Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   This episode takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from the Distinguished Physical Education Podcast in 2025.  If you’ve been following the show, this is a great chance to revisit some of your favorite conversations. And if you missed a few episodes or are new here, welcome! You’re about to meet some incredible educators whose work will leave you inspired. The episodes mentioned in this year in review are: #17 – From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights with Christina Collins #18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice with Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville #20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights with Brad Hunter #23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos #25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly #28 - Back to School 2025: Co-Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith #29 - Back to School 2025: Building a Culture of Belonging in PE with Courtney Lukasavitz   Related Resources www.neverstopmoving365.com The Yoga Curriculum for Physical Education K-5 The Yoga Curriculum for Physical Education 6-8   Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.   The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available: DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU! If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of four, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   Today’s guest is Janine Wilkins, a veteran teacher at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, where she’s been inspiring students for more than 23 years. Janine earned her degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, along with a Master’s in School Administration from Olivet University, and she’s certified in both Physical and Adapted Physical Education. Over the years, she’s taught everything from Strength and Conditioning to Dance, Group Fitness, and Adventure Education ... and her real passion is Adapted PE. She currently leads two large inclusive classes where students of all ability levels learn, move, and connect together.   Resources Empowering All Students Through PEOPEL PE   Follow Janine on Instagram (@jwilki04_) and X (@Janineneno)   Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.   The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available: DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding Assessing Students Progress and Understanding    You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU! If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch    

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   Dr Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in Physical Education, with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds fellowships in the UK with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Gloucestershire. Her career in Physical Education spans a variety of roles including teacher, subject leader, and teacher educator, bringing her expertise to various national and global networks. Vicky is also a dedicated advocate for mental health and well-being, she is an ambassador for Stormbreak, a UK charity supporting children’s mental health through movement. Vicky has published widely in Physical Education, including co-editing the international textbook An Introduction to Primary Physical Education and Contemporary Issues in Primary Physical Education and her forthcoming text Professional Knowledge in Primary Physical Education. She has recently become an Associate Editor for the International Journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy.    Donate to Stormbreak Chapter Seven: Whole School Movement Culture Follow Vicky on X (@vicksrandalledu) PE Insights Podcast: Episode 62 - Book Review Series (2) - Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher by Gary Zaharatos   Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:   Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives Assessing for Students Progress and Understanding   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   Paddy received his bachelors degree in K-12 PE and a Masters in Physical Education Leadership through SUNY Cortland. He has been teaching elementary PE for 10 years, and is entering year 3 at Van Rensselaer Elementary in the Van Rensselaer City School District. He is currently the secretary for the Capital zone of NYS AHPERD, and has been actively involved with state and local conferences. In this episode, Paddy shares some of his favorite games and activities, while grounding them in standards-based learning outcomes for his students. He shares what student led instruction looks like in his PE program and the impact that it has on student learning, along with why it’s important to take creative risks and expose students to a variety of different movement experiences.    Follow Paddy on Instagram (paddy_bailey) and X (@CoachBaileyNHS)   Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:   Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   After teaching elementary PE for three years, Jake has been teaching junior high physical education for the past 17 years. first in Montana, and currently at North Junior High in the Boise school district. Jake has presented at state conferences in Idaho and Montana, along with being a National SHAPE presenter. He has also presented at the Professional Development Schools Conference hosted by the University of South Carolina, along with his colleague from Boise State, Dr. Bell.  He is a college adjunct professor and works closely with BSU as a mentor to their students and has collaborated with over 20 student teachers throughout his career. Jake and I talk about why skill development should be the focus of a high quality PE program and what the consequences are if it is not. We talk about how to efficiently assess skill development and how outdated practices like grading on participation and dressing out harm the reputation of our discipline. Jake also makes convincing connections between the strategies that he shares and the impact that they have on student engagement, how students view physical education class, and their behavior, especially in the locker room.    Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning: Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

In this episode, Kathy Harvey, Jamie Sparks and I talk about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether or not it belongs in a high-quality PE program, and the impact it can have on students. Then we zoom out a bit and explore fitness testing more broadly, including what teachers actually do with the data, and what it looks like to meaningfully incorporate fitness testing into a program, if that’s the route you’ve chosen … or had chosen for you.   Kathy Harvey taught pre/K- 8th grade physical education for over 30 years in the Bethlehem Township School district located in Asbury, NJ. Thousands of students have gone through her physical education program, completing either the President's Physical Fitness Test or Fitnessgram … or both.   Jamie Sparks currently serves as Executive Director of Kentucky SHAPE. He is the former Coordinated School Health Director for the Kentucky Department of Education and a recent Past President of SHAPE America, bringing both state and national leadership experience to his work of championing skills-based health education, quality physical education, and healthier school environments for all students.   Resources The Atlantic: Gym Class is so Bad, Kids Are Skipping School to Avoid It Presidential Youth Fitness Program   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ...    This episode is the final installment of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one.    In this episode, I’m joined by Juli Neace, a National Board Certified teacher and SHAPE America Southern District Middle School Teacher of the Year, to talk about what it really takes to create an inclusive and engaging PE culture from day one. Juli shares how she sets the tone at the start of the year, why small-sided games can make a big difference for student success, and the practical strategies she uses to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and safe.   Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning: Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one.    Courtney Lukasavitz was named the 2025 Shape America Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She's entering her 17th year of teaching and third year at Indian Community School in Franklin, Wisconsin, where she teaches middle school health and physical education. She graduated from UW Whitewater and is a national board certified teacher. Courtney is passionate about facilitating a standards-based physical education program that shifts the traditional narrative of PE.   Resources: Instagram X Reflect and Fix Volleyball Assessment Rubric   Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning: Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one.    In this episode, Rhys and I discuss how to create co-agreements with students, examples of what they look like and the impact that they have on student behavior and class culture. We talk about incorporating student voice and the importance of clearly communicating expectations for transitions. We also get to the instructional side of things and discuss standards based content and language objectives and how to communicate them in student friendly language.   Connect with Rhys on X: rhysmeredith23 or via email: rmeredith@aisb.hu   Resources: Respect in PE Poster Class Agreements Poster Respectful Celebrating Poster   Distinguished PE has officially launched three new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection. Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning: Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE. High Expectations for Student Behavior Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Want to learn more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ growth, and the moments that shaped your PE program this year. We also take a moment to celebrate some big milestones — including the release of Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher one year ago and passing 10,000 downloads on the podcast!   Adam and I discuss: Questions to guide your end-of-year reflection How to recognize growth in yourself and your students What to carry into next year — and what to leave behind Why slowing down to reflect is part of becoming a distinguished educator   Whether you’ve been with the show since episode one or you just joined us, thank you for listening. Wishing you a summer filled with rest, reflection, and a little movement.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together?In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshaped their teaching.   We dive into: What sparked their interest in the book study What they changed in their PE programs as a result How the community of teachers supported their growth The mindset shifts that had the biggest impact Real examples of applying best practices in K–12 PE   Whether you're considering joining the 2025 Book Study or just looking for fresh ideas to elevate your teaching, this episode is full of practical insight, honesty, and inspiration from real educators doing the work.   Click here for more information on the Distinguished Physical Education Book Study including dates, a course description, and how to sign-up.    For group discounts, email gary@distinsuishedpe.com   

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of Spanish-speaking migrant students changed her teaching, pushed her outside her comfort zone, and strengthened her belief that movement is a universal language.   We talk about: How to overcome fear and anxiety when teaching ELLs Ways to build connection through shared experience Strategies for learning key phrases quickly Using movement to teach language and social skills The beauty (and challenge) of teaching beyond words Whether you’ve worked with multilingual learners for years or you’re about to welcome your first, this episode will leave you inspired — and better prepared.   Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Jen Smith, a passionate PE leader and teacher from Denver, Colorado, who recently returned from the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention in Baltimore. Jen has been teaching for over 20 years and is known for her energy, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to elevating the field of physical education.   In this episode, Jen and I discuss: What made SHAPE Baltimore stand out from past conventions How professional development helps reignite passion for teaching Memorable sessions, presenters, and takeaways from the week How to bring the energy and ideas from the conference back to your own teaching Why connection and community matter more than ever in our profession   If you missed the conference or want to relive the highlights, this recap will give you insight, inspiration, and ideas you can bring into your own practice.   Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    Find DPE merch, including t-shirts and hoodies here.    Want to be a guest on the podcast? Click here to connect!   If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment?In this episode, I talk with Kristen Santos — a certified yoga instructor and Massachusetts Middle School PE Teacher of the Year — about how yoga can help students self-regulate, focus, and feel more included in your program.   We explore: The benefits of yoga beyond flexibility How to align yoga with PE standards Ways yoga builds connection and inclusivity Strategies for integrating yoga without losing movement time Whether you’re new to yoga or ready to expand your toolkit, Kristen shares practical ideas you can start using right away!   The Yoga Curriculum for Physical Education - https://www.yogainphysed.com - Use the code DPE25 for 25% off!)   Resources https://www.yogainphysed.com - Use the code DPE25 for 25% off!) Yoga Curriculum Book (K-5) - Amazon Yoga Curriculum Book (6-8) - Amazon Instagram: @yogainphysed X: @KSantosYoga   Want to be a guest on the podcast? Click here to connect!   Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Drew Burris, an award-winning physical education teacher in Missouri with 14 years of teaching experience and a passion for creating memorable learning experiences for his students. Drew currently teaches PreK–2nd grade at Ridge View Elementary and is well known in the PE community through his online presence, professional development work, and national recognition as Missouri’s 2021 SHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year.   In this episode, Drew and I discuss: What the weeks leading up to field day look like for him and his students The impact of using standards-based social skills in the lead-up lessons The benefits of organizing your event around a unifying theme How to recruit and manage volunteers effectively Tips for balancing fun and structure so everyone feels successful   Whether you’re a first-time organizer or a field day veteran, this episode is packed with tips and ideas to help make your event a highlight of the school year.   Resources X: @project_physed  YouTube: @ProjectPhysEd Website: projectphysed.weebly.com    Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Victor Spadaro, a dynamic and passionate physical educator from Arlington, Virginia. Victor teaches PreK–5th grade at Abingdon Elementary and was recently named the 2025 Southern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year. He’s an OPEN National Trainer, former Dance VP of Virginia AHPERD, and a frequent presenter at state and national conferences.   In this episode, Victor and I discuss: Why dance is an essential part of a high-quality PE curriculum Strategies to help PE teachers feel more confident teaching dance Ways to make dance engaging, inclusive, and accessible to all students How dance supports creativity, expression, and social-emotional growth The impact of attending and presenting at conferences on professional growth Tips for trying new things in your teaching—even if they feel outside your comfort zone   If you’ve ever felt hesitant about incorporating dance into your PE program, this episode will give you practical ideas, encouragement, and insight from one of the best in the field.   Follow Victor on YouTube!   Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Brad Hunter. Brad has been working with students in a physical activity capacity for 19 years—first through a nonprofit that brought meaningful play to schools, then as an elementary PE teacher, and now in his sixth year as an itinerant Adapted PE teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools. He serves on the Board of SHAPE Maryland, is the President of the Maryland Adapted PE Consortium, and Co-Chair of the Maryland State Department of Education Standards and Framework Validation Committee. Brad was named the 2023 SHAPE Maryland Adapted PE Teacher of the Year and the 2025 Eastern District Adapted PE Teacher of the Year.   In this episode, we discuss: Why it’s important for all PE teachers to develop an adapted PE skill set Strategies for making physical activity accessible for students with diverse abilities Creative equipment adaptations that support learning and engagement How PE and APE teachers can build strong, collaborative partnerships Adapted PE resources every teacher should know about And more   Brad is a true expert in the field of Adapted PE, and it was a pleasure to learn from him.   Resources and National Convention Sessions Why All Physical Education Teachers Need an Adapted PE Bucket https://blog.shapeamerica.org/2025/03/why-all-physical-education-teachers-need-an-adapted-pe-bucket/   Baltimore 2025 Adapted PE = High Quality PE Wednesday April 2nd 3:15-4:15pm   Why We All Need An Adapted PE Bucket Thursday April 3rd 8:00-9:00am   Just Adapt It - Brad Barker   Secure your spot for the 2025-2026 DPE Virtual Book Study, facilitated by Gary Zaharatos and Jen Smith. Buy tickets here! Feel free to email gary@distinguishedpe.com for group discounts or any questions.    If you enjoy this podcast and are interested in learning more about how you or the PE teachers in your district can earn licensure renewal credits through a facilitated book study based on the book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, please fill out this form or email gary@distinguishedpe.com.   If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Patrick Noel. Patrick received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology with a PE emphasis from Fresno Pacific University. He is in his 19th year of teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools—the largest district in Virginia and the 11th largest in the country. Patrick has taught at both the elementary and high school levels and is currently at Colvin Run Elementary, where he’s been since 2020. In December 2023, he earned his National Board Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Physical Education.   In this episode, Patrick and I discuss: Why Speak Out Day matters and how teachers can advocate for high-quality PE programs What the National Board Certification process looks like The impact certification has had on his teaching and reflection practices How certification can elevate the PE profession Advice for teachers considering pursuing National Board Certification   TikTok - @MrNoelsTrickShots Twitter/X - @pm_noel YouTube   Resources CLO Check For Understanding Questions   If you enjoy this podcast and are interested in learning more about how you or the PE teachers in your district can earn licensure renewal credits through a facilitated book study based on the book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, please fill out this form or email gary@distinguishedpe.com.   If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guests today are Caitlin Schoville and Austin Olsen, two nationally recognized middle school physical educators. Caitlin teaches 7th and 8th grade health and PE at Pleasant Valley Junior High in eastern Iowa. She was named SHAPE Iowa’s Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2022 and SHAPE America’s Central District Teacher of the Year in 2024. Austin teaches 8th grade at Pacific Trails Middle School in California. He was named the SHAPE America Western District Teacher of the Year and California Middle School PE Teacher of the Year in 2023.   In this episode, we discuss: The power of student choice in physical education Strategies to motivate and engage middle school learners How to integrate standards-based social skills into units and lessons The impact of building a student-centered classroom culture   Join us over at The Health and PE Collective!    If you enjoy this podcast and are interested in learning more about how you or the PE teachers in your district can earn licensure renewal credits through a facilitated book study based on the book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, please fill out this form or email gary@distinguishedpe.com.   If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Christina Collins, founder and owner of NeverStopMoving365, an organization focused on expanding access to physical education beyond the school day. Christina holds a Master’s in Sport Science and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a research focus on movement joy and physical literacy. She teaches in the Master of Arts in Teaching PE and Sport Pedagogy program at Manhattanville University and is a passionate educator, speaker, and ultra-endurance athlete.   In this episode, we discuss: What future professionals are learning in college PE prep programs How to intentionally plan for transitions and classroom routines Strategies for managing equipment and attention during instruction The role of standards-based social skills in student development Advocating for your PE program with administrators and parents Using instant activities to start strong and set expectations Reflective teaching strategies to improve your practice   Christina brings an energetic and thoughtful perspective to every conversation, and I’m excited to share her insights with you.   Email: christina@neverstopmoving365.com IG: neverstopmoving.365   If you enjoy this podcast and are interested in learning more about how you or the PE teachers in your district can earn licensure renewal credits through a facilitated book study based on the book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, please fill out this form or email gary@distinguishedpe.com   If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Facebook group where we have assembled quite the group of experts, always willing to share their insights and help out colleagues with their problems of practice. Simply search for Distinguished Physical Education.