Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

#36 - 2025 Year in Review: Highlights and Key Takeaways from the Distinguished PE Podcast

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

#35 - Empowering All Students Through the PE Opportunities for Exceptional Learners (PEOPEL) Program | Janine Wilkins

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

#34 - Rediscovering the Joy of Movement | Dr. Vicky Randall

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Dr Vicky Randall is an educator, researcher and consultant in Physical Education, with over 20 years experience in the field. She holds fellowships in the UK with the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Gloucestershire. Her career in Physical Education spans a variety of roles including teacher, subject leader, and teacher educator, bringing her expertise to various national and global networks.
Vicky is also a dedicated advocate for mental health and well-being, she is an ambassador for Stormbreak, a UK charity supporting children’s mental health through movement. Vicky has published widely in Physical Education, including co-editing the international textbook An Introduction to Primary Physical Education and Contemporary Issues in Primary Physical Education and her forthcoming text Professional Knowledge in Primary Physical Education. She has recently become an Associate Editor for the International Journal Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. 
 
Donate to Stormbreak
Chapter Seven: Whole School Movement Culture
Follow Vicky on X (@vicksrandalledu)
PE Insights Podcast: Episode 62 - Book Review Series (2) - Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher by Gary Zaharatos
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched 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

#33 - Standards-Based, Student-Led Activities | Paddy Bailey

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
Paddy received his bachelors degree in K-12 PE and a Masters in Physical Education Leadership through SUNY Cortland. He has been teaching elementary PE for 10 years, and is entering year 3 at Van Rensselaer Elementary in the Van Rensselaer City School District.
He is currently the secretary for the Capital zone of NYS AHPERD, and has been actively involved with state and local conferences.
In this episode, Paddy shares some of his favorite games and activities, while grounding them in standards-based learning outcomes for his students. He shares what student led instruction looks like in his PE program and the impact that it has on student learning, along with why it’s important to take creative risks and expose students to a variety of different movement experiences. 
 
Follow Paddy on Instagram (thecoachbaileype) and X (@CoachBaileyNHS)
 
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

#32 - Prioritizing Skill Development and Challenging the Status Quo | Jake Miller

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
After teaching elementary PE for three years, Jake has been teaching junior high physical education for the past 17 years. first in Montana, and currently at North Junior High in the Boise school district.
Jake has presented at state conferences in Idaho and Montana, along with being a National SHAPE presenter. He has also presented at the Professional Development Schools Conference hosted by the University of South Carolina, along with his colleague from Boise State, Dr. Bell. 
He is a college adjunct professor and works closely with BSU as a mentor to their students and has collaborated with over 20 student teachers throughout his career.
Jake and I talk about why skill development should be the focus of a high quality PE program and what the consequences are if it is not. We talk about how to efficiently assess skill development and how outdated practices like grading on participation and dressing out harm the reputation of our discipline. Jake also makes convincing connections between the strategies that he shares and the impact that they have on student engagement, how students view physical education class, and their behavior, especially in the locker room. 
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched 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, 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

#31 - The Return of the Presidential Fitness Test: Repeating the Past or Reimagining the Future | Kathy Harvey and Jamie Sparks

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

#30 - Back to School 2025: Creating a PE Program That Welcomes Every Learner | Juli Neace

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up ... 
 
This episode is the final installment of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. 
 
In this episode, I’m joined by Juli Neace, a National Board Certified teacher and SHAPE America Southern District Middle School Teacher of the Year, to talk about what it really takes to create an inclusive and engaging PE culture from day one. Juli shares how she sets the tone at the start of the year, why small-sided games can make a big difference for student success, and the practical strategies she uses to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and safe.
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched 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, 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

#29 - Back to School 2025: Building a Culture of Belonging in PE | Courtney Lukasavitz

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. 
 
Courtney Lukasavitz was named the 2025 Shape America Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She's entering her 17th year of teaching and third year at Indian Community School in Franklin, Wisconsin, where she teaches middle school health and physical education. She graduated from UW Whitewater and is a national board certified teacher. Courtney is passionate about facilitating a standards-based physical education program that shifts the traditional narrative of PE.
 
Resources:
Instagram
X
Reflect and Fix
Volleyball Assessment Rubric
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched 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, 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

#28 - Back to School 2025: Co-Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines | Rhys Meredith

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch of three, self-paced, graduate level courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. 
 
In this episode, Rhys and I discuss how to create co-agreements with students, examples of what they look like and the impact that they have on student behavior and class culture. We talk about incorporating student voice and the importance of clearly communicating expectations for transitions. We also get to the instructional side of things and discuss standards based content and language objectives and how to communicate them in student friendly language.
 
Connect with Rhys on X: rhysmeredith23 or via email: rmeredith@aisb.hu
 
Resources:
Respect in PE Poster
Class Agreements Poster
Respectful Celebrating Poster
 
Distinguished PE has officially launched 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, head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.
Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!
 
Want to learn more? Visit the DPE Linktree to:• Buy the book• Sign up for the DPE Virtual Course• Grab DPE merch

#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward | Adam Mullis

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