For 29 years, Ron Rogers has been a cornerstone of Unity Point School, shaping the lives of seventh and eighth graders. As the school’s Physical Education, Health, and Consumer Education teacher, and a former coach for multiple sports, Ron combines his passion for fitness, well-being, and character building to create a curriculum that extends far beyond the classroom.

Ron’s journey to Unity Point began in Dixon, Illinois, where he grew up before pursuing his education degree at Southern Illinois University. Initially interested in photojournalism, he soon realized his true calling was teaching. “I’ve always been an athlete, and the coaches and teachers in my life inspired me,” Ron recalls. “I knew I wanted to have that kind of impact.”

After graduating, Ron worked as a health educator at a local clinic before landing his dream job at Unity Point in 1996. “I’d heard such great things about this school,” he says. “When the opportunity came up, I jumped at it. And I’ve loved every minute since.”

Ron’s philosophy for physical education focuses on building lifelong habits. “My goal is for students to find something they love to do so they stay active long after they leave school,” he explains. His PE curriculum is divided into two-week units, covering team sports like basketball and volleyball, as well as individual fitness activities like tumbling and cardiovascular training.

“While we measure cardiovascular fitness using the PACER test, Ron says, “the goal is seeing improvement and feeling good about what you can achieve.” Whether running laps outside or participating in gym-based games, students are encouraged to push their limits while learning resilience and teamwork.

Social-emotional learning is also a key component of Ron’s classes. “Middle school is such an important time for developing skills like empathy, perseverance, and conflict resolution,” he says. “I want my students to learn how to work together, overcome challenges, and be kind to one another.”

In addition to PE, Ron teaches health education, covering topics like human reproduction and wellness, and Consumer Education, which introduces seventh graders to practical life skills. Through interactive lessons, students learn about budgeting, paying taxes, and planning for their futures. A highlight of the course is “Trojandale,” a simulated town where students playact as working adults, complete with jobs, bills, and responsibilities. “It’s a fun way to teach them the realities of adulthood,” Ron says. “They leave with a new appreciation for their parents and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed.”

Ron’s dedication to his students extends far beyond the classroom. Over his nearly three decades at Unity Point, he’s coached basketball, track, baseball, and volleyball. While he no longer coaches, he cherishes the years he spent on the sidelines. “Coaching was a way to connect with students on a deeper level,” he reflects. “I loved helping them reach their goals and seeing their confidence grow.”

For Ron, Unity Point isn’t just a workplace—it’s a community. “This is my home away from home,” he says. “I want the culture here to reflect that. We should feel like a family, taking care of each other and fostering kindness, compassion, and empathy.”

This sense of care is particularly evident in how Ron approaches his students. “They know they can come to me with any issue, and I’ll do everything I can to help,” he says. “It’s about building trust and showing them they’re valued.”

Ron is a passionate advocate for preserving arts, music, and physical education in schools, viewing them as essential components of a well-rounded education. “These programs are often seen as extras, but they’re so critical for students’ development,” he argues. “Movement, creativity, and self-expression help students perform better academically and emotionally.”

Unity Point’s commitment to daily recess for seventh and eighth graders aligns with Ron’s belief in the importance of physical activity. “They get 25 minutes of recess every day, plus PE,” he says. “It’s great to see them moving and staying active—it makes a real difference.”

For Ron, teaching is about more than imparting knowledge—it’s about shaping lives. Through his holistic approach to education, he’s helping Unity Point students build healthy habits, strong relationships, and bright futures. “If I can make a difference in one student’s life, it’s all worth it,” he says. And with nearly three decades of dedication, Ron Rogers has made a difference in countless lives.