Playworks Massachusetts Teacher of the Month, Coach Dick

  1. Updates

Coach Dick Johnstin is a rock star Recess Coach at the West Somerville Neighborhood School in Somerville. This is the first year the school has partnered with Playworks and as soon as the opportunity arose, Coach Dick was more than happy to volunteer as the Recess Coach for the Playworks Team Up program. Coach Dick is enthusiastic about his role and makes sure that students have all the equipment they need to have a fun and inclusive recess. He is more than willing to listen to the Playworks Site Coordinator at the school and proudly implements any advice he is given. Previously the transition from lunch to recess at the school was hectic and loud, however Coach Dick now uses attention getters to make announcements in the cafeteria about what games will be set up at recess.

The Junior Coach program at his school has taken off and the students enjoy being selected as students leaders in the school. Coach Dick even has become a mentor to the cadre of 4th & 5th Grade Junior Coaches. He tracks their attendance, gives them advice about how to be patient and enthusiastic with younger students, and even helps coach them while they are out working. Coach Dick can be seen giving out high fives, greeting students as they enter the cafeteria for lunch, and he even jumps in and plays Banana Tag or Super Star Basketball out at recess! With his playful personality and dedication to mentoring at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, Coach Dick helps energize education for all.

More Updates


September 21, 2023

Blue Across Rhode Island: Best Day Ever ›

On Friday, September 15, Playworks New England had the opportunity to host over 30 volunteers from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island during their 12th annual Blue across…

September 18, 2023

Step Up Your Tag Game ›

What is Tag like at your school? Ideally, Tag is a great way for kids to release energy, build resilience, and learn about respectful touch during play. If Tag at…

September 8, 2023

Meet our Coaches for the 2023-24 school year! ›

We are so excited to welcome new and returning Coaches and Site Coordinators to the Playworks New England community. Keep reading to learn about them and what they’re looking forward…