Physical Education teacher Heather Burd is not just an educator; she’s an example of resilience, compassion, and empowerment. Heather’s journey is one-of-a-kind. Born with right hemiplegia, a partial paralysis on her right side—a condition as rare as she is unique—Heather has faced physical challenges from day one. Yet, her story is not about limitations; it’s about possibilities.
Heather teaches hundreds of students each week, navigating her own physical challenges while showing her students the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and overcoming adversity. Below are the top lessons learned during her appearance on the PE Huddle webinar with Dr. Robert Pangrazi.
“It’s not about what you can’t do. It’s about figuring out what you can”
Heather’s life motto is about focusing on possibilities rather than limitations—a lesson that she embodies daily.
“I’m the only known case in the world with what they call right hemiplegia—partial paralysis on the right side. It’s as though I had a stroke in the womb. It’s something I’ve faced every day of my life, from being unable to walk until age two, to figuring out how to play sports in elementary school with only one good hand. But my community and teachers taught me a lesson early on: it’s not about what you can’t do. It’s about figuring out what you can.”
This mindset of adapting and finding solutions is what Heather hopes to pass on to her students. Her story shows that facing obstacles head-on with a positive attitude leads to growth, self-discovery, and the realization that we can often do more than we think.
“If there’s something I can’t do physically, I don’t let it stop my teaching.”
Heather’s teaching is a testament to her resourcefulness and dedication. When her physical limitations come into play, she finds creative ways to lead effectively.
“If there’s something I can’t do physically, I don’t let it stop my teaching. I find students to demonstrate, or I give cues to guide them. My goal is that they feel capable, no matter their level. I tell my students, ‘It’s time to use your two good hands and two good feet—those are gifts.’ I want them to understand the privilege and potential they hold.”
Heather’s example not only shows her students how to navigate their own challenges but also instills gratitude and awareness for their own abilities.
“Being born different helped me see the uniqueness of each student”
For Heather, PE is more than just physical activity; it’s a chance for every child to feel acknowledged.
“Being born different helped me see the uniqueness of each student and how every child brings something special to the classroom. As a teacher, it’s my job to understand that, especially as a physical education teacher with hundreds of students. I might only see them once or twice a week, but I want each one to know they’re seen and that they matter.”
Heather’s emphasis on recognizing every student’s individuality ensures they feel valued and included, even if they’re only in her class briefly. She understands that making students feel seen lays the foundation for their confidence and self-worth.
“There’s something incredibly empowering about knowing you can find your own solutions”
Heather’s family set a foundation for resilience early on, expecting her to navigate her challenges without excuses.
“Growing up, my family didn’t coddle me. They told me, ‘You’re going to have to figure it out.’ Whether it was climbing fences to get on a horse or playing a sport, they expected me to find a way. If you want to do something YOU have the power to figure it out. That attitude shaped my life and my teaching because there’s something incredibly empowering about knowing you can find your own solutions, no matter the challenge.”
Heather’s approach encourages students to look within themselves for strength. She believes that showing kids their power is within them, and they are capable of solving problems that help build lifelong self-reliance and resilience.
“Failure is part of growth.”
Heather champions the concept of growth through failure, a message her students may carry throughout their lives.
“One of the most powerful lessons we can teach as educators is this: failure is part of growth. Every kid will fail at some point, and that’s okay. It’s about how we get back up, how we adapt, and how we support each other. I remind my students that every time they struggle, they’re building resilience and learning something valuable about themselves.”
Heather encourages her students to see failure not as a setback but as a stepping stone. Her emphasis on resilience through adversity offers them a powerful tool to handle the challenges life will inevitably bring.
“When I see bullying, I call it out directly.”
Heather doesn’t hesitate to confront difficult moments directly, especially when it comes to kindness and respect among her students.
“When I see bullying, I call it out directly. I tell my students, ‘You’re bullying them. You need to stop.’ Sometimes they don’t even realize it, but when we’re straightforward, it makes a real impact. Kids want to be good—they just need to know what that looks like.”
Heather’s willingness to address issues head-on builds accountability and empathy, showing students the importance of treating others with respect.
Heather Burd’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, both in facing personal challenges and inspiring others to do the same. Her journey as a teacher and mentor highlights the value of resilience, respect, and empowerment—qualities she hopes her students will carry with them for life. Her message is clear: physical education is more than just sports; it’s a classroom for life skills, where resilience, empathy, and empowerment are the ultimate lessons.
*View the full episode of the PE Huddle with Heather Burd. The PE Huddle is a monthly webinar series hosted by Dr. Robert Pangrazi. Create an account or log in to download a customized webinar certificate for CECs/CEUs.
