Walking into the gymnasium at Pottsgrove High School, you’ll likely hear the rhythmic squeak of sneakers, the bounce of a basketball, and the energetic voice of Jessica Bedard. For some, physical education is just a graduation requirement, but for Bedard, it is a lifelong mission. Now in her tenth year of teaching, Bedard has become a staple of the Pottsgrove community, but not just as a PE teacher, yet as a coach, a mentor, and a relatable figure for students navigating the highs and lows of high school life.
Roots and Early Inspirations
Bedard’s story begins just down the road in Royersford, Pennsylvania. Growing up in the Spring-Ford School District, she was the student who couldn’t wait for the bell to ring for gym class. “I’ve always wanted to be a PE teacher,” she reflects. “I think I would have to attribute it to my own experiences in school. I loved moving and playing games.”
However, her inspiration didn’t just come from her own enjoyment. It came from observing her peers. She noticed that while she felt at home on the court, many of her friends felt the exact opposite. They felt out of place, uncoordinated, or simply uninterested. “I saw a lot of my friends didn’t like it at all,” she says. “So I wanted to make sure that it was a place where everybody could belong and find something they like to do to move their body.” This philosophy of inclusivity has become the cornerstone of her teaching career.
The Path to Pottsgrove
After graduating from Spring-Ford, Bedard stayed local, attending West Chester University to study Health and Physical Education. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Development and Strategies from Wilkes University. Her professional journey at Pottsgrove didn’t happen overnight. She worked her way through the ranks, starting as a substitute teacher, then a long-term sub at the middle school, and eventually landing her full-time role at the high school.
When asked what college didn’t prepare her for, she laughs and mentions the administrative hurdles. “How to use a copier! That’s a big one,” she jokes. More seriously, she notes that while college teaches you the theory of classroom management, the reality of building rapport and handling real-life student dynamics is something you can only learn “where your feet are”—on the ground, in the gym, every single day.
Coaching with Heart
Beyond the classroom, Bedard is deeply embedded in the Falcons’ athletic programs. She serves as an assistant coach for field hockey, and head coach for softball, though her entry into field hockey was a bit of a surprise.
“Mrs. Sproule used to coach field hockey at the middle school and she asked me to join her,” Bedard recalls. “I told her I didn’t really know much about field hockey, and she said, ‘We just need somebody with a lot of energy who’s willing to learn.’ She tucked me under her wing and taught me everything I know.” That mentorship blossomed into a love for the sport, and Bedard eventually moved up to the high school level to continue coaching.
In softball, Bedard’s roots run even deeper. Having played her entire life through the college level, she started as a volunteer coach at Pottsgrove and stuck around until a position opened up. Today, she treasures the traditions built within these teams, such as the annual softball scavenger hunt or volunteering at local Easter egg hunts. For Bedard, coaching isn’t just about the scoreboard; it’s about the memories created off the field.
Life Beyond the Whistle
When she isn’t blowing a whistle or drawing up plays, Bedard’s life is surprisingly modern and grounded. She is an avid gamer, a hobby that often surprises her students. “I play a lot of PlayStation, to be honest,” she admits. Her go-to games? Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Overwatch. It’s a hobby that helps her connect with students on their own turf, bridging the generational gap through digital competition.
At home, she enjoys a quiet life with her wife and their dog, Wiley. Wiley, a unique mix of American Eskimo, Chow, and German Shepherd. “We take him for lots of walks and car rides,” she says. This balance of high-energy school days, relaxing weekends with family, and games keeps her centered.
Looking Toward the Future
As a teacher in 2026, Bedard is acutely aware of the changing of education. When asked about the next ten years, she expresses a hope for a return to simplicity. “I hope most teachers are still around and not replaced by AI,” she says candidly. While she recognizes technology as a resource, she advocates for the “disconnect” that PE provides. “I hope it goes back to more face-to-face interaction. I think technology can hold us back in terms of how we learn to collaborate.”
Her ultimate goal, however, remains unchanged. She wants to be remembered not only as the teacher who enforced the rules, but as the one who cared. “I try to be very empathetic and fun, but I hope students realize that when I’m a stickler for the rules, I’m doing it out of their best interests to hold them accountable.”
For Jessica Bedard, every day at Pottsgrove is an opportunity to self-reflect and improve. Whether she’s choosing a colorful rainforest frog as her dream exotic pet (because they’re “cute and colorful”) or teaching a new unit on pickleball, she does it with a sense of gratitude. “I’m very lucky to be doing what I’m doing,” she concludes. “I’m very thankful.”
