Paul Vandersteen

@pntrack "Student teachers deserve to be paid." No truer words. Think about it, right now, college students PAY to do their internship (student teaching). And, a lot of universities require student teachers to attend a seminar class - it's as if student teaching is not enough.

The upcoming teacher shortage will be devastating. I can't talk any high school or college kid into considering it. Makes no sense to borrow $100K to get a college degree that qualifies you for a $45K job (and it's a hard job!). My idea... Two year college program, followed by a two year apprenticeship making $25 an hour. $35 if your are working at a school poorly supported by property taxes. The first year of the apprenticeship would be working in all areas of the school but would include being a teacher's aid. Coaching (paid) would be encouraged. The second year of the apprenticeship would be an extended student teaching experience... hands on, learning the craft. Again, paid extracurricular work encouraged. At the end of the four-year experience, the initial college the student attended would issue a degree on the recommendation of the apprenticeship school. It makes no sense to continue to pay high tuition as a student teacher. Student teachers deserve to be paid. Plumbers without a college degree average $35 an hour. Either we fix things now or we deal with long term consequences. Either we invest or we divest.

DVC Champs at both levels today!

Thank you to our 5k runners and more than donated $200 to help fight Parkinson’s last night! #RayVandersteenMeet @PVsteen @NVXC_NVTF @NVGirlsCCTF @MrsConway5C @jamesjanota @Michael_Rossi79 parkinson.org

Over 400 athletes are currently registered for our Summer Camps, but we've got room for more! Join us for fun and personal bests!!! wildcatxctf.com

Sectional Champions at Joliet Central!

@travischis93 I think what really helped me was only coaching xc while my own kids were young. I stayed in touch with the athletes during the winter/spring but didn’t have the stress year round. Forever thankful for @jamesjanota and @mike_kennedy74

I fear my time as a coach and teacher are numbered. I am feeling unsupported in my current role. The workload is becoming unmanageable. My stress levels are dangerously unhealthy. I’m not sure how much longer this can continue like this. I’d be happy to hear any advice.

Fast Finish: Congratulations Alex Parkinson - YOU are the 500 Free STATE CHAMPION.

I could not agree more. Academics are going to provide more opportunities than athletic money the majority of the time. Compete for the love of the sport and go where academics (non-athletic scholarships/aide) match, and everything will fall into place.

He is THE man of the horizontal jumps. Well deserved! @MileSplitIL @ILXCTF

What an amazing ride! #stripeseason

A great day at state! 9th place as a team via a tiebreaker and 6th place overall for Zac!

Good luck guys! #proud

@PNDXCTrack In my humble opinion, too many coaches ‘over coach’ and it only casts doubt and creates unnecessary anxiety. As Joe Newton always said, “don’t change a thing and run your race”.

@gregcoplen Yes, I am now retired from high school coaching but the plan is to be there!!

@PVsteen Paul, that means so much brother. Hope you're doing well. You going to be at Jay Johnson's clinic this year?

A coaching thread (if you care to read) (and feel free to comment) This is the 1st year, in 12 years as a head coach that I've designed our training program one week at a time. Sometimes, one day at a time. Sometimes, changes in the workouts themselves based on what I'm seeing

Regional champs!

Congrats to @NVXC_NVTF on their Regional Championship today! Zac Close was the individual champion.

Thank you, Principal Dr. Lance Fuhrer, for your dedication, passion, and leadership at Neuqua Valley High School. #PrincipalAppreciationWeek #ThankAPrincipal @lancefuhrer @NeuquaValley

Conference Champs! F/S also finished second as a team today!

Congratulations Zac - YOU are the 2023 DVC Champion.