Warren Twp. P.E. teacher emphasizes physical health

Warren Township High School physical education teacher Brandon Schild said the Gurnee school has an amazing group of students and staff - it's "truly a special place."

He should know. He's been teaching physical education for 17 years, all of but one at Warren Township High.

In addition to teaching, the 41-year-old Grayslake resident has been coaching football for nine years and is the team's defensive line coach.

Schild is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University.

Q. What prompted your decision to teach physical education?

A. I wanted to be a physical education teacher to share my enjoyment of physical education and encourage students to live a physically active life.

Q. How do you get through to kids who don't like Phys. Ed or don't think it's important?

A. When dealing with students that don't like physical education, I explain to the student the importance of physical education and how they will personally benefit from participating in the lifelong activities.

Q. How has physical education curriculum changed over the years, and what ways do you embrace and enact those changes in your classes?

A. Yes, physical education has definitely changed over the years. Your traditional team sports classes are becoming obsolete. The majority of Warren students are taking fitness-based classes, such as Strength & Conditioning and Fit for Life.

Q. Besides taking part in physical activity, in what ways do your students learn about the importance of being healthy and staying fit?

A. The students learn about living a healthy, physically fit life through a number of activities. To name just a few, nutrition, weight training, yoga, Pilates, target heart rate, and cardiovascular training.