Testimonials: Connecting With Today's Youth

"This course was very beneficial to me as a teacher as well as a person.  It has helped me become more aware of how my actions and words affect others.  I would recommend this course to others, even if they are not in the education field."

Rene' Ostdiek, Aurora, NE

1st grade teacher

"Your courses continue to be the best professional development I have ever taken.  I have learned more about teaching, coaching and working with young people through these courses than all of my undergraduate and graduate work combined!  The format is perfect for teachers who want a quick, practical, enjoyable and extremely useful course for their professional development.  Keep developing new courses!"

Delwyn Showalter, Mount Ayr, IA

History Teacher/Football Coach

"Best class that I have ever taken."

Michael Larsen, Atlantic, IA

Elementary P.E.

"The course was excellent with a lot of practical ideas for life.  This was an excellent course for me to take in the summer to get 3 credit hours in a week.  The information I received in this class, I will use in all aspects of my life.  This is good for anyone to take.  I enjoyed the variety used in this class.  We had videos, guest speakers and small groups.  I really enjoyed that the work you could get finished in class.  This class was far and beyond any other grad level courses I have taken!  It was not too far to drive to and the interaction with the other students has been great!"

Rebecca Geren, Central City, NE

Paraeducator

"Taking this course is inspirational.  Being able to hear from the experts during the course is great.  It gives  you great ideas you can take away and use in your classroom or in your coaching fields.  Discussions are very interesting and I would recommend any of the Educational Resources courses to anyone.  I know I will be taking more."

Wade Rusch, SD

Ipswich Elementary Title 1 Math Teacher

"The course material and videos in this course provide great information and can be taken for immediate use.  It teaches confidence, communication skills, positive attitude and the 'what's' and 'why's' of situations.  The quality of this course is head and shoulders above other graduate courses I have taken.  This course will last a life-time."

Lance Howe, SD

Hitchcock-Tulare Boys BB Coach

"This is the best graduate class I have taken.  The course is thought provoking, rigorous & practical for classroom use.  The books we used/read were valuable for the classroom & life in general.  It provided a great mix of philosophy & strategies.  I am leaving thinking/reflecting on why I teach.  I am also leaving with a kit of ideas, activities and strategies to assist student learning."

Joan Nikkel, IA

Pella Middle School, 6th Gr. LA

"Content of course is right on target.  If you aren't motivated to change your life or the lives of others when you leave this class - you weren't in the room.  The quality of this course is superior by far!"

Author Unknown, NE

"This course should be mandated for all new teachers.  The information given to all of us was not so much new, but very reinforcing.  It pumped me up to try the new things I learned.  I will definitely take more courses like this."

Rich Parker, IA

Centerville Comm. School, PE & Health

"This course contains so much beneficial information and I am planning on buying most of the books.  It allowed me to re-evaluate my life and things I do that I now want to change.  I am very excited to try these concepts in my classes this fall.  I now the knowledge I gained by taking this course will help me to be a better leader and educator.  I will strongly recommend this course for fellow educators and I will be encouraging my family and friends to read, 'Life's Greatest Lessons.'  Great course!"

Roberta Eisenbeisz, SD

Aberdeen Central Science Teacher

"Connecting With Today's Youth is a very informative class which offers many new ideas and philosophies that can benefit every teacher in every classroom.  Through a wide range of class activities, including small & large group discussions, a teacher will come away feeling confident that they can always find new ways to be more effective in their classroom."

Matt Kruzich, IA

Centerville Teacher

"The amount of quality material we as students are exposed to is staggering; more importantly, it is excellent - it is real, and designed to be of practical application to help an interested individual be a better teacher and/or coach."

Dean Brunson, Council Bluffs, IA

Physical Education Teacher

"This was a great experience.  It was inspiring to take a week to think about and reflect on a part of my life that is so important and gets overlooked during the thick of the school year/season.  I gained so many insights and a huge list of things that I want to implement within the next 2 years."

Pamela Mumm, IA

Vocal Music Director

"This course provided information that would help all educators and coaches ability to improve their connection with today's student athletes.  This course provided a no-nonsense technique instruction to share concerns and provide new techniques for all coaches and educators to take back and use in their professional background."

John Hearn, IA

Teacher/Coach

"Excellent.  I highly recommend this course to all educators and those who work with kids.  It should be a required course in the teacher education programs.  There was a good variety of activities; readings, videos, physical,etc..  Many good ideas & activities to take back to the classroom for all ages and to help set guidelines for parents."

Wendy Mibuis, SD

Retired

"This has been a fabulous week.  Who says a course has to be stressful to be good.  I gained a great deal of practical ideas that not only apply to my teaching/coaching, but to my personal life as well.  I met a lot of quality people.  It makes me proud to be a teacher."

Waverly, NE

5th Grade Teacher

"Great course!  Really lifted my spirits and helped me focus on what I can do to be a better teacher."

Kevin Behrens, David City, NE

Science Teacher

"This course has been a tremendous learning tool for me.  I have learned many techniques that I can use for the years to come.  I like being around other teachers and coaches and sharing ideas.  I would recommend this to my colleagues.  It is great to receive credits and spend time learning more about your passion."

Bill Leberman, SD

Parker School District

K-9th Physical Education Teacher

"This single week of instruction is more worthwhile than an entire year of in-service.  Each day provides something positive that can be used in practice or in the classroom as well."

Mike Davis, Atlantic, IA

Art Education

"This course is a great rejuvenator!  It is extremely important that professionals have the opportunity to openly discuss applications of the positive techniques that are used by co-professionals.  The insight that the readings lend and videos give were super! I recommend this for all people who work with others in any profession.  It is an extremely high quality, well mapped out course."

Patrick Kopst, IA

East Marshall Middle School Educator

"This course has been very beneficial and worthwhile.  I have a new attitude and outlook towards students and athletes.  Some of the main points discussed were setting goals, remaining positive, parent involvement, success, life is hard, etc..... Excellent!  This class is very applicable, where as other classes I have taken don't always apply to what I'm teaching.  I can take this information back into the classroom and to my athletic team."

Kim Zimmerman, SD

7th Grade Social Studies Teacher

"I have taken away many ideas and concepts that are beneficial to me as a teacher/coach.  I liked the format of the course because it allowed me to grow professionally in a manner that fit my busy summer schedule."

Matthew Manson, IA

Webster City, HS Science

"This course is well designed!  I feel that this course was challenging, eye-opening and an excellent resource."

Camela Hill, IA

Centerville CSD HS English, Yearbook Advisor

"Excellent!  Covers all important aspects of teaching & coaching.  Most were ideas that I can take directly from here to the athletic field or classroom."

Scott Hadorn, Sturgis, SD

Science Teacher & Coach

"The course was very informative.  The books and videos were great.  A lot of information was presented but Matt did an exceptional job of directing the class in a manner that resulted in a successful week."

Dak Rasmussen, IA

Pella H.S. Social Studies Teacher & Coach

"This course did an excellent job of teaching us different ways to connect with students and athletes.  I like the atmosphere of sharing ideas and knowing their is no right or wrong answer."

Darin Michels, IA

Physical Education Health, Boys Golf

"Great course - this is just another example of the great types of people in the Ed./Coaching profession.  One of the great things I love about courses like these are the interaction with other people in the same profession.  Keep offering these courses."

Jim Jacobsen, Waveryly, NE

Teacher/Coach

"I enjoyed this class because the dialogue was good and challenging.  The readings and videos were a strong source of information and theory while the discussions helped clarify all the information given.  The resources I gained from both the instructor and each other are invaluable.  I especially liked the 20 Life Lessons book and the team building book.  The questions in the books were great and I plan on using a few in our locker room during the season."

Stacey Ruff, IA

Volleyball Coach

"The material presented is just what I needed in working with people both young and old in leadership positions.  The use of the book, 'Life's Greatest Lessons', was a plus for me.  I plan on using that in my classroom and on the basketball court."

Kris Spiegler, IA

Teacher/BB Coach

"Great reflection class.  Every season we strive to improve & gather ideas to make our teams better.  This class helped gather information from several professionals to use in the future."

Karla Weber, IA

Wellness Education/Swim Coach

"The number one reason I chose this class over other options is the relevancy of the material.  I think the topics covered are important and the course is set up in a way that ideas and strategies for success are shared.  Everyone adds to the discussions and feels like they had a chance to contribute.  It is well led but the students certainly contribute to the learning experience."

Todd Troutman, IA

Athletic Director

"This was a good course and I feel that I learned quite a lot.  The intensity of the week builds a feeling of family, such as what we want to happen in our classrooms. 

Laura Engelhardt, IA

Chariton Middle School Lang. Arts Instructor

"The class was very organized and the material was very motivational.  Not only for teaching purposes but for my personal life as well.  I learned a lot form others sharing their personal experiences.  I gained a lot of information."

Jennifer Heath, Atlantic, IA

Special Ed. Teacher

"This has been a great class.  It has me rejuvenated for the up coming school year and season.  I appreciate having the opportunity to be part of a class like this.  It is great stuff."

Adam Verhage, Utica, NE

Teacher/Coach

"Another awesome course!  These are the topics of things that I should have learned in college.  I do have a great advantage in that I was able to take this course as a young educator!  No busy work so I was able to put all my focus and attention on either the videos or materials I was reading and prepare for class discussions rather than answering tons of questions."

Derek Lambert, Mount Ayr, IA

Physical Education Instructor

"This class really reminded me of the important things we teach or should teach.  These are the things that will stick with our students all of their lives, even when thoughts of Spanish or Algebra or dates may fade from their memory."

Aurora, NE

"The course was very practical and provided information which will help me become a better educator in both the teaching and coaching areas."

Todd Gordon, Treynor, IA

Athletic Director

"This course was very informative.  I learned so many strategies and techniques to implement into my professional career.  I find "hands on" classes very beneficial."

Catherine Lechtenberg, IA

Centerville H.S. Business/Math Teacher

"I believe my attitude has changed after taking this class.  I am uplifted and ready to set summer goals!  This is one summer class I would highly recommend."

Debi Bruns, Rapid City, SD

APE

"Connecting With Today's Youth was an inspiring wealth of information that can be utilized across a wide spectrum of life situations.  Material covered was practical and applicable for people of all ages."

Carol VanKirk, Perry, IA

Counselor/Head Volleyball Coach

"This is a great course.  Thank goodness we have some of these classes where you actually use the information in your classroom and on the athletic field.  The information in this class isn't a "fad," it will be around forever because it is about real life.  I like that you get to share with other teachers and coaches.  The discussion time is super!!!"

Kenten Oltman, Norris, NE

Teacher H.S. Math, Coach Golf & Football

"I have taken another class of yours and I think this class was just as good.  The material hits you at the gut level so you know you are finding good information.  This course is much better than most courses I have taken.  It is practical and meaningful for teachers - young or old!"

Jeff Engelhardt, IA

Chariton High School, Mathematics

"Great course for all teachers to be part of.  This is the type of class that every teacher should attend every few years.  It is a refreshing opportunity to be with peers and to discuss topics that pertain to our occupation."

Steven Kitzman, IA

East Marshall Middle School Teacher & Coach

"This class was very beneficial to help create a positive and smooth running classroom, workplace and family.  It provided many applications to use in the classroom or on teams.  I really enjoyed comparing and talking with teachers from other districts."

Mike Yeoman, IA

Knoxville High School Science Teacher

"I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot from it.  The format that this class is presented in is perfect.  It is very conducive to open conversations/sharing ideas & thoughts.  This is definitely the best graduate class I have taken."

Teresa Bradley, IA

"The material used in this class is so valuable that I can hardly wait to use it in my classroom.  I especially like Hal Urban's, Life's Greatest Lessons, and plan to purchase it for myself.  The videos were also very informative and practical.  Discussions based on the videos and reading assignments were lively and energizing.  This course is one that any teacher or any coach at any level can easily apply in their classroom or with their team."

Dawn Pederson, Simmons Middle School, Aberdeen, SD

7th L.A. Teacher

"The content of this course was excellent.  I'm planning on using many of the strategies and concepts this next year in the classroom as well as in athletics.  As educators, this is exactly what we need to improve in teaching and coaching."

Kristina Manson, IA

Boone High School Math Teacher, JH Cross Country, Girls BB & Track

"This course was the most beneficial class that I have taken since college.  Not only did it reinforce what I am already doing with my students/athletes, it also gave me numerous new ideas to try in the upcoming school year.  I wish that this class was a requirement for all new teachers and coaches."

Jerry Meinerts, IA

Collins-Maxwell 5th gr. Teacher, JH Volleyball and Boys Track

"I feel that this course has helped me to grow personally and professionally.  Trying to keep one's life in balance is often difficult for many of us with too many different roles.  This course works to assist students in developing a personal means for doing this."

Debra Anderson, Central City, NE

Guidance Counselor

"I thought this was an excellent class.  It provided tons of information to connect with students and athletes.  Many of the techniques are simple and can easily be used to improve student/athletes.  I would take another course taught by Kathy & Gene!"

Ramona Smith, SD

Special Ed. Teacher

"The course is excellent.  The readings and videos really bring home many points for teachers and coaches to think about.  I wished I had taken this course 25 years ago.  What a difference it would have made."

Steven Lansing, IA

Work-Experience Coordinator

"I enjoyed all of the material we covered as it was practical and can easily be applied in either athletics or the classroom.  I enjoyed this course and will take more when they are developed."

Kristy Pierce, IA

Head Coach, Physical Education

"The books and videos are excellent.  The key points are so worth while to coaches and teachers:  goals, motivation & evaluation, are so important.  The team building activities are specific and useful."

Marilee Oldorf, IA

P.E./Health

"Great Course!  This course challenged me to improve my coaching performance in a positive manner.  The supplementary material was excellent as I now have several resources that I know can positively impact my team.  I highly recommend this course for all coaches looking to improve their program."

Dena Sievers, SD

Math Teacher/Coach

"I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is looking for ways to have better relationships with other people.  The material in this course has helped me not only professionally but personally.  I've always thought goals were over-rated, but the readings and discussions on goals in this class have prompted me to write down a goal and try it for myself."

Jane Dusel-Misfeldt, NE

Teacher/Coach

"This course allowed me the opportunity to jump start myself.  I made my reflect on my strengths and weaknesses.  More importantly, it gives you ideas and tools to improve your weaknesses.  I've enjoyed, grown and used the other two classes I've taken through Educational Resources, so when this class became available, I knew I needed to take it!" 

Jim Appl, Simmons Middle School, SD

Language Arts Teacher/Coach