By Gavin Chen

At the beginning of this school year, we welcomed Ms. Merissa Corrigan to our school as a new member of the P.E. department, where she teaches 9th grade physical education. Ms. Corrigan brings a wealth of experience, having taught in two different countries and lived in three. She also has a variety of hobbies outside of school that reflect her passion for sports and outdoor activities. 

Join us for an interview that explores Ms. Corrigan’s experiences before arriving at SAS, her time at SAS, and her life in Shanghai. 

1. Can you describe your teaching experiences as well as life before you came to SAS? 

I’m originally from a small community in Newfoundland, Canada, where everyone knew everyone! After completing my studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland, I started my teaching journey, first in Canada and then here in Shanghai. I’ve been fortunate to spend nearly half my career teaching in Canada and the other half in China, which has given me a unique perspective on different school cultures and students. I also lived in the Arctic for two years which was a unique experience. I’ve been in Shanghai for the past five years, exploring new opportunities and getting to know the city, its people, and of course, the amazing students at SAS. 

2. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a Physical Education teacher? 

I’ve always loved being active and playing sports. Growing up, sports were a huge part of my life, and I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career centered around physical activity. I was particularly inspired by my physical education teacher, who had a talent for bringing fun to physical activity. Her experiential approach not only made learning meaningful but also incredibly engaging. Through activities like kayaking, skiing, skating and camping, she taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and pushing my limits, and she showed me how impactful an active lifestyle can be. As well, growing up with younger siblings encouraged me to want to work with youth. I loved spending time with them, playing games, and encouraging them in their activities. 

Studying physical education felt like a perfect fit because it combined my passions for health, fitness, and travel. Living abroad has been an incredible journey that has allowed me to explore different teaching methods and discover new ways to connect with my students. I strive to create that same sense of adventure and engagement in my classes, hoping to inspire my students the way my teacher inspired me. 

3. I recall you came from another school in Shanghai, SUIS. How is teaching in SAS different from the other schools you’ve taught at? 

Teaching at SAS has been a fantastic experience! There’s an importance created within to build and foster connections, and the level of support from staff and students is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. SAS also has excellent resources and programs that allow teachers to be creative, take full advantage of the world class facilities and explore all aspects of the curriculum. I feel like there’s a strong sense of community and commitment to holistic development, which is something I really appreciate. 

4. What qualities do you look for when choosing a school, and what qualities do you look for in your students? 

When choosing a school, I look for a community focused environment, supportive administration, and a commitment to student well-being. These things are essential to a good teaching experience. In my students the qualities I really value are a willingness to try new things, putting forth their best effort, and a positive attitude. 

5. Is there something you enjoy or appreciate the most about our school or our community, as compared to previous experiences? 

What stands out the most about SAS is the sense of community. Everyone is welcoming and supportive, and there’s a lot of enthusiasm for activities and events that bring us together, from Spirit Days to Friday Night Lights. It’s rewarding to teach at a school where students, staff, and parents collaborate to make the school a positive place for everyone. 

6. What are some of your goals for teaching this year? What do you hope students can take away from your class? 

This year, my goals are focused on creating an inclusive space where all students feel empowered, build strong connections, and contribute to the school in a meaningful way. 

In my classes, I hope students will walk away with a deeper understanding of why physical activity is important. I want them to embrace the idea that PE is more than just a class and that it’s a chance to cultivate important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. My aim is for students to appreciate the joy of movement and recognize that health and well-being is a lifelong journey. 

7. How do you stay active and engaged in your own physical health outside of school? 

Staying active and putting my physical health first has always been an important part of my life. I currently coach the JV girls’ basketball team, but outside of school, I play in both softball and soccer leagues within Shanghai. I’m also into free diving, and I make time for working out in the gym about three to four times a week. However, my favorite activities are hiking and being outdoors with my dogs. 

8. What strategies do you use to ensure inclusivity in your class, particularly for students with different abilities or backgrounds regarding physical education? 

Inclusivity is central to my teaching. I aim to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and capable, no matter their background or skill level. I adapt activities to fit different abilities and make sure there’s variety so that every student can find something that they enjoy. I focus on positive reinforcement and encourage students to support each other and create an environment that builds confidence where everyone can share their strengths and improve areas of weakness together. 

9. What excites you about becoming part of the SAS community? 

I’m so excited to be part of the SAS community and to contribute as a teacher and as an Eagle! It’s exciting to work in a place that values lifelong learning and growth for everyone. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my colleagues, learning from my students, and being involved in the wider community.