Physical education teacher fills classes with her passion and up beat attitude

The popularity of De Anza’s classes of yoga and pilates is largely due to the instructor, Nancy Evans.

Evans has become a well-known figure in the department and is well liked by students. Her teaching philosophy is about connecting with her students, so it’s no surprise that students enjoy her classes so much.

“I developed an interest in teaching since I grew up singing and dancing. I even sang and danced on children’s television programs,” Evans said. “Entertainment was a way for me to connect with people.”

Eventually moving west in 1966, Evans began teaching physical education and her life took off, literally.

“I was a flight attendant for 39 years and I loved it,” Evans said. “I would teach classes one day and be on a plane the next. I don’t fly anymore, but I sure do miss it.”

Although the glamorous days of flight attending are long gone, Evans has preserved her experiences and appreciates the time she spent flying.

“I used to dislike history, but now I’m very interested in it,” she said.

The vanished orchards and commute times have made Evans aware of how much has changed since she first started teaching.

“I used to know all my neighbors, now it seems like no one cares to know,” she said.

In some ways, Evans tries to save her students from apathy.

“Awareness is so important,” she said. “That’s why I love movement so much. It helps you to communicate better, because it enables a freeness inside of you.”

With the grace of a dancer, Evans goes about life making connections all along the way. But working out isn’t the only way Evans has been connecting people.

“I’ve introduced 24 couples now who are happily married and I still keep in touch with all of them,” Evans said.

Evans offers unparalleled physical education for De Anza students. She cares greatly for her students and treats them like family.

“I love Nancy,” said Deborah Ramos, 21, a liberal arts major. “The classes can be hard but she promotes positivity and plays really exciting music.”

From high intensity kickboxing to mindful yoga practices, Evans has created a community through her passion for teaching and her compassion her students.

At the end of a Tuesday morning Pilates class, students hold hands as they complete the final exercise. Their abs are aching but something keeps them going.

“She is really encouraging,” said Rebecca Jeffries, 18, an auto technology major. “When I feel like I can’t push it anymore she helps me realize I can.”

The mind and body connection is Evans key ingredient when it comes to teaching.

“Working out makes your life healthier through the internal connection,” Evans said. “Once your body becomes stronger, your mind becomes stronger.”

Evans approaches her classes in the same way she sang and danced on television. Her students can see that and the connection present in her class is heartwarming to anyone in her presence.

In describing her love for her students, Evans’ blue eyes seem to sparkle and come alive even more.

“It’s been a pleasure teaching at De Anza,” she said. “The students really make it that way.”