A Lafayette Parish PE teacher has been named a Movement Ambassador to promote physical activity for the Louisiana First Foundation.
Keyre’ Reed Bradford, a health and physical education teacher at Ridge Elementary School has been named a Movement Ambassador by the Louisiana First Foundation (LFF), the nonprofit organization created by First Lady Donna Hutto Edwards.
A Movement Ambassador works within Teach MAM (Music, Arts, Movement), one of the initiatives of the nonprofit to encourage schools to incorporate music, arts and physical education courses in their daily curriculum. Studies prove that all three help develop the whole child and lead to success both in the classroom and in life.
In addition to her role at Ridge Elementary, Bradford also serves as an adjunct kinesiology professor for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Bradford teaches and advocates the importance of being physically active and continuing physical movement at all levels and age groups.
With more than 20 years of experience, she strives to educate others on the importance of being physically fit.
As one of the 2019 State of Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalists and State of Louisiana Certified Mentor Training Teachers, Bradford believes that being physically fit will:
1. Increase the academic performance of all students
2. Reduce stress levels
3. Improve attention levels and focus levels
4. Promote awareness of health and nutrition
5. Increase social assimilation
Bradford’s personal mission is to continue to advocate the importance of having quality health and physical education programs within the schools. Through her work she has partnered with LAHPERD (Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) to educate minds, promote positive attitudes towards lifetime physical activity, fitness and sports, and developing healthy bodies.
With a quality physical education program in place, students will be empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to make responsible lifestyle choices that directly impact their health and well-being for the rest of their lives. Through mentoring and teaching, her goal is to help kids gain a solid foundation of living a healthy and active lifestyle and lifelong wellness.
Bradford teaches her students, colleagues, and members of the community that all people can become physically active at any age and increase the longevity and quality of their life.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science.
The Louisiana First Foundation seeks to serve as a launching pad for programs that focus on educating the “whole child” through Teach MAM (Music, Art and Movement), advocating against human trafficking and providing greater resources to the state’s foster children and parents.
