Classroom Champions is Steve’s non-profit organization that along with his sister, Leigh, he created to share the Olympic experience and ideals with young students across the U.S. using today’s most cutting edge communications technology.

Visit Classroom Champions by clicking here or go to http://classroomchampions.org

The program’s mission is:

To inspire, motivate and educate students in high-need schools to recognize their potential, set goals and dream big.

And it’s focus is:

Not all kids have the benefit of strong role models who encourage them to envision for themselves a bright and successful future.
Classrooms Champions aims to address these issues and many more by using our Olympians and Paralympians as role models for success and goal setting while increasing students’ digital literacy.

Coming soon

For now, please fill out the request for information on the Classroom Champions Page

Back to Classroom Champions Page

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2011

U.S. Olympic Committee selects Steve Mesler to attend International Olympic Academy International Session for Olympic Medalists

Event to be held in Athens and Olympia, Greece, June 21-27, 2011

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has selected Steve Mesler (Buffalo, N.Y.), 2010 Olympic bobsled champion, to attend the International Olympic Academy (IOA) International Session for Olympic Medalists, June 21-27, 2011, in Athens and Olympia, Greece. Mesler will be joined by 49 Olympic medalists from around the world at this third international session, which is centered on Olympism and will focus on communications methods of Olympic values by Olympian role models.

“I’m extremely honored to have been selected by the USOC for the opportunity to join fellow Olympic medalists at the International Olympic Academy,” said Mesler. “I have a great deal of passion for Olympic education and the development of initiatives that spread the Olympic Ideals, especially to young people.”

Mesler was chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the U.S. Olympians and Paralympians Association (USOPA), Athletes Advisory Council (AAC), USOC International Relations division and past attendees of the IOA for his dedication to sport, youth and particularly the platform he has created to spread the Olympic Ideals – Classroom Champions.

Classroom Champions is a non-profit organization that connects currently competing U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes with students to teach them how to embody the Olympic Ideals. Through the program, students are virtually connected on a monthly basis to athletes as they train and compete around the world.

“We were pleased to have such a large pool of qualified U.S. applicants for this program, which illustrates the character and compassion of our athletes,” said USOC Chief Communications Officer Patrick Sandusky. “But, the passion and dedication behind Steve’s Classroom Champions initiative, as well as his drive to live and spread the Olympic Ideals, is truly inspiring. The U.S. Olympic family is proud of all of our Olympians and Paralympians for their efforts to give back to the community and spread the Olympic values of friendship, fair play and respect.”

Other U.S. Olympians who have attended the IOA International Session for Olympic Medalists include 1972 Olympic gold medalist in diving Micki King (2009) and seven-time Olympic medalist in gymnastics Shannon Miller (2007).

The mission of the IOA is to function as an International Academic Centre for Olympic studies, education and research; act as an international forum for free expression and exchange of ideas among the Olympic Family, intellectuals, scientists, athletes, sport administrators, educators, artists and the youth of the world; bring together people from all over the world, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation; motivate people to use the experiences and knowledge gained in the IOA productively, in promoting the Olympic Ideals in their respective countries; serve and promote the Ideals and principles of the Olympic Movement; cooperate with and assist the National Olympic Academies and any other institutions devoted to Olympic education; and further explore and enhance the contribution of Olympism to humanity.

To learn more about Classroom Champions, e-mail info@classroomchampions.org.

For more information, please contact the USOC Communications Division at (719) 866-4529 or visit www.teamusa.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook .

Printable Principal Information Letter

FAQ’s click here

Dear School Principal,

Thank you for your interest! As you know, every Olympic Games produces inspirational athletes who embody values such as goal setting, hard work, and perseverance. As a three-time member of the United States Olympic Bobsled Team, I formed Classroom Champions (a non-profit organization) because I wanted to create opportunities for Olympic athletes to connect with students in high-needs schools and help teach them how to incorporate these values into their own lives.

Classroom Champions is currently recruiting classrooms to participate during the 2011-2012 school year. The purpose of this letter is to familiarize you with the program so that you will share information about the program with the teachers in your school and encourage them to apply.

About the Program

Classroom Champions pairs classrooms of low-income students with members of the United States Olympic Team. Using advanced technology (including live video chat, Smart Boards, and video blogs), Olympians communicate with students throughout the school year as they train and compete across the world. Participating teachers receive support for incorporating Classroom Champions into their existing curricula, thereby enhancing classroom activities rather than taking time away from instruction. For example, students engage in letter writing, read blogs and letters written by their Olympian, complete math problems related to their Olympian’s sport, and learn about the countries in which their athlete competes during the year. By having the opportunity to make exciting connections to their Olympian, teachers are able to motivate their students to be deeply engaged in their schoolwork.

As demonstrated by last year’s pilot program, students who participate in Classroom Champions become more goal-oriented and experience higher levels of self-efficacy by learning about how to accomplish their goals. One teacher shared the following with me: “You encouraged these kids to believe in themselves and to have the confidence and self-discipline to reach for their goals no matter what the circumstances—to not wait for things to happen, but to get up, get focused, and always strive to improve themselves.” I hope you’ll agree that providing this to students is worthwhile and that you’ll be excited to encourage your teachers to apply to Classroom Champions.

Your Opportunity

During the 2011-2012 school year, Classroom Champions will be expanded to include additional Olympians, classrooms, and activities. Students around the country will view personalized monthly video messages and blogs from their Olympians as they prepare for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Teachers/classrooms accepted into the program will receive:

●      Specially designed class exercises that reinforce lessons about geography, math, technology, letter writing, reading, Internet research, goal setting, and leadership

●      An opportunity to network with other participating teachers around the country

●      Equipment to aid in communicating with their Olympian (e.g., smart board and web cam; contingent on confirmation of funding from corporate sponsors)

●      Training in how the program works and how to use the new technology

As in the past, we will obtain parent permission before posting any student work or photos on our website or sponsor(s) websites.

Next steps

If you feel Classroom Champions would be a good fit for your school, you may encourage one or more of your teachers to apply at http://fs2.formsite.com/ClassChamp/apply.

Our site also includes a list of questions and answers about the program, which you may find helpful. If you have additional questions about the program, contact info@classroomchampions.org or contact apply@classroomchampions.org for questions about applying.

Sincerely,

Steve Mesler                                                                                    Leigh Parise, Ph.D. Cand.

Olympic & World Champion                                            Director of Education

’02, ’06, & ’10 U.S. Bobsled Olympic Teams                 Classroom Champions

Frequently Asked Questions

The Basics

What is Classroom Champions?

Classroom Champions, founded by Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler, is a non-profit organization that pairs high-need classrooms with athletes from the United States Olympic Team. Participation in Classroom Champions offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a relationship with a top Olympian while learning about how to embody the Olympic ideals: goal setting, perseverance, and achievement.

Why should my school or class participate in Classroom Champions?

Participation in Classroom Champions offers teachers an opportunity to excite and engage their students by incorporating their athlete and the Olympic ideals into multiple aspects of the curriculum. Previous Classroom Champions teachers reported that their students demonstrated higher motivation to learn, increased engagement in classroom activities, and higher levels of self-efficacy. Higher motivation and self-efficacy are associated with higher academic achievement and better overall performance in school.

When does participation in Classroom Champions happen?

Using advanced telecommunications technology, students and their athletes will communicate throughout the 2011-2012 school year. In addition, participants will gather to watch their Olympian during the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games and be visited by their Olympian during the 2012-2013 school year.

How much time will participation in Classroom Champions require?

Participation in the program need not take away from instructional time, as teachers can incorporate their athlete and the Olympic ideals into their standing curricula. Teachers can expect to invest about 20 minutes per week in Classroom Champions activities, including viewing and creating video messaging, reading blogs, writing letters, drafting goals, etc. Teachers will also be encouraged to collaborate with other Classroom Champions teachers to further enhance their students’ experience with Classroom Champions.

Who can participate in Classroom Champions?

Participating students must be in grades 3-8 and in schools in which at least 50% of student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunch. In addition, teachers must have at least one year of teaching experience.

Applying for the Program

How can I apply for Classroom Champions?

The first step in applying for Classroom Champions is to fill out this online application form: http://fs2.formsite.com/ClassChamp/apply/index.html. If you and your school appear to be a good match for the program, you will be contacted with a few follow-up questions.

Can my whole school participate in Classroom Champions?

Not officially. We have found that the dedication of individual teachers is what makes student participation in Classroom Champions so successful, so we are only able to accept individual classes. However, we absolutely encourage Classroom Champions teachers to share their activities and experiences with their fellow teachers and invite colleagues to adopt similar practices in their own classrooms.

Does my principal need to support my application to Classroom Champions?

Yes. We feel it is incredibly important for your school principal to support your application, especially because he or she may need to provide you with additional support during the school year and/or summer.

Program Logistics

Can a classroom participate in Classroom Champions if the school does not have advanced technology?

Yes. Pending confirmation of sponsorship plans, the program intends to provide participating classrooms with the technology for communicating with their Olympian.

When would the technology be installed and tested?

We hope to complete any in-classroom technology installation by the fall of 2011.

Can I choose the athlete with whom my class is paired?

No, but we promise to be thoughtful in pairing your classroom with a very special member of the United States Olympic Team.

Are there requirements regarding how often my class must communicate with our Olympian?

No. While we do expect that you will communicate with your athlete at least once a month, past Classroom Champions teachers have found that their students hope to send letters, videos, etc. to their athletes as often as possible.

How will I know how to incorporate my Olympian and Classroom Champions into my teaching?

Don’t worry! Classroom Champions will provide you with support for incorporating your athlete and the Olympic ideals into your teaching. In addition, Classroom Champions will connect you with other participating teachers so that you can collaborate to exchange lesson plans and ideas.

Will I need to collect permission slips from my students’ parents?

Yes, we will ask that you collect parent permission slips from each of your students, as their work and photos will be posted on the Classroom Champions website and may be posted on sponsors’ websites.

Who can I contact for more information?

For general information about the program, contact info@classroomchampions.org.  For information about applying, please contact apply@classroomchampions.org.