With the departure of Ms. Chavez, who was previously one of the two physical education (PE) teachers, Clark needed a new educator. After teaching eighth grade PE for 23 years at Rosemont Middle School, Bryna Wallach transferred to Clark as the new PE teacher for this school year. 

Originally, Wallach had an interest in becoming a choir and music teacher. “When I first started teaching, I taught [choir and music], as well as Drama and one PE class,” said Wallach. Upon arriving in Glendale, the Glendale Unified School District hired her as a full-time, Nationally Board Certified, PE teacher. 

Wallach attended Chapman University for her undergraduate degree and then attended Walden University, where she obtained a master’s degree in Music Education. 

When Wallach was younger, she attended many aerobics classes and strength training classes. “I taught them when I was in high school and continued to take all types of movement classes into my 30s,” said Wallach. At thirty years old, she participated in Cross Country at Glendale Community College, where she competed to get her supplemental credential. 

Although the COVID-19 pandemic mostly negatively affected the education system, it helped Wallach dive deeper into the subject of physical education. She gave lessons on fitness, nutrition, and skin health. Now, she has been looking for ways to apply these methods into this school year. 

While being new to staff at a school can be frightening at first, Wallach has been grateful for how the Clark Community has welcomed her. “The students and other teachers have been great,” said Wallach. “The freshmen remind me a lot of my eighth graders, but I’ll bet they will be more grown-up by the end of the year.” 

Apart from spenching hours teaching, Wallach enjoys doing a variety of different activities outside of school. While she has always been passionate about working out, she also likes to sing, listen to music, discover and develop new Spotify playlists, and travel. “I was in a trailer for two months this summer and hit nine national parks,” explained Wallach. She also enjoys watching different show on TV. 

After 28 years of teaching, Wallach continues to shed light on the importance of taking care of one’s body and mental health. “Teaching a subject that can help make students feel better about themselves is awesome!” said Wallach. With the support she has received from her students, she has a bright future ahead of her as the new PE coach.