Why Fundamental Movement Skills Still Matter

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, are joined by Anne Daily, retired Spring Branch ISD teacher and current TAHPERD president, and Brendan Thompson, a health fitness teacher at Wilchester Elementary in Houston, for a conversation about professional growth, mentorship, and developing the next generation of educators. Anne and Brendan reflect on recent TAHPERD events and the mentors who shaped their careers, highlighting the important role professional associations play in building connections and supporting educators. The discussion also explores the growing need to intentionally teach fundamental movement skills as fewer teacher preparation programs focus on health and physical education. Anne and Brendan share practical strategies for teaching skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, and striking, including step-by-step progressions, differentiation techniques, and peer feedback. The episode concludes with a look at how involvement in TAHPERD fosters lifelong learning, leadership development, and lasting professional relationships.   reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.