Juel Mecklenburg is entering the family business.
The new graduate of NIU’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education has a job secured for January – teaching P.E. at Crystal Lake’s Prairie Ridge High School – as she continues a McHenry County legacy begun by her father, Rob.
“My dad – he’s always fun. He’s like the funniest person I know, always in a good mood. There’s nothing that this guy doesn’t like or that he gets mad about,” Mecklenburg says.
“So, just seeing how he interacted every day with students, and getting to be his daughter, as well as a student in his class, I really never knew anything different,” she adds. “When I had to make a choice, I was like, ‘I already know what I want to do.’ ”
Prairie Ridge moved quickly to hire Mecklenburg, who completed part of her student-teaching there this fall and served as assistant coach for girls flag football.
Even more impressive? She’s also the head coach of the girls basketball team at her alma mater, Woodstock High School. She’s 23.
And Dad? Beaming.
“It feels amazing. My wife, Sherri, and I are super proud that Juel is going to give back and mentor these young student-athletes. Students gravitate to her. She’s got a knack for it. She’s a natural,” says Rob Mecklenburg, who retired after 33 years of teaching to become Harvard District 50’s wellness coordinator.
“You always want your kids to do better, and I can say without a doubt that she’s going to far surpass anything I’ve done,” he adds. “The sky’s the limit for her. She’s going to be one of those educators who presents at the state convention. She’s going to present at the national convention. I’m probably a little bit biased, but I know she’ll be Teacher of the Year.”
His daughter is ready.
“Watching students do something they’re maybe not comfortable with, or they’re struggling with, or that they don’t believe that they can, and then seeing them go out and do it? There is nothing cooler,” she says, remembering recent lessons she delivered on squats in the high school gym or teaching elementary students to dribble soccer balls.
“The best part watching them do something is that the first thing they do is turn around, looking for that validation. And I’m like, ‘Yeah, I see you doing that. You just nailed it,’ ” she adds.
“Knowing that I’m sort of pushing them to do that, and the impacts I’ve been able to make with students, has really been what’s reassuring me that, ‘Yeah, this is what I want to do.’ There’s nothing cooler than watching them succeed at something they didn’t think they can succeed in.”
NIU faculty understand.
Jim Ressler, professor of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE), says Mecklenburg “leads with passion, professionalism and purpose.”
“Her ability to connect with students and foster a love for lifelong physical activity is truly inspiring,” Ressler says. “Juel approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to growth. She is a natural leader whose future in education is incredibly bright.”
Gail Koehling agrees.
“Juel’s enthusiasm and dedication shine in every classroom she enters. Her strong work ethic, openness to feedback and drive to be a teacher-leader set her apart as an educator who inspires both students and colleagues,” says Koehling, an instructor in the PETE program. “We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments and excited for what lies ahead.”
Mecklenburg’s parents appreciate NIU.
“We can’t thank Northern enough,” Rob says. “Northern was the perfect fit for her. They have really supported her and given her the proper mentorship, leadership and direction. She’s prepared.”
That’s the humble take, Juel says.
Her father “is stoked that he’s able to relay all of his knowledge on to me,” she says. “It’s getting now that I’ve picked up so much from him that he’ll give me an idea and I’ll be like, ‘You told me that already.’ Like, ‘I’ve got that, dude.’ ”
“I’m lucky. He’s my backbone, and he doesn’t like to boast, but whenever he has a chance to share, he does. He’s very caring and thoughtful, and I know that whatever I do is making him proud because it’s what he’s gotten to do for the past three decades,” she says.
“Now, I get to carry that on in another community and, hopefully, do the same or maybe, knock on wood, do a little bit better. But he’s pretty hard to beat. I’ve got some big shoes to fill.”
