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Celebrating the Educators & Staff who shape our students, our schools, and our community.

Iles Elementary School reflects a community built on support, creativity, and connection and one of its standout educators, PE teacher Niklos Broekemeier (Mr. B!), now in his 21st year of teaching, is a key part of that work. He credits the Iles staff, students, and administration for cultivating an environment where hands-on learning thrives, whether students are roller skating, learning to ride bikes, or even fishing inside the gym. That spirit of teamwork and student-centered learning was recognized this year when Nik received the Dream Big Staff Choice Award, a testament to both his dedication and the strong community that makes Iles such a special place.

Looking back across your teaching career — how many years has it been, and how has your career evolved?

I have been teaching for the past 21 years. Physical Education has evolved by allowing the students more freedom to move creatively. Gone are the days of Dodgeball and Spud and Steal the Bacon. Today’s PE meets students where they are and prepares them for healthier lives physically, socially, and emotionally.

What originally inspired you to pursue physical education, and when did you know teaching was the right path?

I was able to work with my high school PE teacher during my senior year of high school. While working with all age groups during that time, I found such joy in working with elementary age students in a setting where we can teach skills to students that will benefit them for a lifetime. 

How has your philosophy of PE changed over the years?

Over the years, my philosophy of Physical Education has evolved from focusing primarily on skill development and physical fitness to embracing a much broader, more holistic vision of what students need. Early in my career, I centered instruction around traditional sports, motor skills, and structured activity. While those pieces are still important, I’ve learned that today’s students need far more than just movement, they need opportunities for connection, confidence-building, inclusivity, and lifelong well-being.

What misconceptions do people still have about PE, and how do you challenge them?

1. Misconception: “PE is about winning, competition, and traditional sports.”

How I challenge it: 
I broaden the definition of movement by incorporating cooperative games, fitness circuits, outdoor skills, walking paths, mindfulness movement, and nontraditional activities (like fishing, team-building challenges, and creative movement). Students see that movement is not a one-size-fits-all experience, it’s finding what makes their body feel strong, capable, and joyful.

2. Misconception: “PE is only for athletic or highly skilled students.”

How I challenge it:
I intentionally build activities where success can look different for each student, choice-based stations, tiered challenges, inclusive equipment, and adapted tasks for different mobility levels. My language centers on effort, growth, and personal goals rather than performance comparison. Every student should feel, “I belong here, and I can be successful here.”

When you look back, what moments feel most defining?

During COVID-I taught Elementary PE from home. This is where my creativity blossomed. I had a full day of classes working on skill development, making connections with students, fitness routines and just letting the kids talk to each other. The students trusted me to continue to provide a safe, fun, nurturing learning environment even through tough times like Remote Learning. 

How would you describe your relationship with your students? Any moments that stand out?

It’s getting more and more difficult to find time to connect with students. But when those moments happen, they are magical and memorable. One defining moment is when a student dressed up like me on Dress Like A Teacher Day.

What do your students teach you?

I want to talk specifically about a very special population of students. I learn the most from them. The Diverse Learning classroom here at Iles has some very impressive learners in it. They teach me patience and perseverance. They teach me to laugh, to not give up and to try my best.

From your perspective, what do kids today need most from the adults in their lives?

Kids need to feel loved and heard above everything else. Life is so busy, even for elementary aged children, and sometimes we just need to slow down and listen to what they have to say. They really do say the darndest things. I was fortunate to teach at a special place, Washington Elementary. We taught students to love themselves and to love others, and everything else will fall into place! 

What makes the Iles Elementary community such a special place to teach?

I work with some of the most amazing classroom teachers. They support all the amazing activities we do in PE. The administration at Iles is especially supportive of our PE program because they can walk into the gym at any moment and see 100% active engagement from our students. 

Have QPS Foundation grants impacted your PE program?

For the longest time, our PE department didn’t have a budget. We have relied on grant writing and the Foundation to supplement our outdated equipment to be able to provide new and exciting experiences for the students. 

What was it like to hear your name announced for the Dream Big Staff Choice Award at A Night to Dream Big, and how has that recognition shaped your work moving forward?

I was shocked. I was asked by several people if I had a speech prepared. No way, I didn’t think it was needed. I mean, I was up against some amazing staff members who all deserve to be recognized. It makes me work harder and to continue to show up for the students. 

Can you tell us about your life outside QPS and the people who’ve supported you along the way?

I have been fortunate to have had supportive administration during my years of teaching PE. Sometimes they would question me and ideas but then they trust me to know what’s best for kids. From roller skating to putting kindergartners on bikes to fishing in the gym with real fishing poles, I have always had the support of administration.

I have taught alongside some amazing PE teachers like former QPS teacher Ken Mansell and my current co-teacher Brett Landwehr. I’ve had the chance to have student teachers from local colleges who have become outstanding in their field, like Lori Eger (PE teacher at Unity Elementary). Lori continues, to this day, to push me to be better and to continue to provide for what’s best for kids. 

What brings you joy when you’re not teaching?

I love to be able to be home and relax and recharge. Movies, mowing the yard and firepit nights are the best! 

What do you enjoy most about living in Quincy and being part of this community?

Quincy people (specifically parents of my students) continue to show up for students in need. When I ask for basic needs items (socks, coats, shoes etc.), they show up and give with no questions asked. Parents don’t hesitate to help those in need. It makes it easy to do my job with supportive administration, supportive parents and a supportive community.

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