Welcome to FHS: Two New Faces Bring Energy and Experience to the P.E. Department
FLORA, IL – Flora High School is starting the new school year with two new Physical Education teachers, Courtney Roth and Alex Beckham. Both educators bring fresh perspectives, a passion for student development, and a deep commitment to health, fitness, and the Flora community.
Courtney Roth: Coming Full Circle
For Courtney Roth, joining the Flora High School staff is a bit of a homecoming. After student teaching at FHS in 2018 under Mr. Leib, she is thrilled to be back – this time as a full-time P.E. teacher.
“I want to help students improve their skills and find a life-long activity they enjoy,” Roth said. “I grew up playing sports and learning from my dad. That experience made me want to be a teacher and coach.”
Roth brings a thoughtful, individualized approach to her classes. She believes in giving students one-on-one feedback to help them grow, especially in skill-building lessons. While she’s comfortable with all ages, she especially enjoys working with high schoolers.
“The range of activities we can do at the high school level makes the job even more rewarding,” she said.
Looking ahead, Roth hopes to build a dynamic P.E. program at FHS that includes a wide variety of units to meet different student interests. Her ultimate goal? To stay at Flora for the long haul, teaching and raising a family in the town she already calls home.
Kindness and understanding are what students most often notice about her teaching, but Roth also prides herself on being energetic and adaptable — two qualities she believes every excellent teacher should have.
“I love being involved in school life,” she added. “Whether I’m cheering on students or helping out directly, being part of the community is important to me.”
Joining Roth in the P.E. department is Alex Beckham, a lifelong Southern Illinoisan who discovered his passion for teaching physical education after high school.
“I’ve always loved sports and physical activity,” Beckham said. “Once I realized I could turn that into a career, I never looked back.”
– Courtney Roth and Corben Roth
Beckham’s teaching style emphasizes skill-building followed by fun, game-based learning. He believes P.E. should be a positive and inclusive experience for all students.
“When kids are having fun, they’re more likely to stay engaged,” he explained. “I love working with students who are willing to try new things — even if they’re outside their comfort zones.”
Currently coaching junior high boys’ track and high school freshman boys’ basketball, Beckham is already making his mark beyond the gym. He hopes to continue being deeply involved in school activities.
“I want to make a lasting impact and maybe even move into an administrative role down the road,” he said. “But for now, I’m focused on being the best teacher and coach I can be.”
With a reputation for bringing energy and positivity to the classroom, Beckham believes in building relationships and helping every student succeed — especially those who might not see themselves as “athletes.”
“I’m here to help all students find something active they enjoy,” he said. “That’s how you create lifelong habits.”
Both Roth and Beckham cited Flora’s close-knit school environment and supportive community as major reasons for joining the district.
“I’ve heard great things about Flora CUSD and the student body,” Roth said. “It’s small, but mighty.”
“I’ve felt welcomed from day one,” Beckham added. “It’s a student-focused district, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
As the school year kicks off, students at FHS can expect a P.E. experience that’s supportive, challenging, and — above all — fun. With Roth and Beckham on board, the future of physical education in Flora looks strong, spirited, and full of movement.