Montgomery Teacher Follows Father's Path into Physical Education

Meryles Gilbert continues family legacy of teaching PE in Montgomery public schools.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:05pm

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Meryles Gilbert, a physical education teacher at Southlawn Elementary School in Montgomery, Alabama, is following in his father's footsteps. Gilbert's father spent over 25 years teaching PE in the Montgomery public school system, inspiring his son to pursue the same career. Now in his eighth year of teaching, Gilbert is making an impact on his students by not only instructing them in sports and fitness, but also imparting life skills and building strong connections.

Why it matters

Gilbert's story highlights the importance of generational knowledge and passion being passed down, especially in the field of education. His experience shows how teachers can have a profound influence on students' lives, both through their subject matter expertise and their ability to forge meaningful relationships.

The details

Meryles Gilbert grew up in Montgomery and fell in love with sports after watching his father, the original "Coach Gilbert", spend over 25 years teaching physical education in the Montgomery public school system. Gilbert followed a similar path, playing football at Carver High School before attending Alabama State University. He is now in his eighth year of teaching PE at Southlawn Elementary, where he aims to not only teach sports and fitness, but also impart life skills and build strong connections with his diverse student body.

  • Meryles Gilbert's father spent more than 25 years teaching physical education in Montgomery public schools.
  • Gilbert graduated from Carver High School in 2011.
  • Gilbert is currently in his 8th year of teaching PE at Southlawn Elementary School.

The players

Meryles Gilbert

A physical education teacher at Southlawn Elementary School in Montgomery, Alabama, who is following in his father's footsteps as a longtime PE coach in the Montgomery public school system.

Coach Gilbert

Meryles Gilbert's father, who spent more than 25 years teaching physical education at various Montgomery public schools, including McKee, Harrison, and McIntyre.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I can have a great impact on their [lives] because I'm from here, and I know how things go around here for the most part. We've made a home here and we love it.”

— Meryles Gilbert, Physical Education Teacher (wsfa.com)

“I love kids, and I like being around the kids.”

— Meryles Gilbert, Physical Education Teacher (wsfa.com)

“He's been teaching for more than 25 years, and he actually was a PE coach as well, so he inspired me a lot.”

— Meryles Gilbert, Physical Education Teacher (wsfa.com)

What’s next

Gilbert plans to continue his career in physical education, building on the legacy established by his father and making a positive impact on the lives of Montgomery's students.

The takeaway

Meryles Gilbert's story demonstrates the power of generational knowledge and passion being passed down, especially in the field of education. His experience shows how dedicated teachers can forge meaningful connections with students and inspire them, both through their subject matter expertise and their ability to be positive role models.