Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

Apply for the 2027 Distinguished PE Teacher Award here!

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

My guest today is Nick D’Ambroso the 2026 National Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

Nick teaches at Prospect Hill School in Pelham, NY, where he is in his 22nd year. For the last 12 years, Nick has also been an adjunct professor at Manhattanville University and he currently teaches Elementary Physical Education Content in their graduate program. 

He believes that all physical education lessons must be carefully planned, aligned with standards, and a part of a developmentally appropriate scope and sequence that focuses on connecting with students' needs, interests, and abilities. 

Follow Nick on Instagram (@nick_dambroso) 

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Prospect Hill's Nick D'Ambroso Wins National P.E. Teacher of the Year

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Apply for the 2027 Distinguished PE Teacher Award here!

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

My guest today is Brian Crane. Brian received a bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at San Diego State University and his K-12 teaching credential in PE at Arizona State University. He has been teaching for 23 years. Brian taught ECE through 5th grade for five years before moving on to teach middle school at Kyrene Middle School for four years. From 2014 to 2026, he taught high school PE in the Mesa School District at East Valley Academy. Brian returned to elementary PE this year and is here to share his experiences in making the transition back to teaching PE to younger students. 

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For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

Sandee Ortiz is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and the 2025 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year. Sandee teaches health and physical education at Sun Prairie West High School in Wisconsin and is entering her 29th year of teaching.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Sandee serves as the President of Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (WHPE) and frequently presents at state and national conferences on health literacy, meaningful physical education, and AVID/WICOR instructional practices. She is also the Head Tennis Coach of the Sun Prairie West Girls and Boys Tennis Teams. 

Follow Sandee on IG (@SandeeOrtiz99)

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Self-Assessment Rubric

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Lucy Harris was our keynote speaker at the 2026 PE and Health Summit in June. Her speech about her journey as a seated student athlete, her experience in PE class, and the teachers who are supporting her along the way was so impactful to the two hundred or so PE teachers in the audience, I just knew that more teachers needed to hear it.

A lot of PE teachers listen to this show, and many are nervous about teaching seated athletes or students with diverse physical needs. Lucy is here to change that.

In this episode, she shares her story from injury, to her return to PE, to her advocacy work. More importantly, she's direct about what teachers got right, what they got wrong, and what every PE teacher needs to know.

This conversation is for the students in your gym who need to feel seen, valued, and taught right alongside their peers.

I can't thank Lucy enough for taking the time away from her busy summer of camp and hanging out with her friends to chat with me and share her experiences with you all.

At the end of the episode, Lucy shares some information from some of her favorite and most impactful organizations that help kids like her continue their journeys in sports and adventures.

Distinguished PE is really proud to be able to donate to them on her behalf, and we're encouraging listeners to do so too. Even a small donation can help other kids like Lucy experience things like crossfit, skiing, rock climbing, and scuba diving. You can find that information in the notes to the episode. It's an honor to be able to share this conversation with you, and I know it's gonna have an impact on thousands of students around the world.

Follow Lucy on Facebook or Instagram (@wheelie_lucy_harris)

Please consider checking out Lucy's favorite organizations below and making a donation if you are able to ✌🏼

Adaptive Recreation for Kids in the ARCH Program

National Sports Center for the Disabled

Paradox Sports

Adaptive Adventures

Denver Adaptive Divers

Wheel WOD

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Amazon | Distinguished Music Education

Links to share this episode: 

Apple | Spotify

My guest today is Amy Friedhaber.

Amy received a bachelor of Music in Music Education with a minor in Speech Pathology from State University of New York College at Fredonia, and Masters from University of Colorado in Educational Psychology. This is her 24th year in Education – 14 of those were as a Music Teacher – and the last ten have been as a colleague of mine on our team of instructional coaches in Denver Public Schools.

Over the years Amy has taught music in grades ECE-8, and continues to direct the Steven’s JAMS Choir for the Colorado Children’s Chorale. She is also the co-author of the new book, Distinguished Music education. It’s a project that we’re incredibly proud of and are excited to share with you.

Contact Amy at: [email protected]

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

Click here to download a free sample of the curriculum and for purchasing options.

Distinguished PE K-5 Curriculum Implementation Guide

Questions? Email [email protected] 

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For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

 Amanda Flohrs has been teaching physical education for 14 years. She is currently a middle school health and physical education teacher in Owatonna, Minnesota. She graduated in 2011 with her degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Adapted PE. In 2021, she earned her Master's in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University. She is also the 2025 Minnesota Shape Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Connect with Amanda on IG (oms_flohrs)

Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

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 Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

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 [email protected] or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses.

Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!

Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]

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: [email protected] 

Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone