Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

#46 - Building a Student-Driven Fitness Program | Derek Thomas

For more information on the Distinguished PE K-5 Curriculum, click here!
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Derek Thomas is a national board certified PE teacher at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas and the 2024 Shape Nevada and 2025 Shape America Western District High School teacher of the year. His teaching philosophy centers on movement with purpose.  Whether teaching, coaching, or mentoring colleagues, Derek's mission is to make PE a space where every student feels empowered, challenged, and proud of who they're becoming, both in and out of the gym.
 
Follow Derek on X (@coachDThomas84) or IG (@lovethegame1984)
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
DPE 106: Prioritizing Standards-Based Social Skills
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (18 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#45 - Q&A #1: SHAPE KC, Assessment, PETE Programs, Unit Durations, and More | Jen Smith

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of self-paced, graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#44 - Would You Want to Be on Your Own Team Today? | Liz Potash

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of self-paced, graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Liz Potash has been teaching since 2002 and is currently an Elementary PE teacher at Goodnoe Elementary School in the Council Rock School District located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Liz is beginning her 5th year at the school teaching Grades K-6. Previously, she taught 10 years at Council Rock High School South and prior to that spent 9 years at Holland Middle School, all in the same district. For the last 14 years she has also served as the district curriculum coordinator, where she oversees the Health & PE programs for all 14 schools, with about 40 teachers under her lead. Liz is a strong believer in the importance of making Health and PE meaningful and relevant, while building strong relationships with her students.
 
Follow Liz on X (@crhpe) or IG
Contact Liz: epotash@crsd.org 
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#43 - Assessment and Social Skill Development | Derek Martinez

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of self-paced, graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
My guest today is Derek Martinez. Derek was born and raised in northern NV, then moved to Boise where he earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in K-12 Physical Education. After teaching for seven years in Nevada at the elementary level, Derek currently teaches secondary PE in North Carolina. He is passionate about high quality teaching and was recognized for his accomplishments by receiving the Nevada Elementary Teacher of the Year award in 2024.
 
Follow Derek on Instagram (@libertypeakpe) or via email: derekmartinez777x@gmail.com
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#42 - Leveraging AI in PE | Bryson Davis

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Interested in facilitating a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
Bryson Davis is a passionate K-5 Physical Education teacher at Ridgeview Elementary in Colorado and an active board member of SHAPE Colorado. He is quickly becoming a leading voice on the intersection of technology and physical education.
Bryson will represent the state of Colorado by presenting on AI in PE at the SHAPE America National Convention this year. He was also recently honored as the 2025 SHAPE Colorado Young Professional Award winner.
 
Resources:
List of useful AI tools
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from the book Distinguished Physical Education and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#41 - Leveling the Playing Field with Unique Experiences in Secondary PE | Victoria Wink

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Interested in facilitation a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
Victoria is in her ninth year of teaching 7-12th grade physical education on Long Island, New York. Three years ago she started teaching a dual enrollment exercise science class where high school students can earn college level credit. She is actively involved at her school and has been a club advisor for the student council and health club. In recent years she has also served as a mentor to student-teachers and new faculty members. Victoria was named softball coach of the year twice and also coaches volleyball. Most recently, she was recognized for everything that she does for students and her community by being named the 2025 Nassau County Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the year. 
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from the book Distinguished Physical Education and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 
 

#40 - Just Adapt It: A STEP Framework for Adapting PE So Everyone Can Play | Matt Barker

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Interested in facilitating a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
Matt Barker is an award-winning Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher, author, advocate, and creator of JustAdaptIt.com, a leading resource hub for inclusive PE. Now an itinerant APE teacher in Virginia’s largest school district, Matt holds certifications in Physical Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. His work spans inclusive programming, DIY equipment, and AI-powered tools like the Just Adapt Bot. A regular keynote and national presenter, he helps educators reimagine what’s possible in adapted PE.
 
Just Adapt It. A STEP Framework for Adapting PE so Everyone Can Play (Book)
Website: justadaptit.com
Follow Matt on Instagram (digittheape) and X (@DigitTheAPE)
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning:
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch
 
Podcast and Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone. 

#39 - Teacher Presence, Tone, and Creating Content and Language Objectives | Chris Kolb

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Interested in facilitating a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Queens College his Masters at Brooklyn College. He has been teaching for 16 years, spanning both general and special education PE. His Experience includes 10 years with the NYC Department of Education in special education and 6 years in general education PE, working primarily with k-8 students. Chris also serves as a part time college professor at Queens College where he teaches undergraduate and graduate PE majors, helping to prepare the next generation of PE teachers through hands-on coursework and school-based experience. 
 
Follow Chris on Instagram (@mrkolb_mavenmotion)
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
 
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
 
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

#38 - Inclusive PE for All: Practical Ideas from Easy Adapted PE | Sarah Fuller

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Interested in facilitating a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
Sarah Fuller is an award-winning Adapted Physical Educator and author of The Ultimate Adapted P.E. Manual. She taught in the Webster Central School District for over a decade and now serves as an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Brockport. Sarah shares resources and strategies for inclusive physical education through her website EasyAdaptedPE.com.
 
Resources
Teachers Pay Teachers
Paraeducators in Physical Education: Communication Is Key
Connect with Sarah on IG (easy.adapted.PE), X (@easy_adapted_pe), Pintrest (easyadaptedpe) and Facebook (Fuller.adaptpe), Email: easyadaptedpe@gmail.com 
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
 
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch
 

#37 - Reimagining Physical Education Through Pop Culture, Creativity, and Inclusion | David Tian

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Come see us this June at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit. Register here for free!
 
Interested in facilitating a session at the Colorado Health and PE Council Summit? Submit a proposal for your session here! 
 
In this episode, David Tian walks us through his imaginative approach to physical education, where student connection and cultural relevance take center stage. We explore how he builds engagement through creative game design, scaffolds skill-building with unconventional activities, and opens doors for all learners through choice, variety, and structure.
 
Connect with David on LinkedIn
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate-level credit, for hours toward renewing your teaching license, or simply for your own professional growth and reflection.
Each course aligns with a chapter from Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher and provides opportunities for authentic, job-embedded learning.
 
The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available:
DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior
DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
 
You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU!
If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license.
 
To learn more or get registered, email gary@distinguishedpe.com or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Looking for more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch