Meet Baldwin Park's physical education teacher

Sean Paino is the physical education teacher at Baldwin Park Elementary School. He also is the healthy school team leader and wellness representative at the school. He has won teacher of the week for Orange County Public Schools.

What brought you to your school?

I moved to Orlando nine years ago from New York. Knowing the school was in an amazing area, I applied and, luckily, got the job.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the support I have gotten from all of my peers and families. I have felt very embraced since day one.

What is your motivation?

What motivates me to be a better person and teacher every day is I like to be the best at everything. Growing up, that’s always how it has been. Sometimes, it can be a negative, but in this profession, it really helps me. Instead of always doing the same games and activities, I like to mix it up to keep the students excited and give everyone a chance to succeed.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Building relationships with the students.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I give baseball lessons. My passion for baseball has stayed and this is my way of keeping the game in my life. 

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

That’s a tough question to answer because I had a bunch. All big reasons for why I became an educator to begin with. I also had a lot of great coaches over the years. 

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

When I was a child I wanted to be a MLB player. I had the passion for it and worked extremely hard to always be ready. I played division one baseball successfully at Lemoyne College and came super close to my goal.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite book growing up was “Letters from Felix.” I loved the adventures he would go on.

What are your hobbies?

Hanging out with my wife, Ashley, and twin daughters, Lucy and Savannah. I also like spending time with friends, going out to eat, golfing and watching sports. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To teleport. I love to travel and go places. I just hate the actual traveling part!

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

My go-to lunch was PB&J with some sort of chips. I remember Dunkaroos and Fruit Roll-Ups occasionally.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Christmas. The food, the movies, the giving and music. It puts me in a great mood and I get to spend a lot of time with my family. Being from New York, it’s not often I get to see them.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I am still best friends with most of my high school friends. There are five of us. We were or will be at each other’s weddings and see each other multiple times a year. Playing sports helps build bonds and I can attribute all of my friendships to that. 

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was an honor society student and all section/county/league in baseball, football and basketball in high school. Playing three sports throughout high school left me little time for anything else, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.