San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative - COI

Paige Metz received her BS in Physical Education from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After graduation, she spent 10 years teaching 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade Exercise and Nutritional Science (ENS) at Twin Peaks Middle School (2001 California Middle School Physical Education Program of the Year). During this time, Paige was one of the first physical educators in the country to earn recognition as a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and was named the 2003 California Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD). In 2003, Paige joined the ENS staff at Westview High School (2005 California High School Physical Education Program of the Year) where she taught for 7 years and served as department chair. Currently, Paige is the Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator at the San Diego County Office of Education where she supports the efforts of 42 school districts and over 120 charter schools in their efforts to provide high quality, standards-based instruction that empowers students to attain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. She is a Domain Champion for the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative, and is an active member of both CAHPERD and the Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America.

Title: Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator with the San Diego County Office of Education

When did you realize that you wanted to teach physical education?

I wanted to teach physical education since 7^th grade and all of my friends made fun of me at the time. When I was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I majored in communications because everyone told me not to major in physical education. I hated it. After meeting someone with a physical education major, I decided to switch. I enjoyed being a teaching assistant at Cal Poly; it really felt like a second skin. Afterwards I taught exercise and nutrition science to middle school students for 10 years at Twin Peaks (in Poway), where I went to school.

How did you become involved in the COI?

In 2010 when I began working with San Diego County of Education, Cheryl Moder, formerly the director of COI, scheduled a meeting with me. A few months later we received the Community Putting Prevention to Work grant, and this gave me the opportunity to become more involved.

Why do you stay involved with the COI?

It is really nice seeing so many passionate people working together. It can be difficult for outside agencies to influence the education system, and if you are outside the system, it’s hard to get involved. In the beginning of my teaching career, there were no kids with diabetes. By the end, I had a lot of students that were diabetic. I had 6^th graders who weighed 250 lbs. and at that point I realized that it’s a systemic problem, and the more we can collaborate, the more we can change the system.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I have the ability to impact thousands of students by training teachers and providing resources to schools. I help ensure students receive quality physical education at schools and that they leave with a skill set and mindset that supports regular physical activity. I miss working with kids, but I have two high school students at home.

What are three words that describe you?

Enthusiastic, positive, and action-oriented.

What is your favorite place in San Diego?

Probably La Jolla Shores, because we paddleboard there quite a bit.

What do you do for fun?

Travel and anything outdoors. We were just in Amsterdam and everyone there was so active, people rode their bikes everywhere! My family also spends a lot of time up in Mammoth hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. I also enjoy spinning, stand-up paddle boarding, reading, and walking with my chocolate lab.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Professionally, it is being 2003 California Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Personally, it is my kids. They are 17 and 18 now and one is getting ready to go to college in Michigan on an athletic scholarship.

What are your three greatest passions?

I probably shouldn’t list wine here. Family, being healthy and active, and discovering new adventures.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I’m probably the most predictable person. I really like a good cheeseburger. I also binge watch the Academy Awards and everyone in my house knows to leave me alone when the awards shows are on.