Ms. Paige Herring is joining Columbia Elementary School this year as the new Physical Education Teacher. A lifelong sports enthusiast and experienced educator, Ms. Herring brings a passion for physical activity, student growth, and community connection to her new role.
All things sports have been a huge part of my life and a passion of mine,” Ms. Herring said. “Teaching has been my other passion, so when I saw an opening at Columbia to combine the two, I knew it would be perfect for me.”
Before stepping into the gym at Columbia, Ms. Herring spent four years teaching general education, including Grades 3 and 4. She began her career at Copperopolis Elementary as a long-term substitute before quickly moving into an intern role teaching a Grades 3/4 combination class. She then spent two (2) years teaching Grade 4 full-time.
She is also no stranger to the community. Being born and raised in Calaveras County, she attended Mark Twain Elementary and Bret Harte High School, where she was actively involved in athletics and FFA.
Ms. Herring’s motivation to become a teacher was shaped by her own experience as a student. “When I was in school, I struggled behavior-wise,” she explained. “There was one teacher who saw past my behavior issues and helped get to the root of the problem. She never made me feel bad or labeled me. I want to be that for students.”
Her educational philosophy centers on building strong relationships, embracing individual abilities, and preparing students for life beyond school. “Strive to be better” is the mantra she repeats to her students, encouraging them to give their best, whatever that may look like each day.
This year, Ms. Herring is eager to develop Columbia’s physical education program into something even more dynamic and inspiring. “I want to get students motivated, engaged, and intrigued about being active and playing sports,” she said. “I’d love to introduce sports before the season starts so students might feel confident to try out and find their passion.”
In the classroom and on the field, Ms. Herring believes in adapting to meet students’ needs and being open to change. “Just because something worked for one class doesn’t mean it will work for another. I’m always striving to learn, get new ideas, and lead by example, even when something doesn’t work,” she shared.
One of her favorite teaching memories involves a class economy project with her fourth grade students. “They got paid, paid rent and taxes, and applied for jobs. Watching how excited they were to be treated like adults showed me they liked to be pushed,” she recalled.
Outside of school, Ms. Herring stays active, coaching volleyball and softball, serving as a pitching coach and umpire in the local Little League, and enjoying golfing and shooting. A proud Braves fan, she also loves spending time with her husband and their two children, a daughter who is 2.5 years old and a newborn son.
Fast Facts
Favorite Book in Elementary School: Because of Winn-Dixie
Favorite Book as an Adult: Hopeless
Favorite Movie in Elementary School: "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron"
Favorite Game at Recess: Football or Basketball
Favorite School Lunch: Peanut butter & jelly sandwich, apples, chips, and string cheese.
Favorite PE Activity in Elementary School: Kickball
Favorite PE Activity to Teach: "Volleyball or student-created games."