A childhood love of sports turned into a life-changing career for this retired dance teacher and her students.

Donna Forden Schwartz’s teaching career began in 1965 before Title IX, the landmark civil rights law, leveled the playing field for women and sports in education. Before this law gave women equal opportunity to participate in school sports, Schwartz remembers participating as a child in a limited capacity.

“I always loved sports and before Title IX, sports for girls were just Girls Athletic Association classes on weekday afternoons.” After the law passed in 1972, Schwartz had the opportunity to teach physical education in a way that changed the lives of her students.

Where did you teach and what was your primary subject?

“I taught in eight districts primarily in physical education, but also science, health, language arts and social studies.”

Which subject was your favorite to teach?

“Dance! I taught modern dance as an elective or part of a physical education curriculum. I allowed students to choreograph their own dances and we performed in shows.”

Schwartz discovered dance brought meaning to life for both her students and herself.

“I always felt dance was a means to teach self-esteem. I encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones and grow as individuals by increasing their self-esteem.”

How does dance teach self-esteem?

“In all our dance classes, students became energized, smiled more and had fun. They seemed to care more. I always made an effort to have them dance to positive, upbeat music and they almost always were happier than when they came to class.”

Schwartz noticed another change in her students.

“When students started class unsure of their abilities and even afraid to learn new dance steps, I watched them change. They wanted to perform for their family and friends. When the time came for them to walk on stage, they were afraid, yet peer pressure moved them forward because they didn't want to let down their group. As they came off stage, the feeling of success was obvious, and many couldn't wait to do it again.”

Did you have a favorite teacher growing up?

“My high school physical education teacher and my senior English teacher. Both encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do more than I thought I could.”

How is retirement going?

“As much as teaching was an important part of my life, I’m also an entrepreneur like my dad and have a heart for community service. My mission now is to empower people, young and old, to create and live their ideal lives. I started a business to educate those about to retire, or who are retired, about reinventing their life.

“I also started a nonprofit and held classes on entrepreneurship for teens and young adults. Kids can be so creative and are perfectly capable of learning about business.”

What do you do just for fun?

“We love to travel and have been to five continents, taking several cruises. I play tennis or pickleball twice a week. I sing in a community chorus called the Goldenaires. We have four children and love spending as much time as possible with them.”

What’s your best piece of advice for new teachers? 

“Have fun!  My favorite saying as a teacher was, ‘Where else can I act like this at my age?’”

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