Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching | Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith

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

#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) | Kelly Donnelly

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

#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 | Jen Smith

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

#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga | Kristen Santos

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

#22 - How to Plan an Unforgettable Field Day | Drew Burris

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.
 
My guest today is Drew Burris, an award-winning physical education teacher in Missouri with 14 years of teaching experience and a passion for creating memorable learning experiences for his students. Drew currently teaches PreK–2nd grade at Ridge View Elementary and is well known in the PE community through his online presence, professional development work, and national recognition as Missouri’s 2021 SHAPE Elementary PE Teacher of the Year.
 
In this episode, Drew and I discuss:
What the weeks leading up to field day look like for him and his students
The impact of using standards-based social skills in the lead-up lessons
The benefits of organizing your event around a unifying theme
How to recruit and manage volunteers effectively
Tips for balancing fun and structure so everyone feels successful
 
Whether you’re a first-time organizer or a field day veteran, this episode is packed with tips and ideas to help make your event a highlight of the school year.
 
Resources
X: @project_physed 
YouTube: @ProjectPhysEd
Website: projectphysed.weebly.com 
 
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. 

#21 – Why Dance Belongs in PE | Victor Spadaro

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

#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights | Brad Hunter

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

#19 - Refining Your Craft Through National Board Certification | Patrick Noel

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

#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice | Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville

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

#17 – From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights | Christina Collins

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