For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

In this episode, I explore how to prepare for a physical education job interview in a way that highlights your professionalism, instructional skills, and commitment to student growth. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for a new opportunity, this episode offers practical strategies for communicating your strengths and experience with confidence.

This episode included:

How to show a growth mindset in your responses

Communicating how you create a safe and inclusive PE environment

Aligning your lessons with state and national PE standards

Incorporating standards-based social skills into your instruction

Differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs

Framing your experience in a way that resonates with hiring committees

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Erin Evans, an award-winning physical education teacher whose passion for teaching and dedication to her community have made a meaningful impact both in and out of the gym. Originally from Australia, Erin now teaches in Montana, where she leads with creativity, reflection, and a commitment to high-quality PE.

We discuss:

How expectations for PE vary across districts and states

Designing curriculum that supports health and wellness

Using heart rate monitors and other tools to inform instruction

The benefits and challenges of student self-assessment

Ways to reflect on your own teaching practice

How being a reflective teacher supports professional growth and helps prevent burnout

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.

Resources

Montana OPI Content Standards

Denver Public Schools LEAP Framework

Denver Public Schools Consent Decree

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

Today I’m joined by Dr. Adam Mullis, a passionate educator and advocate for health and physical education. Adam is in his 10th year of teaching middle school PE and health, holds advanced degrees in curriculum, assessment, and instruction, and has served in leadership roles across multiple professional organizations. He’s presented at numerous conferences, written over $60,000 in grants, and helped his schools earn national recognition as some of the “Healthiest Schools in America.”

In this episode, we discuss:

Why assessment is essential to legitimizing PE

The difference between measuring effort vs. learning

How to break down and communicate daily objectives

Using assessment data to differentiate instruction

The power of student self-assessment

The importance of building a strong learning culture

How conferences and professional communities influence growth

X: @pe_mullis

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

Today I’m joined by Sam Horton, a dedicated PE teacher and swimming lead with seven years of experience in education. Sam was recently recognized for introducing the Swim England National School Swimming Award at his school. He’s developed full curricula for both PE and swimming and is passionate about helping students build not only physical skills but also social-emotional competencies through leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

In this episode, we discuss:

The importance of setting high expectations for student behavior

Strategies for creating a strong and positive learning environment

Ways to enhance student motivation and engagement

How to use the STEP framework to differentiate for student needs

The "I, We, You" instructional model

Planning effective lessons and unit progressions

Sam can be found on Instagram @primary_pe_lead

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Smith and Jesse Weber to explore what meaningful assessment can look like in a high-quality PE program.

We discuss:

How our views on assessment have evolved over the years

Common misconceptions about grading and assessment in PE

Outdated grading practices that still linger in some programs

Clear criteria teachers can use when assessing students

How to use assessment data to inform instruction and support student growth

Tools and strategies for efficiently tracking assessment data

Challenges and potential solutions to implementing standards-based grading in PE

Whether you're just beginning to shift your assessment practices or looking to refine them, this episode offers practical strategies and thoughtful insight from two experienced PE educators.

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. 

Resources:

Data Tracker and Rubric

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

Today I’m speaking with Mark Lombardi, a veteran physical education teacher who has spent the past 23 years at Godsman Elementary in Denver Public Schools. Mark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in K–12 education from the University of Northern Colorado, and holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. His long-term commitment to one school community has allowed him to deeply connect with his students and continuously refine his practice.

In this episode, we discuss:

How our views on student talk in PE have shifted over time

Common misconceptions about encouraging student talk in PE

What accountable talk structures are and how they support student learning

Which structures work especially well in a PE setting

Challenges PE teachers may face when implementing accountable talk

Practical ways to embed talk structures into PE lessons

If you're interested in helping your students reflect, communicate, and engage more deeply in PE, this episode is packed with insight.

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 Peter Rossi, the physical education teacher at Stedman Elementary School in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood. After earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and working as a reporter, Pete transitioned to education and completed a master’s in physical education at the University of Northern Colorado. Now in his 10th year of teaching, he also serves as a regional team specialist, planning and facilitating professional development for fellow PE teachers in the district.

In this episode, we discuss:

The benefits of teaching students how to give academically-focused, detailed feedback

Structures that support accountable peer-to-peer feedback

When to prioritize peer feedback during a unit

The impact of peer feedback on student learning and engagement

Common challenges and how to overcome them

Whether you’re just starting to explore peer feedback or looking to refine your current practices, this episode offers practical strategies to strengthen student learning through meaningful interaction.

If you enjoy this episode and are interested in learning more about how the PE teachers in your district can get involved in a book study based on the text Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, please 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

In this episode, I read Chapter 2 of my book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher.

This chapter explores:

Why high expectations for student behavior are essential in PE

How consistent routines and expectations help create a safe and motivating environment

Practical examples of what respectful behavior looks like in a PE setting

The connection between student behavior and instructional effectiveness

Ways to proactively address common behavior challenges

Whether you're a veteran teacher or just getting started, this chapter offers a clear look at how setting a strong behavioral foundation can elevate your entire program.

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, the Physical Education Instructional Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. Jen brings over a decade of teaching experience and a passion for supporting PE teachers in creating standards-based, student-centered lessons.

In this episode, we discuss:

What PE lessons can look like when they’re not aligned to standards

How to write clear, standards-based content and language objectives (CLOs)

Ways to make CLOs meaningful and student-friendly

The impact that consistent use of CLOs has on student learning and the reputation of your program

Strategies for getting started with CLOs if this is new to you

This episode offers a practical guide to embedding purpose and clarity into every PE lesson—and why it matters.

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. 

Resources

Language Function and Form Resource

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

In this solo episode, I read Chapter One from my book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, titled “Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement.”

This chapter explores:

Why inclusivity should be a foundational part of every PE program

Strategies for ensuring all students feel seen, valued, and supported

Practical ways to boost engagement through intentional instructional decisions

How to foster a sense of belonging and connection in your gym

Whether you’ve already read the book or are hearing it for the first time, this chapter highlights core ideas that can strengthen your classroom culture and student relationships.

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. 

This podcast is being released along with my new book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, which is available on Amazon.