Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the educators who shape our lives, build our confidence, and guide us through challenging moments. At Foss Swim School, we believe that learning to swim is an essential life skill, and we select and train swim teachers who can teach to that standard.
Nobody embodies this philosophy quite like Brigitte Stefans. Since she first joined FOSS on May 17, 2002, Brigitte has been a constant, encouraging presence in our pools. Over the past two decades, she has taught an astounding 14,000 swimmers, conducted 48,000 lessons, and accumulated 169,000 student interactions. To put that into perspective, Brigitte has had more student interactions than anyone else in the company’s history — including our founder, Jon Foss!
“I’ve taught all kinds of students, from babies to adults, and kids with special needs,” Brigitte notes. “I like seeing my work come to fruition, seeing a swimmer make progress. It’s been really fun!”
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we are thrilled to celebrate Brigitte and share the story of how she has helped so many children become stronger, safer, and more confident swimmers.
An Unexpected Journey to the Pool Deck
Brigitte’s path to becoming a record-setting swim teacher began with a scary story: Years ago, Brigitte’s brother experienced a near-drowning incident at their grandparents’ lake cabin. The experience prompted their parents to enroll him in swimming lessons at the Foss Swim School in St. Louis Park, MN, and Brigitte would sometimes accompany him.
At the time, Brigitte was working a retail job that left her feeling uninspired. When her parents suggested she apply to be a swim teacher at FOSS, she saw an advertisement in a local newspaper and decided to take a chance.
“I was not a swimmer at all,” Brigitte recalls. “My dad does have a place on a lake, so I grew up around water. But I never was never formally taught to swim beyond a few outdoor lessons.”
What she could do was relate to the challenges, fears, and hesitations of her students. Over the years, Brigitte has shared her swim teacher expertise at multiple FOSS locations, helping to open schools in Maple Grove, St. Paul, and Plymouth, Minnesota, while also teaching in Blaine and St. Louis Park.
The Magic of Building Confidence
With 24 years in the water, Brigitte counts herself fortunate to have witnessed countless breakthrough moments for her students. “I love seeing that child who was afraid of the water, gain confidence and not be so fearful,” she says. “Or seeing that kid who’s been working on a skill for 6 weeks and seeing them finally get that skill. That’s what I really strive for.”
One of Brigitte’s most memorable swim teaching experiences involved a young boy on the autism spectrum who was absolutely terrified of the water. Working one-on-one with him for months, they focused entirely on getting him comfortable enough to put his face in the water.
“The first time he dove for rings on the stairs, his mom started crying, and I’m in the pool trying to keep from crying,” she says. It was a life-changing moment for the family, and it reinforced exactly why Brigitte keeps teaching swim lessons.
Swim Teacher Tips
Brigitte’s success comes from her ability to connect with students on their level. “I do love the beginner levels, because it’s that challenge of getting them over a certain fear or hesitancy,” she said. Along the way, she has developed a treasure trove of creative teaching techniques.
When guiding new instructors, Brigitte often shares a few of her favorite swim teacher tips:
- The Mermaid Whisperer: When children are scared to float on their backs because they dislike the water in their ears, Brigitte turns it into a game. She tells them there is a mermaid (or a pirate, or a shark) underwater trying to tell them a secret. When the kids hold perfectly still to listen, they naturally float.
- Best Friend Toes: To prevent students from taking big, splashing kicks that get them nowhere, Brigitte tells them to pretend their two big toes are best friends. Because best friends want to play right next to each other, the kids keep their feet close together, creating an efficient flutter kick.
- Grab That Ring: She keeps energetic kids focused by letting them earn rings for maintaining good manners and listening. If they earn enough rings, they can dive for them, a favorite activity and instant motivation.
A Lifelong Splash
Brigitte originally considered a career in massage therapy, but found she missed the joy and engagement of teaching swimming. Today, she simply cannot imagine leaving FOSS. Whether giving a thumbs-up to a parent or helping a beginner blow bubbles, Brigitte continues to demonstrate the very best qualities of a FOSS teacher.
We are grateful for Brigitte and for every instructor who makes our pools a place of growth, safety, and joy. Thank you to Brigitte and all our teachers for decades of hard work! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
