Josie Meinhart has always been surrounded by role models. As a native of Newton, Illinois, and now the physical education teacher for grades 1 through 6 at Newton Elementary School, Josie didn’t have to look far for inspiration. Growing up in a family of educators, her path seemed to naturally lead her to where she is today. But as Josie tells her story, it’s clear that her journey was filled with pivotal moments and unexpected connections that make her role in the school district more special.

In a delightful twist of fate, it wasn’t until she was already deep into her career choice that Josie discovered her grandmother had been a PE teacher too—something her family hadn’t mentioned much before. "I didn’t know my grandma was a PE teacher until one day she just casually handed me her old whistles," Josie recalls with a laugh. "I thought, 'Wait, what? You used to teach PE?' And then she gave me a book of old physical education games she used to use. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to click, like I was following in her footsteps without even knowing it."

That moment with her grandmother’s whistles became a treasured memory, and today, those whistles sit in a special place at home—Josie keeps them safe as a symbolic heirloom. “I don’t want to risk losing them,” she says, smiling. “They’re too precious to me.”

Josie’s love for PE didn’t stop with the realization that it ran in her family. Her passion for coaching and physical fitness was also sparked by her high school volleyball coach, Jill Kistner, who served as another important guidepost in her journey. "Jill made me work for everything," Josie says, crediting her coach’s dedication to helping her become not just a better athlete, but a better person. “She showed me what it means to be a leader and the importance of working hard to earn your place.”

These pivotal figures shaped Josie’s philosophy as a teacher and coach, but perhaps the most important influence came from her own family. Her mother, Dawn Meinhart, is a fifth-grade teacher at Newton Elementary, and Josie has always looked up to her. “My mom is the reason I chose education,” Josie says. “She’s been my inspiration since day one.”

But while she initially thought she would follow her mom into elementary education, Josie quickly realized that her heart was in physical education. After starting college at Kaskaskia College, where she played volleyball and softball, she eventually transferred to Eastern Illinois University to pursue a degree in physical education, with a teaching certification. “I wanted to be a coach, and I realized I could balance that passion better with a PE role,” Josie explains.

Her journey wasn’t without its challenges. Josie initially accepted a job at a neighboring school district, but when the opportunity arose to return to Newton—her hometown and the place where her heart always belonged—she didn’t hesitate. “When I got the call offering me the PE position here, it felt like I hit the lottery,” she says. “It was my dream to teach in Newton, and I’m so grateful it worked out.”

As a first-year PE teacher, Josie is bringing fresh ideas to the school’s physical education program. She’s excited about introducing new activities she learned during her time at Eastern Illinois University, like rhythmic “tinikling” sticks—a fun, music-based activity that combines movement and rhythm. “It’s something different that gets all students involved, not just the athletic kids,” she says.

Josie’s approach to PE goes beyond the traditional sports model. She’s passionate about teaching her students the importance of overall health and fitness, including nutrition. “Physical activity is so important for lifelong health,” Josie emphasizes. “It’s not just about running or playing sports—it’s about moving, staying active, and taking care of your body.”

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she’s always willing to jump in and participate alongside her students. “If they need someone to run with them, I’m there,” she says. “I want to show them that I’m in it with them.”

For Josie, teaching PE isn’t just a job—it’s a calling, one that she feels is deeply connected to her family and her community. From her grandmother’s whistle to her mother’s dedication to education, Josie is carrying forward a legacy of inspiring young minds and bodies. And in her own words, “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”