“I feel this course was the most beneficial teaching and coaching class I have ever taken. The course topics were right on track with what coaches/teachers are faced with every day. I enjoyed the motivational strategies and goal-setting segments. I hope that this course is offered for others in the future. I would also like to see Achieving Peak Performance II offered next year.”
Dave Ewing, Ankeny, IA
“Achieving Peak Performance was a highly beneficial class for the classroom teacher who does not coach at all. As a teacher, you are a coach in the classroom on many different occasions. Day 1 of the class focused (Williams text) on “setting up an effective coaching program”. All of the strategies discussed are very transferable to ’setting up an effective classroom.’ The information presented on motivating athletes works well in the daily classroom and when preparing students for state wide testing. I would highly recommend this class for teachers, coaches and administrators.”
Rhonda Crawford, 4th grade teacher, East Olympia Elementary in Tumwater , WA
“This course has offered me new insights into helping my students and athletes to “be all that they can be.” Besides some new ideas, it helped to reaffirm things that I do already that work. It allowed me to have open discussions with other teachers and coaches about these subjects of motivation, attitude, success, etc. What a great way to be refreshed before the start of another school year.”
Barbara Brondyke, Clinton, IA
“This course was invaluable to me as a coach. Moreover, this course will increase my effectiveness as a teacher. Motivation will be a key point to both the classroom and field. The ability to be with others in my field can’t be measured. Knowing things you are doing are great and learning things others do to improve their students is great. I would personally suggest all administrators and extra-curricular people take the course.”
Mike Moulton, Math, Science, English, History teacher, Jr. High Football and track coach, WA
“I really feel that this is an excellent class for teachers and coaches due to the fact that it taught ideas and strategies that can be used in the classroom and on the playing field. I enjoyed the different ways in which the information was presented from the instructor, guest speakers, videos, readings and class discussions. I enjoyed this class much more than others that I have taken simply because it addressed so many of the problems teachers and coaches face in their profession. It was nice to be able to share stories with colleagues and realize that our problems are not isolated incidences. I have come away from this class with several ideas that I feel will help me become a better teacher and coach which ultimately benefits the kids I work with.”
David Petry, Math teacher, Lawrence , KS
“This course was the best I have taken in my teaching/coaching career. I would take this class of a follow-up in a heartbeat. This class would fit for any person in a position of leadership. The course content was outstanding and the educational materials fit the topic. The activities made the class flow very well. Everything was designed perfectly.”
Lyle Pagel, Rapid City, SD
“I will recommend this course to my colleagues. It has been very beneficial in helping me to become a better classroom teacher and coach. The variety of activities and all of the interaction and feedback from fellow students really was a great experience.”
Tim O’Brien, Oelwein, IA
“This class was great! As a classroom teacher and not a coach, I found this class to be very helpful. I especially enjoyed the motivational videos. I would recommend that all coaches take this class. If you have a son or daughter in organized sports, please encourage his or her coach to attend this class.”
Barb Dinsmore, 5th grade teacher, Lakota Local School District, OH
“The Achieving Peak Performance course is one of the most worthwhile educational experiences I have had the pleasure to participate in. It is a very practical class that would benefit all teachers, administrators and coaches. The content of the course deals with topics that are crucial to success in the classroom and the athletic arena. The course emphasizes the use of the democratic classroom, clear expectations, and positive corrections. It dealt with handling discipline, individual conferences, and parent/teacher relationships. The course identified the need for support systems for teachers and coaches and suggestions for creating a nurturing educational environment. The class was highly interactive and there were many teachable moments shared by successful educators in many different disciplines. The instructor facilitated an interesting, enthusiastic environment and looked forward to learning from successful people daily. The cornerstones of the class were 2 engaging texts and videotapes that dealt a wide range of topics. I’m looking forward to Developing Excellence in Others that focuses on team building.”
Denny Cullinan, Ass’t. Exec. Secretary, IA Basketball Coaches Assn.
“The course was very worthwhile, not only as a coach but as a 3rd grade teacher. The focus on the mental aspects and the confidence building was very helpful. The guest speakers and videos were great. I’d be very interested in taking another course. This course is about “teaching.” It doesn’t matter what kind of classroom you’re in. As a 3rd grade teacher, I plan on using all of what I’ve learned in my classroom. Excellent content and leadership. Randy did a super job teaching the course! The materials and activities were good and it all worked toward meeting the course objectives.”
Bob Shanahan, Adams , NE