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:

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.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together?

We dive into:

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 [email protected] 

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

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:

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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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:

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 [email protected] 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.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment?

We explore:

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 [email protected] 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.

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

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:

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 

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 [email protected] 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.

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:

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 [email protected] 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.

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

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 [email protected].

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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 [email protected].

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.