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Alexander Osterhoudt—Teaching with Heart and Hustle


In a world that often elevates flashy ambition over quiet impact, it’s was refreshing to sit across from someone like Alex Osterhoudt—a recent SUNY Brockport graduate with a degree in Physical Education and an uncommon passion for purposeful teaching who also happens to be my son!

Alexander, or “Coach O” as his students affectionately called him during his student teaching at Rush-Henrietta School District, isn’t in it for accolades. He’s here for the kids, and he means that in the most literal, soul-deep sense. And this mom couldn't be more proud.

“I want them to want to come back,” he says, eyes lighting up as he recalls returning to his elementary placement after several weeks away. The warm welcome from students—the cheers, the hugs, the handwritten cards—told him everything he needed to know: he mattered.

That kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on intention.

“I like that I can show kids they can be active and have fun. A lot of them think PE is boring but it doesn’t have to be. I want to change that.”

With a clear calling to engage students—especially the younger ones who thrive on guidance, energy, and presence—Alex sees his role as more than just a teacher of movement. He’s a cultivator of confidence, teamwork, and joy.

While some may see elementary PE as a high-energy balancing act, Alex thrives in that environment. “You’re engaged the entire time,” he says. “You can’t sit back. But that’s what makes it so much fun. The kids need you and they want you in the game with them.”

What’s striking is how organically his path seems to have emerged. He didn’t stumble into teaching. He simply was a teacher—whether leading a backyard game or guiding a class. “People just pick things up from me quickly,” he shares. “I think I’ve always been able to explain things well.”

A longtime athlete and avid outdoorsman (he’s built a following online under his username @historyrecoveries on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for his metal detecting and historical preservation work), Alexander blends his physical skills and natural instruction abilities in a way that just fits. “It really matches up well,” he says with a smile. And it does.

When asked about the future, he’s open—but grounded. “I love working with kids and getting them active. I’m always open to growth, but it would have to be the right opportunity. My true love is what I’m doing now, which is helping kids see physical education for what it really is.”

And what is it, really?

According to Coach O, it’s joy. Movement. Confidence. Lifelong impact.

But perhaps more than anything else, it’s the chance to be remembered—not just as a good teacher—but as someone who saw kids for who they could be.

This mom is proud.

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