Mission
The mission of the Dakota Jr./Sr. High School Physical Education Department is to provide an education "through the physical". That is, to help all students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to be physically active in and out of school and throughout their lives. This philosophy strives to instill in all students the desire to make physical activity and exercise a part of their daily lives. Our goal is for all students to understand the importance of how a physically active lifestyle can benefit not only their physical development and health, but their mental, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health as well.
Staff
Brian Benning
Mr. Benning is a Dakota High School graduate that returned to teach physical education in 2003. Mr. Benning has had a successful coaching career winning the Class 1A State Football Championship at Orangeville High School in 1989 and leading the 1992-1993 Broncos to the Elite-Eight in boys basketball. Since returning to Dakota he has led the basketball team to various conference and regional titles. Mr. Benning is the golf coach and is also an assistant football coach for the Indians.
Education:
Highland Community College- Associate of Arts
University of Iowa- Bachelor of Science
Teaching Experience:
Dakota High School
Harlem High School
Orangeville High School
Coaching Experience:
Head Golf Coach 3 years
Head Basketball Coach 12 years
Head Football Coach 18 years
Personal Information:
Wife- Kathy
Sons- Kyle and Brett
Jerry Lano
Mr. Lano came to Dakota in 1989 from Underwood, Minnesota and teaches health and physical education. As a football coach he led the 1999 football team to an appearance in the Class 1A semi-finals and the 2005 and 2007 teams to a 14-0 record and the Class 2-A State Championship.
Education:
Bimidji State University (Minnesota)- Bachelor of Science
Teaching Experience:
Dakota Jr/Sr High School- 21 years
Underwood, MN- 12 years
Grand Meadow, MN- 3 years
Coaching Experience:
Head Football Coach- 36 years
Mark Peiffer
Mr. Peiffer, a 2001 Dakota High School graduate returned to teach driver education in 2006. Mr. Peiffer is also an assistant football coach, serves as the unit leader for the department and is the district technology committee coordinator.
Education:
Northern Illinois University 2008- Master of Science in Educational Administration
Northern Illinois University 2006- Driver Education Endorsement
North Central College 2005- Bachelor of Art in Social Studies
Teaching Experience:
Dakota High School- 4 years
Coaching Experience:
Dakota High School:
High School Assistant Football- 5 years
Junior High Football- 1 year
North Central College:
Undergraduate Assistant Football- 2 years
Shannon Williams
Mrs. Williams is in her second year of teaching at Dakota Jr/Sr High School she is also the Head Volleyball Coach and Assistant Softball Coach.
Education:
University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2005- Maj. Physical Education Min. Health Education
Teaching Experience:
Dakota Jr/Sr High School- 1 year
Coaching Experience:
Head Volleyball Coach - 1 year
Asst. Softball- 1 year