Jared Rathge
Position: Physical Education Teacher
School: Andrew Cooke Magnet School
School District: Waukegan Community School District #60
City, State: Waukegan, IL
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Jared Rathge was nominated by a colleague, Julie Ahern.
Mr. Rathge is one of those physical education teachers that every school can hope for. He is tall, imposing, and strong with the students, but he's also funny and caring. He makes gym class a cool place to be with inventive, challenging, and fun games. Mr. Rathge has been to numerous conferences and brings back activities that the students love. He's also well known for his love of golf. He brought this game to the students. He secured funds to get golf putting mats and clubs. His school even has an interactive golf driving range.
"I'm excited to show my support for Jared, who has given his all for 20 years at Cooke School," said Ahern.
Mr. Rathge is an all around exceptional person. He brings the skills and fun that can be had by students and staff alike during PE or throughout the day. He is very deserving of this and any recognition. We truly appreciate and thank him for his many dedicated years at Andrew Cooke Magnet School. As well as for being a great teacher for our students and a true team player.
It is great to be able to recognize someone who does so much for our students. There is very little that I can say to do justice to the things this BFG (Big Friendly Giant) does for all our students. His job is more than making sure students burn out the extra energy they have through physical activities; it's about building confidence, teaching students sportsmanship, the importance of peer support, teamwork, and building healthy habits, setting foundational skills that extend beyond the classroom.
I appreciate all the things you do, but especially how you can tailor your instruction to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities, regardless of physical condition, and encourage them to become the best they can be.
Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and contagious sense of humor.
Mr. Rathge is amazing, fun, encouraging, and full of great ideas. The students enjoy attending Gym class. Thank you for making fitness and teamwork exciting and for helping every student feel included.
Mr.Rathge is a wonderful gym teacher, and my students always look forward going to his class. My students love the variety of engaging games they get to play, and they always have a great time in Mr.Rathge's class. Every kid feels included regardless of their abilities, and I have never had a student not look forward going to gym. He's a great co-worker, and we are so fortunate to have him at Cooke!
Mr.Rathge is an amazing physical education teacher, not only with our Gen Ed students but with our Diverse learners as well. His commitment to include our students to the best of their ability with Gen Ed during activities is just one of his amazing qualities, his patience and understanding is something that every person should strive for. I'm very proud of getting to work with Mr.Rathge and hope to be more like him as I continue my career as an educator.
I’ve know Jared for almost 17 years. He is kindergarteners favorite teacher! He makes all activities fun and every kid feels safe around him. He is a great professional and well respected in our school community.
Mr. Rathge is an amazing gym teacher who students absolutely love. The kids are always excited and look forward to going to gym because it’s full of fun, engaging games and positive energy. He is also a great coworker who is supportive and awesome person to be around.
Mr. Rathge is the kind of PE teacher that every kid dreams of. Both of my boys had him at Cooke and he always enters the conversation when talking about favorite teachers. The great thing about him, is it does not matter ability, he is the kind of PE teacher every kid needs. Kind, encouraging but also holds his students accountable. I have been fortunate that my boys, who are of varying abilities, had him and both speak of how great he was. The cool thing is that I can speak not only from a parents point of view, but also can speak as a colleague. I have been fortunate to be on the same team. He not only supports our students, but also our team and everyother staff member. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. He is a important part of what makes our school the absolute best!
I am happy to work with Mr. Rathge. He is very cordial and easy to work with. He is also very knowledgeable in his field. The children are never bored in his class; he really knows how to keep them moving. I am sure that many children's lives have been changed through his service, and yes, he deserves to be nominated as a life changer.
Mr. Rathge is an amazing gym teacher and co-worker. Throughout the years he has shown his creativity and passion in engaging our students in physical activities and greenhouse lessons. Whether it's for Field Day, Golf Club, growing plants, or teaching our student's about keeping an active and healthy lifestyle; He makes it accessible for everyone and many of our students look up to him. It's an extra plus that Mr. Rathge brings in his wonderful humor to work everyday that helps lighten up moments of the school day.
Jared is a great part of our Encore team and is my favorite carpenter! He supports us to build pieces for our stage and make our performances even better. Jared supports all of our students at Cooke and meets them where they are to help them be the best they can be. Thanks Jared!!
You definatley should be recognized! You make gym fun and accessible for everyone!
I have very fond memories of being a student in Mr. Rathge’s gym class when I was in elementary school over a decade ago. He was always so kind and supportive of myself and the other students. I would definitely say Mr. Rathge is a true LifeChanger!
Mr. Rathge is very personable and a great co-worker. He deserves to be recognized for all the years he has given to this school.
Mr. Rathge is an exceptional physical education teacher that creates student centered, engaging, and educational opportunities for our students. He advocates and procures resources for our students to enhance their physical eduation experience.
I have worked with Mr. Rathge for 16 years now. My students love going to gym class. He provides a wide variety of engaging physical fitness activities. Mr. Rathge also provides support for our greenhouse activities and our school plays. He also leads a sports club. He is always willing to provide support wherever it is needed.
Mr. Rathge is a very caring and an excellent PE teacher. He has a great sense of humor and is wonderful with the students. Thank you for all you do for Cooke!
I have been working with Jared more years than I can remember. He is the kindergarten kids absolute favorite. They are so happy to have PE two times per week this year. The variety of activities he provides keeps them moving and wanting more. They leave gym tired and happy. He’s just such a nice and engaging teacher. We are so lucky to have him.
Mr. Rathge is an incredible person. My son loves and misses him so much. He was his teacher for five years and never once complained. As a volunteer mom, every time I was at the school, he greeted everyone with a big, warm smile.
I have 6 grandkids that have gone to Cooke and they all loved their gym teacher so very much. His gym class activities he has the kids play sound so fun when they tell me. I personally love going to the school and when you see him he always says hello and has his great big smile.
Mr. Rathghe,
There is so much we can say about him! My husband and I see first hand what an amazing teacher he is. He is so caring and loving towards his students. My son is a little hard to handle and doesn’t trust a lot of people, and Mr. Rathge is his safe person. He is always there to encourage him and give him positivity! We appreciate the patience he has with him! He is always so welcoming and sees the best in his students! Everyone loves Mr. Rathge!
Andrew Cooke Magnet would not be the same without the time and energy of Mr Rathge! My son has the best time learning new games and has enjoyed all the clubs he has attended, especially golf. Mr Rathge should be celebrated!
Mr. Rathge exemplifies what it means to be a true LifeChanger. He brings energy, positivity, and passion to every class, inspiring students to be their best not only in physical education but in life. His enthusiasm is contagious—students look forward to his lessons because he makes movement fun, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone. Beyond teaching skills, he instills confidence, teamwork, and perseverance in every child he works with. Mr. Rathge goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where every student feels seen and supported. His impact extends far beyond the gym—he helps shape kind, resilient, and motivated young people. Our school is better because of him!
Jared is a wonderful coworker, and even better gym teacher! All the kids love PE and are always talking about his fun games, and golf games! Not only is he super funny and kind, but is always available to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Every student in the building loves Mr. Rathge. He deserves this.
