Hi there…My name is Cassandra Goodweiler. I am from Stoughton, Wisconsin which is a small Norwegian community just outside of beautiful Madison, WI. My family is a big part of my life and I feel very fortunate to be supported by them in everything that I do. My mom, Nancy, is also a physical education teacher in Madison and has been a great resource and inspiration in my journey to become a physical educator. I will be joined in Grundy Center by my long-term inamorato Will, who will also be a graduate student at UNI. He will be getting his Master’s Degree but his will be in Exercise Science/Strength and Conditioning. We will be sharing in both the excitement and challenges of graduate school. My family and I enjoy traveling, grilling out, watching the Green Bay Packers, and relaxing in each others company.

My background…In January 2006, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a Physical Education major and Adapted P.E. minor. I played on the softball team at the University and was fortunate enough to travel to Australia to play Aussie teams. Before graduating, I also traveled overseas to New Zealand to complete my student teaching experience. New Zealand was stunning and I plan to go back someday. Some of my interests/hobbies include: playing softball, exercising, camping, watching movies, laughing and eating ice cream.

So, how I got here…Over the summer 2005, I met Rick Schupbach at a physical education workshop and was instantly intrigued by the Polar Scholar Program and what was happening here in Grundy Center. Ever since that day I knew I had to be a part of this program. I am excited to learn, grow, meet the Grundy Center community and be surrounded by people that exude excitement, energy and have a true passion for life.

 Jake Glover

I was born and raised in Virginia, and until I moved out here I was completely positive that the sun and moon revolved around the Commonwealth.  I leave behind a beautiful and talented girlfriend, unwaveringly supportive family and countless friends and colleagues that are the foundation of who I am. 

I originally graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Exercise Science in 2002.  Immediately after graduation I served as the Assistant Fitness/Wellness Coordinator for VCU under Dr. Eric West.  During my time in the wellness program at VCU, I designed and implemented countless individualized fitness programs, co-organized a national fitness expo, facilitated a myriad of fitness/wellness topical workshops, instructed a variety of different fitness classes and most importantly…grew professionally and personally.  I eventually started my own personal training business focusing primarily on clients with special needs such as stroke and brain trauma.  A coaching experience sparked an interest in teaching that eventually became a life-altering flame.  I decided to return to VCU to obtain a degree in Health and Physical Education, and I now view that decision as the turning point in my life.  The professors at VCU made me realize that a physical educator does not have a “job”…he or she has a responsibility. 

We, as physical educators, are responsible for inspiring students to be healthy and expose them to activities and ideas that will allow them to stay inspired throughout their lifetime.  We are also responsible for galvanizing our community behind the healthy principles that we impart on our students through active communication with the parents and leaders of said community.  This town and this program are the physical manifestation of that ideal, and I am honored to a part of this.