May WWEA Educator Spotlight

The Wheaton Warrenville Education Association (WWEA) would like to introduce Mr. Dan Kickert, a 6 year Physical Education educator who is wrapping up his first year of teaching at Sandburg Elementary in District 200. Mr. Kickert has experience teaching K-5 Physical Education and K-12 adapted physical education. In addition to his role as an educator, Mr. Kickert tries to be as involved as he can be at Sandburg. He supervises lunch recess and after school buses and volunteers for the Wellness and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) committees. He attends many school events and volunteered with his colleagues at Feed My Starving Children this year. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Physical Education with a minor in Athletic Coaching.

Physical Education is a subject Mr. Kickert’s very passionate about and he recognizes its importance for each and every child. He loves being in front of his classes everyday where he’s able to instill an enjoyment for being physically active and being a positive role model for his students. He’s been inspired by many great teachers throughout his life and feels that this is his chance to pay it forward. Teaching P.E. allows him to see every student in the building each day, which makes his job very rewarding. He wants to be a bright spot in a child’s day and works hard to make sure each and every student has a positive experience in P.E.

Mr. Kickert strives to create a P.E. program at Sandburg that is respected and valued within our school community. When past students visit to tell him about their positive experiences in P.E. and he experiences enthusiasm from his current students, he knows that he’s made a positive impact. One of his favorite moments in class is seeing students work together to overcome challenging activities, when students show enthusiasm and cheer one another on, and seeing the growth of students from the beginning of the year to the end.

Thank you, Mr. Dan Kickert, for creating an environment where students learn to value their physical health in an engaging and caring atmosphere. We feel lucky that you’ve chosen to join our D200 and WWEA team.