Recent University of Arkansas graduate Cameron Fagan said starting his teaching career during a pandemic was not ideal. But the first semester in his own classroom does have a silver lining: he doesn't feel like the new kid.

"All the teachers are in the same position — this is new to everyone," he said.

Fagan teaches health and P.E. to students in kindergarten through 8th grade at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in North Little Rock.

Even though it's been more challenging than expected, he said these first few months have sealed the deal: he loves teaching.

"I want to do this for a long time," he said. "The students are great and the faculty are supportive and very welcoming. It feels like I've been here for years. If I can teach during a pandemic, I can handle anything."

Fagan's top two role models have been encouraging.

His parents, who are both blind, taught for many years at the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Little Rock. Their dedication to their students made an impression on Fagan growing up. It didn't take long for him to decide that he'd like to pursue the profession as well.

He's building a great rapport with his students already.

"I can easily relate to them and I'm compassionate about everything they're dealing with," he said.

Fagan wants students to be excited about his P.E. classes, so he's infusing them with the playfulness he recalls from his own experience.

"I enjoyed P.E. during my childhood. What better job is there than getting paid to play fun games all day?" he joked.

Fagan — whose favorite recreational sports are basketball, soccer, and sand volleyball — graduated with a degree from the Health, Human Performance and Recreation department at the U of A over the summer.

"My program stands out from any other because of the amount of experience we get early on," he said. "My freshman year, I was teaching kids. Unlike other majors, I had an early peek into what my future would look like and could decide if it was or wasn't for me. I know too many people who make it to junior year and decide to switch majors."

Fagan said in addition to his internship year, he had the opportunity to teach kids across Northwest Arkansas in six other courses.

"I was able to work with different ages and socioeconomic groups," he said. "All of these teaching experiences were pivotal to me."

Fagan graduated from the U of A after an accelerated three-year program. He served in several leadership roles while a student, including undergraduate ambassador for HHPR. He regularly met with the department head and physical education program faculty. He also had "office hours" so students could share any concerns and or questions. 

Janet Forbess, one of Fagan's instructors and a significant mentor, nominated him for a scholarship in his senior year, noting that his position as an ambassador afforded him unique insights into the HHPR program and higher education. "I can picture him one day being in a position of department head," she wrote.

Fagan was awarded the Newman McGee Jr. Scholarship at the annual SHAPE Arkansas conference this year. Another of Fagan's professors noted his ability to connect with students, specifically calling out one-on-one interactions with a young student who has autism. "His compassion and creativity while working with this boy has been exceptional and he truly gets excited about the gains that this student has made," she stated in the nomination letter.

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This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague, for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit the Health, Human Performance and Recreation page for more information on COEHP's Bachelor of Science in Teaching K-12 Physical Education and Health degree.