“This class was one of the most useful classes I have taken. I am going to recommend this class to my peers and fellow workers. Currently, I am not a coach. Everything I have learned in this class will be applicable in my fourth grade classroom. I did a great deal of self-examination and I know that it will lead to improvements. This class has led me to reexamine my own definition of success. I am leaving this class with valuable tools to implement into my life and work.”
Terice Ketelhut, Miller, SD
“Monday- I can’t wait for Friday.
Tuesday- This is better than Monday.
Wednesday- This is fun.
Thursday- This is what all coaches and teachers should take.
Friday- It’s Friday already. I want more.”
Andy Groff, Teacher/Coach. Alma School District, WI
“Excellent class!! One of the best graduate courses I have taken. The content is very applicable whether you are a rookie or veteran coach. I appreciated the opportunity to both share and listen.”
Teresa Kehe, Tripoli, IA
“I found the course, ‘Achieving Peak Performance’, to be one of the most beneficial courses I’ve taken as a student. Looking back, I can’t believe the week is over! As I entered the classroom each morning, I was motivated to learn new strategies and concepts within my current leadership position. Each day I gathered numerous ideas from conversations, articles, videos and text readings that I could apply to my program. Along with our instructor, our group interactions were excellent. I intend to implement the materials and the helpful strategies immediately. I truly believe that if a follow-up course is offered, everyone in this class would take it. It is certainly worth the time.”
Stacey Deaton, Achieving Peak Performance, Lebanon, OH
“This is an outstanding class. The topics discussed in Achieving Peak Performance are relevant to anyone who works with students/athletes. The concepts are taught in a practical manner so you can walk out of class and implement the strategies immediately. The best part of the class is discussing the “other stuff” and how to deal effectively with those things. The class provides the day to day practical applications that all teachers/coaches want in dealing with the stressors that occur in our lives. I strongly recommend this class for everyone.”
Tim McGowan, Rapid City, SD
“I have been in teaching and coaching for nineteen year and this was the best class I have ever taken. The exchange of ideas and new techniques that I learned in this class will be invaluable in future years. I highly recommend this course to all coaches and teachers. It will give you more and a better perspective on life. This was a great week!”
Mitch Osborn, Harlan, IA
“This class has rejuvenated me for my next seasons of coaching. I plan on using many of the things I learned in my coaching/teaching next year. It does not matter if you are a first year teacher/coach or a 30 year veteran, this course is for you. It was thought provoking/enjoyable to hear from other coaches/teachers from around the state.”
Lonna Wanner, Aberdeen, SD
“This was a very worthwhile course for me, a general music teacher who has always struggled with parental interactions. I felt the more difficult aspects of leadership were addressed directly; how to handle the irrational parent; how to train championship thinking; how to keep from burning out. This class differed from other grad courses by the kind of reading. The articles were succinct, to the point, and understandable. The material was relatively easy to read and comprehend but also to apply. I liked its simplicity. I didn’t have to wade through complex terminology and concepts that had little application. I found 90% of the material could be applied to the classroom as well as the sports field.”
Gabrielle Taheri, Music Teacher, Michael T. Simmons Elementary, WA
“The course delivered on the expectation. It reinforced a lot of concepts that may be looked at as common sense. Keeping things simple, hard work, be neat, classy, and flexible. The course reminded me of why we do things, it is about the kids, and having fun. Finally, how honesty keeps things very easy in life. This is a course I would recommend to any parent, teacher, administrator or coach.”
Jim Williams, Edina, MN
“This course started out for me as an opportunity to move on the pay scale and maybe pick up a little something along the way. I was tired and our season was just beginning. As this course ends I see the deeper value, need and gift that Achieving Peak Performance has given me. I am rejuvenated, energized and ready to start the season. I am looking forward to working with the players, communicating better with the parents and getting through ‘the other stuff’ with a little more ease. Achieving Peak Performance is not only about the ability to get our players and programs to the top; it’s about getting ourselves prepared, motivated and confident to share what we do with the kids, parents and community we work in and for.”
Lisa Verage, Longview , WA
“Achieving Peak Performance class met all my expectations coming into this course and went beyond. The instructors really gave powerful messages through their delivery of the content. The discussions about the reading material and videos helped to give me insight not only as a teacher but as a parent as well. Thanks for a great course and terrific instructors.”
Jennifer Moore, Special Education, East Olympia Elementary,WA
“This course is one of the best courses I have ever taken. The information in this course will not only make me a better coach and teacher but more importantly, a better parent. The instructor of this course, Don Tolkacz, is the best instructor I’ve had for a graduate class. Don’s knowledge is impressive but to me the passion he shows for kids is what makes him not only an incredible instructor, but a great person.”
Mitchell Brabender, Green Bay, WI
“As a non-coach, I was very pleased with the content. I could easily translate concepts presented to teaching and advising. I also developed better insight into the difficulties and joys of coaching. I felt the information about goal setting, dealing with difficult parents and viewing students as individuals were especially useful. The classroom discussions were lively and energizing. Don (a master teacher!) promoted diverse perspectives, set up an environment encouraging all of us to be comfortable and yet kept us moving. As a non-coach, I felt the class was excellently taught and presented a lot of useful information. Teach another class!”
Achieving Peak Performance, Pulaski , WI
“This was an excellent course that helped me become more aware of the whole student/athlete and what I as a teacher can do to help that student/athlete succeed to the best of their ability. This was very motivating and inspirational and would be beneficial to any coach, teacher or parent!”
Chris Destito, Everett, WA
“I didn’t know quite what to expect when registering for the course but I have been pleasantly surprised at what I have learned. Recently I have been questioning whether or not it is ‘worth it’ to continue coaching when having to deal with all the responsibilities and expectations that are placed on us externally. It has been refreshing to be reminded of why we chose to be an educator and coach in the first place. Many helpful tools and insightful information was shared and applied. I sincerely feel I will be able to take what I have learned about being a successful coach and teacher and put it into practice, and make a difference in the lives of the students/athletes that I work with.”
Christine Sluke, Wantoma High School , WI
“This class was one of the most useful classes I have taken. I am going to recommend this class to my peers and fellow workers. Currently, I am not a coach. Everything I have learned in this class will be applicable in my fourth grade classroom. I did a great deal of self-examination and I know that it will lead to improvements. This class has led me to reexamine my own definition of success. I am leaving this class with valuable tools to implement into my life and work.”
Terice Ketelhut, Miller, SD
“Monday- I can’t wait for Friday.
Tuesday- This is better than Monday.
Wednesday- This is fun.
Thursday- This is what all coaches and teachers should take.
Friday- It’s Friday already. I want more.”
Andy Groff, Teacher/Coach. Alma School District, WI
“Excellent class!! One of the best graduate courses I have taken. The content is very applicable whether you are a rookie or veteran coach. I appreciated the opportunity to both share and listen.”
Teresa Kehe, Tripoli, IA
“I found the course, ‘Achieving Peak Performance’, to be one of the most beneficial courses I’ve taken as a student. Looking back, I can’t believe the week is over! As I entered the classroom each morning, I was motivated to learn new strategies and concepts within my current leadership position. Each day I gathered numerous ideas from conversations, articles, videos and text readings that I could apply to my program. Along with our instructor, our group interactions were excellent. I intend to implement the materials and the helpful strategies immediately. I truly believe that if a follow-up course is offered, everyone in this class would take it. It is certainly worth the time.”
Stacey Deaton, Achieving Peak Performance, Lebanon, OH
“This is an outstanding class. The topics discussed in Achieving Peak Performance are relevant to anyone who works with students/athletes. The concepts are taught in a practical manner so you can walk out of class and implement the strategies immediately. The best part of the class is discussing the “other stuff” and how to deal effectively with those things. The class provides the day to day practical applications that all teachers/coaches want in dealing with the stressors that occur in our lives. I strongly recommend this class for everyone.”
Tim McGowan, Rapid City, SD
“I have been in teaching and coaching for nineteen year and this was the best class I have ever taken. The exchange of ideas and new techniques that I learned in this class will be invaluable in future years. I highly recommend this course to all coaches and teachers. It will give you more and a better perspective on life. This was a great week!”
Mitch Osborn, Harlan, IA
“This class has rejuvenated me for my next seasons of coaching. I plan on using many of the things I learned in my coaching/teaching next year. It does not matter if you are a first year teacher/coach or a 30 year veteran, this course is for you. It was thought provoking/enjoyable to hear from other coaches/teachers from around the state.”
Lonna Wanner, Aberdeen, SD
“This was a very worthwhile course for me, a general music teacher who has always struggled with parental interactions. I felt the more difficult aspects of leadership were addressed directly; how to handle the irrational parent; how to train championship thinking; how to keep from burning out. This class differed from other grad courses by the kind of reading. The articles were succinct, to the point, and understandable. The material was relatively easy to read and comprehend but also to apply. I liked its simplicity. I didn’t have to wade through complex terminology and concepts that had little application. I found 90% of the material could be applied to the classroom as well as the sports field.”
Gabrielle Taheri, Music Teacher, Michael T. Simmons Elementary, WA
“The course delivered on the expectation. It reinforced a lot of concepts that may be looked at as common sense. Keeping things simple, hard work, be neat, classy, and flexible. The course reminded me of why we do things, it is about the kids, and having fun. Finally, how honesty keeps things very easy in life. This is a course I would recommend to any parent, teacher, administrator or coach.”
Jim Williams, Edina, MN
“This course started out for me as an opportunity to move on the pay scale and maybe pick up a little something along the way. I was tired and our season was just beginning. As this course ends I see the deeper value, need and gift that Achieving Peak Performance has given me. I am rejuvenated, energized and ready to start the season. I am looking forward to working with the players, communicating better with the parents and getting through ‘the other stuff’ with a little more ease. Achieving Peak Performance is not only about the ability to get our players and programs to the top; it’s about getting ourselves prepared, motivated and confident to share what we do with the kids, parents and community we work in and for.”
Lisa Verage, Longview , WA
“Achieving Peak Performance class met all my expectations coming into this course and went beyond. The instructors really gave powerful messages through their delivery of the content. The discussions about the reading material and videos helped to give me insight not only as a teacher but as a parent as well. Thanks for a great course and terrific instructors.”
Jennifer Moore, Special Education, East Olympia Elementary,WA
“This course is one of the best courses I have ever taken. The information in this course will not only make me a better coach and teacher but more importantly, a better parent. The instructor of this course, Don Tolkacz, is the best instructor I’ve had for a graduate class. Don’s knowledge is impressive but to me the passion he shows for kids is what makes him not only an incredible instructor, but a great person.”
Mitchell Brabender, Green Bay, WI
“As a non-coach, I was very pleased with the content. I could easily translate concepts presented to teaching and advising. I also developed better insight into the difficulties and joys of coaching. I felt the information about goal setting, dealing with difficult parents and viewing students as individuals were especially useful. The classroom discussions were lively and energizing. Don (a master teacher!) promoted diverse perspectives, set up an environment encouraging all of us to be comfortable and yet kept us moving. As a non-coach, I felt the class was excellently taught and presented a lot of useful information. Teach another class!”
Achieving Peak Performance, Pulaski , WI
“This was an excellent course that helped me become more aware of the whole student/athlete and what I as a teacher can do to help that student/athlete succeed to the best of their ability. This was very motivating and inspirational and would be beneficial to any coach, teacher or parent!”
Chris Destito, Everett, WA
“I didn’t know quite what to expect when registering for the course but I have been pleasantly surprised at what I have learned. Recently I have been questioning whether or not it is ‘worth it’ to continue coaching when having to deal with all the responsibilities and expectations that are placed on us externally. It has been refreshing to be reminded of why we chose to be an educator and coach in the first place. Many helpful tools and insightful information was shared and applied. I sincerely feel I will be able to take what I have learned about being a successful coach and teacher and put it into practice, and make a difference in the lives of the students/athletes that I work with.”
Christine Sluke, Wantoma High School , WI