Jim Gianvito, MA

gianvitoj@njhealth.org 

 

Why did you want to be a teacher at Kunsberg?
I really enjoy working with kids and teaching them physical activities at which they can succeed.

 

What is it like to work at Kunsberg?
It's so great that I tell people I truly feel I have the BEST job in the world! I started working here in 1985 and I never want to leave!

 

Where did you go to school and when?
Utah State University 1975 - 1980
Brigham Young University 1980 - 1982

 

How did you find Kunsberg?
I found the job listed for a Physical Education Instructor at Kunsberg School in the Denver Post newspaper.

 

What do you do in your spare time?
I love to travel, snowboard, hike, bike, run, take photos and have lots of fun!

 

What is your favorite teaching story?
Recently we had a boy who had to be on oxygen during the day at school. For his first year here, he was reluctant to even put his face into the water while swimming. I still remember his joy at discovering he was able to swim underwater (with his oxygen tubing) and then his skills in the pool thrived! I've always loved the excitement our students display when they discover they can participate successfully in new activities! Seeing a kid's face the first time they learn to dive, hit a baseball, score a soccer goal, or serve a volleyball over the net is the reward I get from my job. I love it and it never gets old (nor will I)!

 

What is your education and work history?
My education history includes a Bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation and Recreation Education and Master's degree in Recreation Therapy. My work history involves working as a Recreation Therapist at the Utah State Psychiatric Hospital and as the Adult Program Director at the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association.