you.
HI Don! I am not sure a day doesn’t go by where I am not at Cortland applying one or more of your teaching methods, behavioral strategies, or more importantly life lessons. I often say your name and reflect on the many discussions you shared during your visit to Chico State when I was a grad student. Ahhhh yes – you taught me (and many others) the importance of to “poculate” as a professional. A skill I enjoy to this day! You also reminded us to always travel light for the best moments in life aren’t captured in a book bag or on a computer! My heart felt thank you for your many kind words and support through the years. More importantly, the simple smile, waive or head nod of acknowledgement as we often passed each other at conventions or between sessions – – yes sir, you simply made my day. Thank you dear friend – be well and know that you will always be loved. Best Tim
Don, My Dear Friend and Mentor,
You believed, taught, and teach us all about the importance and the impact that a community can have and make. As I learned many years ago, it takes a community to raise not only a child but is takes a community to raise hopes, dreams, strength and courage. Don knows all of these things and shared that with us all. Don, we lift you in prayer and pray both your strength and Judy’s through these challenging but loving times.😊❤️🙏🏾You are one of the many silent heros. Be well and remain encouraged as you have always inspired me to do.
Thank you and all the best.
Angela
Don–I loved teaching and talking with my students about teaching for social responsibility. It helped everything else make sense. Thanks for being such a great mentor to so many. Thanks for helping many of us head in kid centered direction. You’re the best!
Dolly
You contributions to our profession is AMAZING…. a lot of growth for me. Thank you!!
Without Don as a teacher, mentor and for his pain my masters thesis Chair I would not be where I am today. The two years as his teaching assistant at UIC set me up for what came after. Beers at Little Joe’s and countless stories, energy and enthusiasm for children, youth and well…the betterment of society. A big man with a big heart, big ideas and a big impact on me and many other graduate students who came through UIC. Legend.
Clearly Don has been quite an inspiration and honestly a rock for many of us who support and see the need for his vision in our world. Don you truly are not only a legend but a true genius of our era. I am beyond thankful for having the opportunity to work so closely with you as my mentor as well as with my collegues from my time as a graduate student. I have learned so much that has helped me not only in my profession currently, but in life in general. From raising my own daughter in a manner that I wish I had been raised to being open to the differences that I see in others around me with (hopefully) a humanistic perspective so as to allow everyone I meet or work closely with to be able to feel valued and heard. Thank you for this perspective Don and showing me this way of being! I might still have the bruises from the rough lessons you have taught me, but I am honestly greatful for each one of them. My heart is hurting with you and Judy and I pray for you both as well as the entire TPSR community. We are with you Don! We always are and always will be! Much love.
While I was at Portland State University, I participated in a teaching/learning experience at Open Meadow Alternative School. Don, I don’t think you realized how terrified I was. Or maybe you did and that was the point. Loved Combatives. Where else do you get to slug it out with your teacher? Get strong. Peace.
Dear Don,
I hope you remember me. You were my main advisor in my master s thesis in 1989, also the motivator of my way of teaching PE for 20 years! Now I coach the national team of basketball in Greece but social responsibility model affected my teaching and leading attitude. Thank you I met you !!! in 2010 I ve been in Chicago I tried to reach you but did not make it… I always think of you. Quick recovery!!
Don has made a magnificent contribution to Physical Education that goes well beyond the shores of his homeland. His influence has been felt in many overseas countries including Australia and New Zealand.
My first experience of Don, in the flesh, was when I attended the ACHPER Pre-Olympic Congress in Brisbane in 2000. Don was a Key Note speaker and drew a large audience. He spent the first 5 minutes of his Key Note address apologising to the audience before beginning to drop pearls of wisdom that have remained with me to this day.
My next interaction with Don occurred at the ACHPER International Conference in Wollongong, Australia where Prof Dave Walsh introduced me to Don. Through this introduction I was lucky enough to spend some time with Don in a local ‘watering hole’ (Returned Services League Club with bar) and really begin to get to grips with TPSR and what Don was really on about. It was in this type of relaxed environment where Don excelled and where I am reliably informed that much of his students did their best work.
I next saw Don in his homeland in 2016 at the TPSR Conference in Boston where although not well he was was so pleased to be amongst fellow professionals with a passion to make a difference to children’s and young people’s lives.
Thank you Don for your thoughtful approach to the teaching and leaning of Physical Education. You are one of the legends of our profession and have left a lasting legacy for us. Vale Don Hellison.
Don,
From the first moment that you encourage in Dr. Tom Ratliffe’s class at FSU I knew that you were someone special. You had an uncanny ability to see things, qualities, in others that they did not yet see in themselves, but yet you ignited a spark to ensure that they would go on.
Don, you were always a pioneer and I am blessed to have been able to call you a colleague, mentor, and friend. You will be dearly missed by all who know you and have been touched by your teachings. Teaching for Personal and Social Responsibility left more than a treasure in the profession, it has left your legacy on us all.
I heard today that Don Hellison has recently passed away. Don was a pioneer in Physical Education in regards to developing social-emotional skills of students. His “Teaching Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity” model was something that dramatically changed the way I teach. I remember learning his “Levels of Behavior” for the first time at a presentation he gave over 25 years ago. I went back to school the next day and started implementing his ideas right away. It changed everything. I truly appreciate the times I got to speak with Don at conferences and through emails. He was always willing to talk about teaching and learning. Our profession has been blessed to have Don as part of it and I know there are thousands of PE teachers who have benefitted from his ideas. Best wishes to his family and friends. May he rest in peace knowing that he has truly had an impact on our profession.
During ones professional career there are a few pioneers that make us all better teachers & people- Don was one of these people. I found teaching his philosophy was so foreign to students that it was excellent to try to get them to think differently & get out of the mold- I think Don would have liked that. Very much enjoyed meeting Don & attending presentations & workshops where I learned much!! A life well lived and shared with so many!! Thank you Don😊