MAHPERD "Voices From The field"

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever heard a student say, “We just played tag,” and felt that sinking feeling, you’re going to want this conversation. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Hilary Glencross, PE teacher educator, curriculum designer, and founder of UBD Movement Lab, about how to make physical education look and feel like real learning without losing the joy of movement. We dig into Understanding by Design (UbD) and why backward design changes everything in PE: start with the end goals, align to standards, build assessments with purpose, then choose activities that actually teach something. Hilary explains what a strong standards aligned physical education curriculum looks like, why student voice drives engagement, and how clearer vocabulary and learning targets help kids explain the “why” behind what they’re doing. We also unpack assessment in PE, including cognitive and authentic options that give students more than one way to show growth. Then we get practical. Hilary shares her SHAPE America standards to Massachusetts frameworks crosswalk and how it can save districts hours of tedious alignment work, freeing teams up to focus on essential questions and better unit plans. We also talk UDL and SEI supports for multilingual learners in PE, including visuals, sentence stems, word wall cards, and smarter ways to structure partner talk so every student can participate in the moment. If you care about inclusive PE, curriculum mapping, standards alignment, and making physical education easier to defend and easier to teach, this one is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review with the curriculum challenge you’re trying to solve right now. Check out the site below!Resources:https://www.ubdmovementlab.com/#/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailA well-run gym doesn’t happen by luck. I’m joined by Tom Gelardi, a nationally recognized elementary physical education teacher in New York City, to talk about what strong PE instruction really looks like day to day. We get into the practical challenges every PE teacher faces: big classes, limited space, nonstop movement, and the kind of behavior issues that can derail a lesson fast. Tom breaks down why preparation is the first classroom management strategy, how he sets expectations with students so consequences feel fair, and why a single relationship built outside class can change everything inside the gym.We also dig into inclusive physical education and student leadership. Tom shares how starting simple (even with something as basic as a balloon) creates early success for all learners, then how he scales equipment and tasks based on observation. He explains how he spots emerging leaders and teaches students to use their talent to help classmates grow, not to show off. Along the way, we talk about skill feedback, purposeful grouping, and why character development and social emotional learning (SEL) often matter more than perfect technique.Finally, Tom tells the story of how his YouTube and TikTok content grew from rainy-day needs to pandemic remote learning resources, and how being on camera actually made him a sharper teacher. If you’re an elementary teacher, PE teacher, or instructional coach looking for concrete behavior management strategies, inclusive lesson ideas, and real-world professional development, this conversation is packed with tools you can use.What’s one strategy you want to try in your next class?Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more educators can find the show. Resources:Insta- @CoachgelardiYouTube- BlueskyeOPEN Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhen a school tries to solve student wellness one office at a time, everyone burns out and kids fall through the cracks. I’m joined by Dr. Jeanie Alter, Executive Director of the American School Health Association (ASHA), to talk about what changes when we treat school health as a coordinated team effort across counselors, nurses, teachers, administrators, families, and community partners.Dr. Alter shares the story that pulled her into this work early: helping make her high school campus smoke free back in the early 90s. From there we trace how prevention, the eight dimensions of wellness, and community coalition work shaped her research and leadership, and why out-of-school time and home environments matter just as much as what happens during the school day. If you care about student mental health, substance use prevention, and whole child support, you’ll hear practical ways to connect the dots.We also get real about barriers, especially privacy and information sharing in schools. HIPAA, FERPA, special education, IEPs, and 504 plans create genuine complexity, but coordination is still possible with clear roles, better communication, and shared responsibility. We close with concrete ways to get involved through ASHA committees, the Future Leaders Academy, conferences, and local school health advisory councils, plus one small step you can try tomorrow to build a stronger support network for students.If this conversation helps you, subscribe, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more educators and families can find it. What’s one cross-role connection you want to make this week?Resources:https://www.ashaweb.org/Email: [email protected]://ma-hperd.org/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailA majority of teachers experience this, but what do we do about it? Apathy doesn’t start as laziness. It starts when good teachers feel drained, unheard, and stuck in systems that keep adding more while taking away the parts of school that actually feel human. I sit down with retired physical educator and lifelong P.E.  advocate Colleen Wegimont to talk about what educator apathy really looks like in schools and why it’s showing up more often in physical education.We dig into the root causes: burnout from paperwork and shifting initiatives, pressure from standardized testing, lack of funding, and school cultures where special area teachers don’t get the same respect as “core” subjects. Colleen shares what she sees in struggling PE programs and what thriving districts do differently, including listening to teachers, backing them publicly, and supporting meaningful professional development. We also talk about the student side of apathy, including anxiety, bullying fears, phones and social media, and how cutting back on play and specials can quietly remove the joy from school.In this episode we get practical. You’ll hear strategies PE teachers can use right now: resetting expectations for safety, advocating by inviting parents and administrators to “see it to believe it,” collaborating with classroom and music teachers, and leaning on mentorship and professional organizations to rebuild purpose and community. If you’re a teacher, department lead, principal, or district leader looking for real ways to prevent teacher disengagement and protect quality health and physical education, this conversation offers an honest map forward.Share this with a colleague who needs a boost, and leave a review so more educators can find the show. What’s one change your school could make this month to reduce burnout and rebuild purpose? Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailMost people think of the school nurse as the place you go for a stomachache. Then you hear what Tami Hale BSN, RN, NCSN actually does before the first bell and all day after that, and the whole picture changes. Tammy is a Worcester Public Schools nurse with decades of experience, and she walks us through the reality of student health in a busy K-12 building where “normal” rarely exists.We talk about the clinical side of school nursing that families may never see: daily medication schedules, diabetes support that includes blood sugar checks, carb counts, and insulin, plus the constant triage of injuries, illness symptoms, and head concerns. Tami also explains the hidden backbone of the job, documentation in electronic student health records. Those notes are not busywork; they are how schools prove care, track trends, meet state requirements, and keep kids in class instead of sending them home by default. We also get into immunization records and why accurate documentation matters even more for students who move frequently or come from different countries.Some of the most meaningful moments happen in quieter ways. Tami describes scoliosis screening as a chance to teach body awareness and build trust, and she shares how students bring anxiety, stress, and trauma into the health office. Her approach blends privacy, humor, and a steady presence, while leaning on teamwork with teachers, counselors, and families who know the child in different contexts. The stories land hardest when you hear the outcomes: a student empowered to manage a procedure on their own, and a child seeing clearly for the first time after getting glasses through community support.If you care about student wellness, school health services, and what it takes to help kids learn, listen all the way through. Subscribe, share this with an educator or parent, and leave a review so more people understand why school nurses matter. Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the fastest path to better teaching, stronger leadership, and happier learners starts in the brain? We sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel—educator, researcher, and author of NeuroWell and Aspirations to Operations—to unpack how biology and context shape behavior, attention, and achievement, and how simple shifts can unlock agency and joy in classrooms and teams.We dive into NeuroWell culture—safe, supportive, and proactive—and why emotional and intellectual safety are as critical as locked doors. Dr. Riegel shares concrete routines that work tomorrow: 10‑minute learning sprints with choice-based brain breaks, “fizzy or flat” check-ins to normalize regulation, and inquiry learning that lets answers emerge from challenge. You’ll hear a standout story of a student who demonstrated mastery through modern dance, proving how emotion and experience cement memory far better than lectures alone.Behavior gets a powerful reframe, too. Think of the thalamus as the data manager and the limbic system as security; when alarm takes over, the cortex steps out. Consequences still matter, but coaching self-awareness and regulation changes outcomes by design, not by chance. We also connect movement and the vagus nerve to sharper focus—why a quick walk before testing or PE before math can lift performance—and explain the science so students can use these tools in life, not just class.For leaders, Dr. Riegel lays out the Eight Cs: culture, clarity, coherence, cadence, collaboration, celebration, coaching, communication. It’s a practical roadmap that turns "buzzwords" into behaviors, aligns initiatives, and sustains change with authentic, specific recognition. If you want less noise and more learning, this conversation maps aspiration to action with brain-based strategies you can utilize today.If this episode resonated, grab NeuroWell and Aspirations to Operations, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a comment to tell us which brain-savvy move you’ll try first.Resources/contact:Dr. Lisa A. Riegel, Ph.D. Author, Speaker, CEO Educational Partnerships Institute, LLCwww.lisariegel.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisariegel/www.epinstitute.net https://calendly.com/lisariegel/60minAmazon author page Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat if physical education shifted its focus from selecting standouts to elevating every learner? In this conversation, we sit down with Jarrod Robinson—founder of ConnectedPE and the original The PE Geek—to explore how a learning-first philosophy can reimagine PE as a space where all students thrive, not just the most athletically gifted.Jarrod reflects on his journey from thoughtful experimentation in his own classroom to cultivating a global movement, illustrating how intentional design, structured reflection, and purposeful technology can transform games from mere activity into rich, enduring learning experiences.We unpack a mindset shift that elevates PE: treat it as a classroom with objectives, evidence, and progression. Jarrod shares practical strategies you can use tomorrow—like a 60‑second end‑of‑lesson reflection—to help students name what they learned, not just what they played. We dig into the SAMR framework with vivid examples, from slow‑motion video for technique feedback to augmented reality models that make complex concepts tangible, all without sacrificing movement time.The conversation also spotlights the human edge of PE. Strong relationships, belonging, and clear purpose create a space where students try, fail, and try again. Jarrod explains why digital fluency and backward design matter now more than ever, and how Connected PE connects educators with tools, experts, and community across 35 countries. By aligning activities to standards and gathering visible evidence of growth, teachers can change how colleagues and families perceive the subject.Walk away with a concrete action steps: upgrade one task with SAMR, capture one short video for feedback, and add one reflective prompt to every lesson. Question everything, test ideas in your context, and keep what works. If this episode sparks a shift, share it with a colleague and subscribe so you never miss a new conversation—and check out Connected PE to explore resources that make movement meaningful.Resources:ConnectedPELinkedin [email protected] Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat if PE class felt like a place where every student belongs—and every choice builds confidence? We sit down with veteran elementary PE teacher Will Westphal to unpack a practical, research-driven approach that turns movement into meaning. Will’s core promise is simple and bold: movement can make your life better. From there, he shows how autonomy, challenge, and connection create the conditions for real learning and lasting joy.Will brings human motor learning out of the lab and into the gym with the OPTIMAL theory: enhance expectancies so students believe they have a chance, give authentic choices that act as differentiation, and promote an external focus so kids feel their impact on the environment. Instead of body-part cues, he uses vivid prompts like “make thunder on the wall,” helping learners self-organize and find success. He also reshapes units around structures of play—turn-based, synchronized, side-by-side, oppositional—so students can choose contexts that match their temperament while practicing the same strategic ideas found in invasion and net/wall games.Data fuels the culture. With quick daily reflections on fun, success, challenge, and classmates, Will surfaces patterns that typical checklists miss. AI-assisted analysis revealed high achievers, socially sensitive students, and a “silent middle,” leading to new routines: student “anchors” who lift the room, prompts that vary from mild to spicy to deepen thinking, and a practice of naming the peer who made a difference. Families hear about the play structures their children prefer and why it matters, turning PE into a powerful space for identity and agency. Along the way we talk Standard Four, meaningful PE, precise field days, and advocacy that earns trust without chasing edutainment. If you want a PE program where students move to move—not feel made to move—this conversation is a roadmap. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more educators find the show. Resources:HPE CollectiveMeaningful PE (Amazon)Social Media (X)Dig Deeper:Justen O’Connor Research Article on game classificationOPTIMAL Theory Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat if schools stopped rewarding quiet compliance and started designing for how kids actually learn? We sat down with Shannon Milliken—founder of Play Education and former P.E teacher turned systems leader—to unpack how movement, health, and belonging can shift classrooms from survival mode to true learning. Shannon’s story traces the arc from overachieving student to educator to advocate, and it reveals the cost of “one size fits all” schooling on kids who think, move, and thrive differently.We dig into the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework and why it’s a practical bridge between education and public health. Instead of adding another program, Shannon shows how WISC gives schools a vetted roadmap: build a School Health Advisory Council, align partners, read the data, and create an infrastructure that outlives staff turnover. Her team’s pilot school demonstrates a best-practice model—then reverse-engineers it for districts with fewer resources, ensuring sustainability and equity rather than quick fixes.Shannon also names what COVID made clear: inequities hit rural districts, students with chronic conditions, youth in foster care, and unsheltered families hardest. Centering underrepresented voices means precision—who is excluded here, and how do we co-design supports that work in real life? From modeling vulnerability and accountability to replacing “safe space” with “brave space,” we explore leadership behaviors that open honest conversation and drive change. Finally, we tackle policy: why stable funding for physical and health education is essential if we’re serious about academic achievement, mental well-being, and long-term outcomes.If you’re ready to rethink learning through movement, and to build brave spaces where every child is seen—this conversation will give you the tools and courage to start. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help more educators find us. What’s one change you’ll make this week?**In this episode, we reference [CDC, ASCD and the Colorado Legislature] as part of our discussion. This mention is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement, sponsorship, partnership and does not represent official positions of the Colorado General Assembly.” The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests.Resources:Website    Instagram Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailTired of  PD that doesn’t fit your teaching space? We sit back down with educator  Kristen Santos to unpack a practical, standards-aligned approach to yoga in PE that strengthens bodies, focuses minds, and gives teachers a clear roadmap. From a high school curriculum built on 54 foundational poses and nine targeted breaths to teacher-friendly guides and visual cue cards, Kristen shows how to move beyond videos to student-driven learning that’s easy to assess and adapt.We explore how to scaffold yoga from K–8 to high school without jargon or religious language, focusing on physical literacy, mobility, balance, and self-regulation. Kristen walks through the nuts and bolts: teaching bilateral vs. unilateral movement, identifying strength and flexibility demands, creating goal-based sequences, and using trauma-informed cues. Breathwork becomes a daily tool—longer exhales to calm, stronger inhales to energize, equal breathing to reset—so students can regulate emotions during competition, tests, and everyday stress.You’ll also hear what changed a skeptic’s mind, what a successful district pilot revealed, and how to navigate funding with grants, PTO support, and PD planning. For future teachers and seasoned pros alike, we offer pathways to learn more: college trainings, online options, and direct access to Kristen’s materials. If you’ve wondered how to make wellness truly part of PE—without losing rigor or fun—this conversation delivers tactics you can use tomorrow and a vision you can build toward all year.Subscribe for more conversations with educators pushing the field forward, share this episode with a colleague who needs fresh PD ideas, and leave a review to help others find the show. 🗣️Connect with Kristen:Insta @yogainphysedWebsite www.yogainphysed.comEmail [email protected] the book on Amazon Resources: Child light Education Company Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailFeeling stretched thin or stuck on autopilot? We take a deep breath, slow the pace, and work through five reflective questions that help teachers, coaches, and PE leaders move from scattered to intentional. We start by unpacking a lesson that landed: teaching cardiovascular endurance with relevance, clear cues, and a visual pacing scaffold that helped students focus on sustaining effort rather than chasing speed. From there, we confront resistance—why some students seem to give up fast—and how psychological safety, calibrated challenge, and behavior processing can turn frustration into growth. You’ll hear how tiny shifts in structure and language create space for every learner, including those who carry past setbacks or fear of judgment.Next, we zoom in on feedback as the habit that drives change. With limited contact time and large classes, specific, actionable feedback on movement quality can still be done if we start small, track it, and build from one class outward. We also explore what students would truly miss if a PE program disappeared: variety, voice, choice, and purposeful fun. Real student notes remind us that positivity and options are not extras—they are the engine of engagement. Finally, we take aim at a stubborn myth: that quality PE is easy. We break down the real craft—biomechanics, motor learning, progressions, cueing, and real-time diagnosis—that separates unstructured play from effective instruction for diverse abilities and needs.Expect clear takeaways, time-bound actions, and a renewed respect for the complexity and joy of quality PE. Subscribe for more reflective tools, share this with a colleague who needs a reset, and leave a quick review to help other educators find the show. What’s the one habit you’ll improve first? Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan Mail Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Gopher Sport’s assistant marketing manager, Michael Ewen, to dive into the systems that help teachers deliver better lessons with less stress: a true satisfaction guarantee, teacher-designed equipment, and a ton of free professional development opportunities that are practical.Michael traces his path from videographer to brand lead, showing how listening to educators turned feedback into product upgrades and new and unique  designs. We talk through the 100% satisfaction guarantee with a real story of hassle-free replacements and how that promise doubles as research, guiding durable materials and smarter builds. You’ll also hear why Now Nets are a favorite for fast setup, more touches, and scalable stations that fit tight schedules and crowded gyms.The learning support is extensive. We highlight the weekly blog with classroom voices, a webinar library of 120+ PE-specific sessions with certificates, and PE Universe’s curated video platform where standards-based lessons come to life. Then we break down the Master PE Teacher course with Dr. Robert Pangrazi: 18  modules on lesson structure, behavior management, and routines, filmed with professional quality and backed by Dynamic PE ASAP classroom footage. It’s the kind of training that shows the “how,” not just the “what,” so you can apply it tomorrow.Ready to plug in? Subscribe to the newsletter for new resources, contribute to the blog, or pitch a webinar and share your best ideas with peers nationwide. And if you want to collaborate or have questions about gear, innovation, or PD, reach out to Michael. Contact:[email protected] SportMaster Teacher P.E. CourseP.E Webinars Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailA surprise job interview at a Blockbuster counter set Will Potter on a path to becoming a national voice for quality elementary PE—and the spark behind a family‑powered movement that now advocates for programs across the country. We sit down with Will to unpack how a teacher‑first mindset, inclusive design, and open‑source sharing can turn a P.E. class into a community engine for leadership, SEL, and joy.Will breaks down what OPEN—the Online Physical Education Network—really is: a free, nationwide network of teachers helping teachers with curriculum, mindfulness modules, and professional development. He shares how he teaches leadership through “training camp,” where rules, routines, fitness, and team challenges set culture early. You’ll hear a powerful moment when a quiet student connects strategies across problem‑solving games and leads peers without needing the spotlight—proof that leadership can be taught and often looks quieter than we expect.We get practical on inclusion with the Meaningful PE approach: multiple distances, varied equipment (yes, even rubber chickens), and a focus on skill keys so every student finds an entry point. Will explains why he now sees all PE as adapted PE: meet each learner where they are, maintain high standards, and let success look different for different kids. Then we zoom out to family engagement with “Bring Your Family to PE,” a simple idea from 2007 that grew—through  logistics, inclusive naming, and generous sharing—into a national event that doubles as grassroots advocacy when programs face cuts.We also wrestle with the tech whiplash in schools—how to keep what helps (feedback, clarity, engagement) without losing what matters most: movement, connection, and purpose. Will’s advice for new teachers is clear and encouraging: stay connected, share freely with credit, and pursue deep reflection through goals like National Board Certification. If you care about inclusive PE, leadership, and building parent allies who will fight for your program, this conversation is a playbook.Contact:https://www.mrwillpe.com/Resources:https://open.varsityuniversity.org/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhen Dr. Neutzling managed physical education classes with 52 students in a Florida gymnasium, she never imagined that experience would lay the foundation for her pioneering work with artificial intelligence in education. Now serving as Associate Dean for the College of Education and Health Sciences at Bridgewater State University, Dr. Neutzling brings a unique perspective to the technology revolution transforming our classrooms.Dr. Neutzling shares fascinating examples of how technology can enhance teaching and learning when used thoughtfully. She describes working with avatar simulations that allow pre-service teachers to practice classroom management in a consequence-free environment, and deploying drones that provide real-time feedback for physical education students learning badminton. These innovative approaches demonstrate how technology can create learning opportunities that would otherwise be impossible.Dr. Neutzling approaches AI with both enthusiasm and caution, calling it a "double-edged sword." While she sees tremendous potential for personalized learning and innovative teaching tools, she warns about the digital divide, over-reliance on technology, and the potential decline in critical thinking skills. Her concern about plagiarism echoes across higher education, with faculty struggling to ensure academic integrity in an era of sophisticated generative AI.What makes this episode particularly valuable is Dr. Neutzling practical wisdom about finding balance.  Her vision for the future centers on widespread AI literacy—not just technical knowledge but ethical understanding of how to use these powerful tools responsibly. For educators navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, Dr. Neutzlings perspective provides both inspiration and grounding.Ready to explore how technology can transform your teaching while preserving what matters most in education? Listen now and join the conversation about finding the right balance in our increasingly AI-enhanced classrooms.Connect:[email protected]:Book: Digital Technology in PE and Sport. My chapter 13 " Harnessing the Power of Virtual Reality Simulation in Physical Education Teacher Education. https://open.substack.com/pub/marcwatkins/p/the-hallucinating-machines-we-cant?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webhttps://www.chronicle.com/article/the-student-brain-on-ai Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailAs the 2025 Shape America National Adapted PE Teacher of the Year, Brad brings a refreshing perspective to adaptive physical education. Rather than focusing on what students can't do, he zeroes in on what standards are truly asking students to learn. "When you start opening yourself up to what am I actually being asked to teach the student—not what may be implied from our PE experience—that can be a huge unlock," Brad explains.This approach has led to transformative moments in his Baltimore City Public Schools gymnasiums. A lunch table becomes a "surfboard" for a student frightened of balance beams. A pair of tall cones with painter's tape creates a modified badminton net for a wheelchair user, attracting a line of peers wanting to join. Laminated cards give a reluctant student control over creating dance routines, turning resistance into leadership.These adaptations aren't just clever workarounds—they represent Brad's philosophy that success comes through patience, creativity, and resilience. "When students don't experience success, that's not a reflection on the student or yourself. It just means we haven't yet found the solution for this student to access this skill or activity," he shares.Brad's impact extends beyond direct instruction through his commitment to communication and collaboration. He connects with parents after every session, not just sharing updates but actively seeking their expertise about their children. This partnership approach, combined with his work as president of the Maryland Adapted PE Consortium and service on multiple education committees, has created ripples throughout his district and beyond. Join us in reimagining physical education where every student experiences the joy of movement on their own terms.Want to bring Brad's adaptive PE insights to your program? Connect with Brad:[email protected]@BHunterinBmoreMAPEC -Free to join and all webinars are posted. Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailMelanie Levenberg's journey from P.E. teacher to global movement educator is inspiring. She reimagined her relationship with movement, eventually creating Dance PL3Y—a program that has transformed physical education for over 4.1 million children across 13 countries.What makes Melanie's approach unique is her philosophy. Rather than starting with technical instruction or choreography, she built her methodology around three core principles: be positive, be fun, be yourself. This philosophy shifts dance education from perfection-focused to expression-centered, creating safe spaces where students experience the joy of movement before worrying about performance. "The world doesn't need more people copying each other," Melanie explains. "The world needs more people finding their own style and sharing it."During her research, she  uncovered something education systems desperately need to hear: when schools prioritize health and physical activity as their primary improvement strategy, academic achievement significantly improves. This finding validates what many educators intuitively know—movement isn't just good for bodies; it transforms learning across all disciplines.Through her Teaching Dance for Understanding framework, Melanie has systematized her approach into six phases that scaffold movement education. Unlike traditional methods that often begin with freestyle exploration (intimidating for many students) or rigid choreography (daunting for many teachers), her model starts with playful experience and gradually builds toward creative expression and performance.Today, Melanie balances her professional mission with personal growth in the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia. "A lot of my life was lived in my head," she reflects. "As I'm now living more in nature, there's a really deep intelligence around me that I'm learning to trust." Her dual commitment to serving educators while deepening her own connection to natural rhythms embodies the integration she brings to  dance—honoring both structure and freedom, planning and intuition, achievement and joy.Resources:Website: https://www.pl3yinc.com/IG: pl3yeducationEmail: [email protected] Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a physical education teacher prioritizes relationships over rules and student choice over standardized instruction? Nick Morse, a  health and physical education teacher at Hartnett Middle School, reveals how his innovative approach is transforming how students experience physical and health education.Nick's journey begins with a pivotal childhood experience at summer camp that sparked his passion for physical activity and education. Years later, as a high school student working at that same camp, a mother's phone call thanking him for supporting her children after their father's passing solidified his career path. This foundation of meaningful connections continues to guide his teaching philosophy today.At the core of Nick's approach is Self-Determination Theory – the belief that students engage most deeply when they experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This manifests in his classroom through competitive and recreational options for activities, walking-and-talking attendance procedures, music during class time, and free choice days that empower students to direct their own learning. His health classes feature project-based assessments rather than traditional tests, allowing students to demonstrate understanding in ways that resonate with their learning styles.Perhaps Nick's most impressive achievement is the "Healthy Start" morning program he established, which now attracts 50-75 students daily (in a school of 450) for pre-school physical activity. The program serves multiple purposes – providing structured movement for sports enthusiasts, social time for friends, and early drop-off options for working parents.Nick's story illustrates how physical education can extend far beyond sports skills to create lasting healthy habits. His advice for new teachers is refreshingly simple yet profound: build relationships with your students and get involved in their lives outside your classroom. As he puts it, "It doesn't matter how good your lesson plan is if kids don't feel safe in your classroom and connected with you."Ready to rethink how you approach physical education and student engagement? Listen now to discover practical strategies for creating a PE program where every student can thrive – regardless of athletic ability.Email: [email protected] Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhen you think of physical education, do you picture students mindlessly kicking balls around a gymnasium while a teacher blows a whistle? Dave Carney is on a mission to transform that outdated perception. With 14 years + of PE teaching experience following nine years in the classroom, Dave brings deep insight into what makes physical education truly meaningful."PE with a purpose" forms the cornerstone of Dave's philosophy. Instead of simply "rolling out the ball," he creates structured learning experiences aligned with standards and clear outcomes. Whether managing classes of 80-90 students with the help of paraprofessionals or implementing innovative programs, Dave demonstrates how intentional teaching elevates physical education beyond mere play.The conversation explores Dave's most successful teaching initiative - a Sport Education model centered around Thouckball, a lesser-known European game played with rebounders. This approach transforms students into active leaders through authentic roles: referees, scorekeepers, equipment managers, and team captains. The culminating tournament features announcing, themed team entrances, and student-created banners, creating an equitable environment where everyone starts as a beginner.Looking ahead, Dave shares his excitement about launching a martial arts-inspired leadership program where students progress through different colored "belts" (wristbands) by demonstrating responsibility, sportsmanship, and initiative. Beginning in third grade, students can earn increasingly prestigious roles within the school community as they advance through the belt system, developing character alongside physical skills.As an author of "High Fives and Empowering Lives" and host of the "Supersized PhysEd" podcast (250+ episodes), Dave exemplifies his own advice to "never stop learning." Whether pursuing a bike program, advocating for archery instruction, or creating themed activity days, his innovative spirit shows how modern physical educators continually evolve their practice.Connect with Dave through his podcast, on social media @PE_Dave1017, or at www.supersizedphysed.com to learn more about creating physical education experiences that truly matter. Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhen passion meets purpose, learning transforms. Tiana's story begins at sixteen, teaching ballet, tap, and jazz to preschoolers and special education dance classes—experiences that kindled her love for teaching long before formal education training. Now teaching third grade in East Hartford, Connecticut, she brings this dance background directly into her classroom through strategic movement breaks that help students regulate emotions and refocus their energy throughout the day.What makes Tiana's story  compelling is her commitment to creating learning environments where academic risk-taking is celebrated. "A classroom should be inclusive and loving," she explains, describing how she encourages students to embrace mistakes as essential to learning. Rather than providing immediate answers when students struggle with challenging concepts like multiplication, she facilitates peer support—sometimes through whispered hints between friends—fostering both independence and community.The magic happens when these philosophies intersect with real student needs. Tiana shares the touching transformation of a student who arrived from El Salvador unable to read, write, or speak much English. Through genuine care and intentional relationship-building, this initially anxious child blossomed into a confident learner who loved coming to school. Beyond her classroom, Tiana balances teaching with roles as a choreographer and representative for the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy, embodying her own advice: "Work hard, do what you love, and make  memories."Connect with Tiana:[email protected]  Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailMeet Adam Joyce, a passionate Project Adventure teacher who's transforming physical education at Watertown High School. Coming from a family of educators , Adam discovered his calling after initially pursuing history education. Today, he's dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that teach students crucial life skills through experiential learning.At the heart of Adam's approach is the belief that quality physical education begins with teachers who genuinely love what they do. This authentic enthusiasm creates the foundation for student engagement. Beyond passion, he emphasizes the importance of diverse PE programs that expose students to various activities throughout their high school years. The ultimate goal? Helping each student discover at least one physical activity they enjoy enough to continue into adulthood.Watertown's innovative program rotates students through specialized courses including health, fitness, individual activities, team sports, and Project Adventure. This variety ensures students experience multiple dimensions of physical wellness rather than repeating the same curriculum year after year. Parents particularly appreciate how Project Adventure offers alternative pathways to physical activity for students who don't naturally gravitate toward traditional sports.What makes Adam's class unique is his focus on human connection in an increasingly digital world. "It's time to talk to people, get off the phones, and work with humans," he explains. His innovative capstone project challenges students to design their own games incorporating teamwork, communication, problem-solving, trust, and leadership – core skills that transfer far beyond the gymnasium walls. Some student-created games have even become permanent additions to his curriculum.As Adam prepares to move into a brand-new facility in 2026, he reminds fellow educators about the importance of self-care: "We all need to take a breath and take a minute for ourselves." It's a fitting message from someone dedicated to teaching students not just physical skills, but how to navigate life's challenges with confidence, creativity, and connection.Connect with Adam at [email protected]  Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailIn this illuminating conversation with Maria Melchionda, a 40-year veteran educator and executive director of MAHPERD, we explore the difference  between qualified instruction and common misconceptions in the field.Maria shares her journey from student to leader, revealing how a professor's simple invitation to join a professional organization set her on an unexpected path to leadership. With warmth and wisdom, she articulates why face-to-face professional connections remain irreplaceable in our digital era: "You cannot understand another human being without seeing social cues, without sitting down and having that eye contact or a handshake." This philosophy underpins MAHPERDS s approach to professional development and community building.Throughout our discussion, Maria addresses persistent myths about physical education, offering a compelling analogy that resonates with parents and stakeholders alike: "You don't want a plumber as your child's physician." This straightforward comparison effectively illustrates why specialized training matters in health and physical education. Beyond advocacy, Maria details MAHPERDS  extensive partnership network spanning approximately 17 organizations and explains how their regional advocacy structure ensures outreach to all corners of Massachusetts.For educators at any career stage, Maria's message is clear and encouraging: "Everyone has something to give." She emphasizes that joining professional organizations isn't just about receiving resources—it's about discovering your unique contributions to a community dedicated to improving student health and wellbeing.This conversation offers  insights on professional growth, advocacy, and the enduring importance of human connection.  Subscribe to Voices from the Field to hear more perspectives from educators making a difference in health and physical education.Resources:Email: [email protected]   Cell: 508-794-1338IG:  MAHPERD 1928FB: MA-HPERDLinked In: MAHPERDAdvocacy Video Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when genuine passion for movement meets resourcefulness and creativity? Bradley Land, a K-8 physical education teacher from Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrates how innovative thinking and creativity can transform physical education without breaking the bank.Bradley's journey to becoming an award-winning PE teacher took an unexpected path. Starting with a love for soccer and art, he discovered his true calling while working as a paraprofessional with special education students. His experience in adaptive PE shaped his teaching philosophy: creating accessible movement opportunities for every child regardless of ability or resources available.When the pandemic hit, Bradley turned challenge into opportunity by developing video content for his students. His DIY approach transforms everyday materials into effective teaching tools—creating volleyball standards for under $60 that would typically cost hundreds, designing modified games  and crafting innovative adaptations that allow all students to participate successfully.The beauty of Bradley's work lies in its accessibility. Each activity offers multiple entry points, ensuring students with different abilities can engage meaningfully. This inclusivity reflects his fundamental belief that physical education should meet students where they are while challenging them to grow. His advice to fellow educators resonates with authenticity: "There's nothing wrong with trying something new... don't be afraid of it. I've had to step out of my comfort zone with this a lot."Throughout our conversation, Bradley's commitment to sharing knowledge shines through. Whether presenting to colleagues, posting short instructional videos, or connecting with educators globally, his focus remains on making movement meaningful for all students. Follow his creative journey:Email: [email protected]: www.youtube.com/@pelearnplayInstagram: @pelearnplayTikTok: @pelearnplay Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to , Voices from the FieldJoin me as I sit down with educators, thought leaders, and professionals in Health and Physical Education (HPE) and related fields who are making a real impact. Through candid conversations and powerful storytelling, our guests share their journeys, insights, and the action steps that led them to where they are today.This podcast is all about moving beyond the status quo. Our guests aren’t just talking about change—they’re out there making it happen. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just passionate about the future of health and education, you’ll come away with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and the inspiration to elevate your own practice.Already a podcast listener? Be sure to add Voices from the Field to your playlist. New to podcasts? This is a great place to start. So far, we've featured incredible voices—teachers, professors, and authors—who are leading the way in their fields. We’d love for you to be part of the conversation too. If you have questions or are interested in being a guest, reach out to us at [email protected] in, learn, and be inspired! Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailHow can physical education teachers incorporate yoga in ways that benefit all students? Award-winning P.E. teacher Kristen Santos takes us on her unexpected journey from cancer diagnosis to becoming a leading advocate for yoga in physical education. When Kristen's oncologist first recommended yoga during her breast cancer treatment in 2016, she was skeptical. "I thought it was for old, middle-aged women," she admits candidly. That reluctance transformed into passion as she discovered how breathing techniques and mindful movement helped her navigate life's challenges. "Yoga doesn't solve your problems," she reflects, "but it helps you deal with them."Drawing from 27 years of teaching experience, Kristen shares practical strategies for making yoga accessible in middle school PE classes. Her innovative approach includes creating yoga-based games, developing trauma-informed language practices, and connecting yoga to athletes like LeBron James who credit it for their athletic longevity. The conversation explores her published curriculum books that provide complete lesson plans for K-8 teachers, including assessments, visual aids, and activities that align with physical education standards.What sets Kristen's method apart is her focus on teaching students specific breathing techniques they can use to self-regulate during conflicts. Rather than simply telling students to "calm down," she provides concrete tools that stimulate the vagus nerve and genuinely help students manage emotions. Her "Yoga Code of Conduct" establishes clear expectations while teaching transferable skills students can use throughout their lives.Whether you're a PE teacher looking to diversify your curriculum, an educator interested in supporting students' emotional regulation, or someone curious about making mindfulness more accessible, this episode offers valuable insights and practical resources. Connect with Kristen:Insta @yogainphysedWebsite www.yogainphysed.comEmail [email protected] the book on Amazon Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailThe power of quality physical education reaches far beyond the gymnasium walls. When students experience meaningful, well-designed PE programs, they become lifelong advocates for the profession as future parents, school board members, and community leaders.In this enlightening conversation with Mark and Becky Foellmer, we explore how technology and collaboration are transforming physical education. The Foellmer's, retired educators who now dedicate themselves to leadership roles in professional organizations, share their journey from classroom teachers to creators of CBHPE.org—a free resource platform that has helped nearly 900,000 visitors access user friendly teaching materials.What began as "Chromebooks in Health PE" has evolved into "Collaboration Builds Health PE," reflecting the site's true purpose: creating a space where educators freely share, modify, and implement resources without barriers. Unlike static PDFs, these materials can be tailored to meet diverse student needs, embodying universal design for learning principles.The conversation delves into practical advocacy approaches that begin with excellent teaching. "Those students are future decision makers," Mark notes, explaining how quality PE programs naturally cultivate advocates who will influence policy. Simple actions like inviting classroom teachers to observe engaging activities can be just as  impactful as "formal" advocacy events.For new professionals, the Foellmer's offer invaluable advice about leveraging technology to enhance activity time and building professional connections. They share how artificial intelligence can serve as a virtual colleague for PE teachers, helping with everything from crafting concise communications to generating lesson ideas.Perhaps most inspiring is their commitment to mentoring young professionals. While retired educators have valuable experience to contribute, they recognize that leadership positions need active teachers who understand current classroom realities.Whether you're a veteran educator or just starting your career, this conversation will leave you with practical strategies for advocacy, technology integration, and professional growth—all aimed at providing every student with quality physical education experiences that last a lifetime.Resources:https://www.cbhpe.org/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailMeet Ginger Aaron-Brush, a veteran physical educator whose 25-year teaching career has shaped how we think about quality physical education. From an unexpected career path—sparked by a random college bulletin board flyer—to becoming Alabama's Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Ginger's journey reveals how passion and structured teaching can transform students' physical literacy.What happens when you teach 75 elementary students physical education simultaneously? Ginger shares her masterful approach to large-group instruction, emphasizing immediate engagement through "instant activities," structured skill development, and thoughtful assessment strategies. Her philosophy centers on building student confidence before competence, ensuring every child experiences success regardless of athletic ability. One particularly brilliant practice: teaching students to provide "goods and shoulds" feedback to peers, creating a supportive learning environment where children celebrate strengths while offering constructive suggestions for growth.The conversation explores how Alabama's daily physical education model (30 minutes every day) differs from many states' weekly rotations, examining both the benefits and challenges of this approach. Now working with HEAL United, Ginger continues championing health literacy through comprehensive curriculum development, free educational resources, and innovative programs designed for pre-K through college students. Her digital leadership extends to social media, where she's maintained the popular #PhysEdQOTD (Question of the Day) for years, building connections with educators nationwide.Whether you're a physical educator seeking practical classroom management strategies, a school administrator interested in enhancing your wellness programs, or simply someone who values the importance of quality physical education, this episode offers valuable insights from an educator who's dedicated her career to ensuring every child develops physical literacy. Connect: Twitter: @gingeraaron BlueSky: @[email protected] Support:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/gingeraaronbrushTeachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/ginger-aaron-brush-physical-educationResource:www.healunited.org  Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailA passionate educator's journey from PE-avoider to professor reveals powerful lessons about inclusive physical education. Dr. Hillary Glencross candidly shares how she once did everything possible to escape "gym" class – obtaining doctor's notes, hiding in the nurse's office, or sitting on the bleachers – until one persistent high school coach refused to let her disengage. This transformative experience sparked her mission to reimagine physical education as engaging and accessible for all students.Now a professor at Salem State University preparing the next generation of PE teachers, Dr. Glencross brings real-world expertise from her decade teaching at Watertown High School, including five years focused on adapted physical education. Her work emphasizes universal design for learning and thoughtful modifications to ensure every student can thrive, guided by mentor Dr. John Passerini's philosophy that "nobody's disabled, we're all just differently abled."Our conversation explores innovative approaches to teacher preparation, including Salem State's three distinct pathways for aspiring PE professionals and their use of technology like SIBME for detailed video feedback. Dr. Glencross takes a refreshingly balanced approach to artificial intelligence, treating it as a valuable pedagogical tool while teaching students to be critical consumers who personalize AI-generated content. "Use AI for 80 percent of your planning, but you've got to take that 20 percent and make it your own," she advises.Her research interests focus on boosting engagement in physical education, particularly in post-pandemic contexts where students face increased anxiety and technology distractions. As co-chair of MAHPERDS Council of Future Professionals and member of Shape America's Professional Preparation Council, she's building resources to support new teachers entering the field. Connect with Dr. Glencross: Email: [email protected]: www.HillaryGlencross.comInstagram: SSU_PETE Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat makes an extraordinary physical educator? For Dr. Jenny Linker, it begins with relationship-building—a foundational skill that precedes all technical knowledge. In this compelling conversation, she reveals how her unconventional journey from psychology major to rugby coach ultimately led to becoming a respected professor and School of Education head at North Dakota State University.Dr. Linker's innovative "Let's Move in Homeschool" program showcases the power of experiential learning for both future teachers and the community they serve. For 13 years, this initiative has connected undergraduate PE students with homeschooled children, creating a laboratory for applied teaching methods while providing crucial movement opportunities for participants. When COVID struck, rather than abandoning the program, Dr. Linker pivoted to an online format that unexpectedly reached families worldwide—demonstrating the adaptability essential to modern education.Beyond technical teaching skills, Dr. Linker emphasizes how modern physical educators must understand trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning. Her research on comprehensive school physical activity programs reveals the cognitive benefits of movement throughout the school day, reframing "brain breaks" as "brain boosts" to highlight their purpose. This subtle but significant shift exemplifies how thoughtful language choices can transform student understanding and engagement.Whether you're considering a career in physical education, seeking to enhance your teaching practice, or simply curious about how movement education is evolving, Dr. Linker's insights offer valuable perspective on creating meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond traditional sports instruction. Connect with her directly to learn more about NDSU's affordable, flexible master's program designed for teaching professionals seeking to advance their practice.Contact:[email protected]: NDSU M.Ed in Leadership in Physical Education and Sport Coaching Center for Reaching and Teaching the Whole Child (for Social, Emotional, and Cultural Anchor Competencies Framework) SchoolaAlive! Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SchoolsAlive and we also host one called Fun Brain Boosts! Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailFrom the basketball court to the classroom to district leadership, Jill Foley's journey embodies the vibrant, multifaceted world of health education. As MAHPERD'S president and Director of Comprehensive Health and Wellness for Revere Public Schools, Jill brings a refreshing perspective on what it means to truly support student wellbeing.Jill's candid reflection on her unexpected career path reveals how one conversation with a mentor completely redirected her professional trajectory. After years in strength conditioning, she took a leap of faith into education—a decision that shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. Her decade in the middle school health classroom taught her the power of inclusivity, connection, and skills-based instruction, principles she now implements at the district level.The podcast dives deep into Jill's innovative peer leadership program, where high school students receive specialized training before teaching middle schoolers about mental health and substance use. This approach transforms both the mentors and the younger students, creating authentic learning experiences that resonate far more deeply than traditional instruction.When discussing program evaluation, Jill challenges conventional metrics, suggesting that true success in health education extends beyond classroom assessments. She advocates examining broader indicators like student well being surveys, nurse's office visits, and changes in behavior patterns. "Health is more than just the classroom, PE is more than just the classroom," she emphasizes, arguing that physical and health education are essential solutions to many challenges students face.Her vision for the future includes state-level recognition of health and physical education as core curriculum components, with clear requirements for implementation. By leading with compelling data—like improved academic performance following physical activity—she believes educators can shift priorities and policies to better support the whole child.Want to connect with other passionate health educators? Jill invites listeners to consider joining the MAHPERD, describing it as a manageable commitment with tremendous professional rewards. Resources:https://www.hpecollective.online/Contact:Reach out to [email protected] to continue the conversation about creating more comprehensive, effective health education for all students. Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to transformative education isn't found in textbooks or standardized curriculum, but in the quality of relationships between teachers and students? Springfield College professors Angela Veach and Ted France challenge conventional wisdom about what constitutes meaningful learning as they share their expertise on adventure education.Drawing from decades of combined experience, these educators reveal how Springfield College's unique 57-acre outdoor learning center serves as a laboratory for experiential education. Students don't just learn theory—they immediately apply concepts by facilitating real groups in authentic settings. This hands-on approach creates deeper learning connections that traditional classroom instruction simply cannot match.Perhaps most surprising is their redefinition of "adventure" itself. As Professor France explains, adventure isn't limited to high-risk activities like rock climbing or whitewater rafting; rather, it's "any activity where the outcome is uncertain." This perspective makes adventure accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability or comfort with traditional outdoor pursuits. The program's foundational principle of "challenge by choice" ensures participants engage at their comfort level while still being valued members of the group.The professors outline a three-step process that creates transformative educational experiences: first building empathy, then helping students set high expectations, and finally becoming advocates who open doors to new opportunities. This relationship-centered approach is essential in the field of education. As Professor France notes, "It's the high-quality relationship that's developed between a significant adult role model and youth that matter."Contact Info:Springfield.edu/graduate Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailJosh Ogilvie brings over two decades of physical education expertise to this eye-opening conversation about transforming assessment practices. As a secondary PE teacher, provincial association president, and curriculum developer in British Columbia, Josh shares practical wisdom that challenges traditional approaches while offering accessible alternatives.The discussion travels beyond surface-level teaching strategies to explore what truly constitutes quality physical education. Josh articulates how intentional planning and responsive teaching create meaningful student experiences, contrasting this with the reactive approaches some educators default to during challenging times. His candid admission about abandoning fitness testing early in his career opens a powerful conversation about how traditional assessment methods can actually undermine student confidence and motivation.Josh Ogilvie shares his expertise on assessment in physical education, advocating for intentional teaching approaches that elevate student learning and teacher satisfaction. Below are some of the topics we discussed. • Intentional planning and responsive teaching leads to more meaningful student experiences. • Traditional assessment methods like fitness testing can humiliate students who aren't top performers.• Ipsative assessment focuses on personal improvement rather than comparison to arbitrary norms.• Effective feedback provides context to praise and suggests next steps for improvement.• Student surveys and observation help tailor curriculum to student abilities and interests.• Connecting with educators outside your school prevents isolation and burnout.• "Meaningful Physical Education" by Tim Fletcher and his colleagues offers valuable insights through teacher stories.• Technology and AI can save time on assessment tasks when used with professional judgment.• Finding one thing that brings excitement back can help teachers avoid burnout.Josh's website https://www.jogilvie.com/ (hosts information about his teacher coaching programs and the upcoming memberships he will be launching soon)Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joshogilvie.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-ogilvie/Twitter: https://x.com/joshogilvie4Resources:Meaningful Physical Education Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailDr. Cathy Moffitt's 37-year journey in physical education reveals the profound impact a dedicated educator can have on generations of students. Having taught in the Chariho District for nearly four decades, Dr. Moffitt brings a wealth of wisdom about creating engaging, inclusive physical education experiences that build lifelong movement foundations.What drives Dr. Moffitt's teaching philosophy might surprise you - her own childhood experiences during PE. "I was that kid who looked for the clovers when we were playing softball," she shares, explaining how this sparked her determination to create more inclusive environments where every student feels valued and capable. Through thoughtful curriculum design emphasizing foundational skills over traditional sports, Dr. Moffitt ensures her elementary students develop the physical literacy needed for lifelong activity.The conversation delves into practical strategies for building brave spaces in physical education. Rather than one-size-fits-all instruction, Dr. Moffitt champions student choice - offering options in equipment selection, challenge levels, and participation styles. Her running club stands as testament to this approach, attracting 50-70 elementary students twice weekly before school. This remarkable program requires no specialized equipment, making it accessible to all students regardless of socioeconomic background, and has inspired participants to continue running competitively through college.For educators at any career stage, Dr. Moffitt offers golden advice: "Say yes to as many opportunities as you can." Her own trajectory was transformed by accepting an invitation to join a state curriculum committee despite having only two years of teaching experience. This single decision opened doors to networking, mentorship, and leadership roles that have defined her career. Through addressing common misconceptions about physical education and advocating for the profession at local and national levels, Dr. Moffitt demonstrates how physical educators can elevate their impact beyond individual classrooms.Connect with Dr. Moffitt on Facebook as Cathy Moffitt to continue the conversation about creating meaningful movement experiences for all students.Resources:Fitness FindersEZmileageclub Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailGary Zaharatos is a Physical Education Peer Observer and Instructional Coach in Denver Public Schools. He spends his days coaching and evaluating physical education teachers throughout the city. He has dedicated his career to supporting teachers as they strive to implement high quality instruction in physical education. Gary holds a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.Having twenty years of experience in public education, Gary has taught, observed and provided feedback on thousands of PE lessons and was named Administrator of the Year by SHAPE Colorado in 2023. He has also recently published his first book, titled Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher: Establishing a Safe and Welcome Learning Environment For All Students, which offers insightful perspectives and practical guidance to K-12 PE teachers on how to implement equitable practices, clearly communicate high expectations for student behavior and incorporate high leverage instructional methods in the gym.Some topics we discuss are...• Creating safe, welcoming environments where students take both physical and academic risks• Moving away from outdated PE practices like captains picking teams and grading based on gym clothes• Implementing content and language objectives so students can articulate what they're learning• Using coaching cycles with goal-setting, observations, and learning labs where teachers visit other schools• Building professional capital with administrators through relationship building and solution-oriented approaches• Backwards planning with standards rather than simply listing standards at the top of lesson plans• Prioritizing standards-based social skills that transfer beyond the gymnasiumConnect with Gary on social media:X: GaryZDPEIg: garyzdistinguishedpeFacebook group; Distinguished Physical Education Email: [email protected] offers his book "Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher" available on Amazon, or reach out directly to him for a digital copy! Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailSusan Fishback's journey from dancer to elementary PE teacher reveals a profound understanding of how early movement experiences shape our lifelong relationship with physical activity. Having taught students from a variety of demographics including those with diverse physical abilities, Susan brings a unique perspective to physical education that goes far beyond sports skills.Her implementation of the Active Kids and Minds program (formerly BOKS) demonstrates how accessible, enjoyable movement opportunities can transform school communities. What began with 70 students quickly grew to over 100, showing the tremendous appetite for structured physical activity in schools. This free program, with training and curriculum now available online, represents a powerful tool for educators seeking to increase movement opportunities for their students.The heart of Susan's teaching philosophy centers on inclusion and relationship-building. From her thoughtfully designed class opening and closing circles to her "star student" recognition system, every element of her program aims to build confidence and community. Her innovative pre-teaching peer modeling program created meaningful participation opportunities for students with different abilities while fostering empathy among classmates. These efforts ultimately led her previous school to become a Unified Elementary School through Special Olympics, creating student-led initiatives to increase inclusion throughout the school day.Physical education in Susan's gymnasium transcends simple games - each activity intentionally develops multiple skills simultaneously. Even a straightforward game like Castle Ball incorporates throwing for power and accuracy, strategy development, and teamwork. This multifaceted approach challenges the common misconception that PE teachers "just roll a ball out" and highlights the expertise required to deliver quality physical education.As Susan looks to the future, she advocates for more movement opportunities both within and beyond school walls. Whether through increased PE time, additional recess, or accessible community programs, her vision centers on helping every child discover the joy of movement in ways that will sustain them throughout life.Resources:https://activekids.org/https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/youth-and-schools/unified-schoolsContact:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-fishback-8b330243/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.

Send us Fan MailWhen Shay  steps into her middle school health classroom in Massachusetts, she brings more than lesson plans—she carries a philosophy of education built on relationship, respect, and real-world skills. Her journey to health education wasn't direct; after studying adaptive PE and motor development therapy, she worked as a camp director and YMCA youth program manager before finding her true calling in the classroom.What makes Shay's approach special is her commitment to creating brave spaces where students feel safe discussing sensitive topics. "We're all different, we're all unique, we all come from different backgrounds," she reminds her students at the beginning of each unit. This foundation of mutual respect allows her sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to engage meaningfully with content that might otherwise feel uncomfortable or intimidating.The health education Shay provides looks dramatically different from what many adults experienced in school. Rather than simply telling students what not to do, she focuses on decision-making processes, self-advocacy, and communication skills. "It's more positive reinforcement rather than negative reinforcement," she explains, describing how she helps students understand not just what choices to make, but how to make those choices for themselves. This shift represents a broader evolution in health education, moving away from prohibition-based teaching toward empowering students with lifelong skills.For new educators entering the field, Shay offers wisdom gained from experience: "Make sure you take care of yourself before you can head into that classroom, because when you go into that door and that bell rings, you're not there for yourself anymore—you're there for those students." This balance of self-care and selfless teaching defines her approach, reminding us all that the most effective educators understand both their students' needs and their own limitations.Whether she's coaching basketball, translating materials for multilingual learners, or helping students navigate complex social situations, Shay creates spaces where young people can develop the health literacy they'll need throughout their lives. Her story reminds us of health education's vital importance and transformative potential when approached with passion, purpose, and genuine care for student wellbeing.For more info about our state association:https://ma-hperd.org/ Thanks for listening! 🙏🏼If you picked up a new idea or felt inspired by today’s episode, I’d love to hear from you and if your interested in being a potential guest on the show; email [email protected] Please take a second to follow the show and share it with another educator who’s passionate and let’s keep the conversation going!” 🗣️PSA******P.E Teachers: Are you currently seeking graduate credits or professional development hours toward license renewal?​If so, you can receive $25 off any self-paced professional development course or year-long virtual course from my colleague at  Distinguished PE by using the code "nextlevelpe" at checkout. Whether your goal is to earn graduate credits or fulfill licensure requirements, now is an excellent time to explore the wide range of courses offered by Distinguished PE. Courses can be purchased directly through their website, making it easy to get started whenever it fits your schedule.  Visit www.distinguishedpe.com to learn more and find the course that’s right for you.