Faculty Profile: Jane Vongvorachoti
The newest member of our BFS PE Department, Jane Vongvorachoti, raced the Autism Speaks 4 Miles of Hope on Sept. 7, 2013 and set a new course record of 22:20 for the four-mile course. More than 5,000 runners packed the corrals in Central Park on what can only be described as a perfect September morning.
In addition to helping pace one of NYRR’s most competitive club teams, Jane has major goals of her own — her sights are set on the 2016 Olympics marathon. Besides being an Olympic hopeful and new PE teacher at BFS, Jane is coaching our Friendly Flyers running program for 3rd-6th grade students and the Middle and Upper School cross-country teams.
Jane was interviewed after the race: “I had a break and now I’m coming back, working on getting faster and stronger before I have to concentrate on full efforts at the marathon. I was going to run this as a tempo but I felt great and saw myself in the front and said, ‘Maybe I have a chance to win this.’ I took back the lead at mile three and didn’t look back.”
Of course, the race was a new event for a great cause. Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, and the impact was not lost on even the speediest of competitors.
“As a teacher, I want to see children succeed, especially those with disabilities,” Jane added. “I have worked with individuals with autism as well and I know we can help make a difference through events like these. I am excited to see where we can bring our Friendly Flyers and get our students to be active, healthy and happy.”
Jane is completing her M.S. in Physical Education at Brooklyn College and has a B.S. from St. John’s University in Health Service Administration. Most recently, she has been the PreSchool-8th grade PE teacher at The Town School. Additionally, she has worked as a teacher, coach, and personal trainer at Wingspan Arts, Equinox, the New York City Academy, ProSoccer kids and CRUNCH.