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.

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, 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Outdated grading practices that still linger in some programs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.

Resources:

Data Tracker and Rubric

Distinguished PE has officially launched three 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:

Promoting Equity and Inclusion in PE.

High Expectations for Student Behavior

Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives

You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (nine total if you complete all three) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. 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:

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. 

For all things Distinguished Physical Education:

https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe

My guest today is Brian Hull. Brian taught secondary physical education in Title I schools for 10 years in Denver Public Schools before becoming a full-time member of the SPARK and Gopher Sport team. He now works as an instructional coach at Quist Middle School in Adams County, Colorado. Brian was named the SHAPE Colorado High School Teacher of the Year in 2018 and the SHAPE America National High School Teacher of the Year in 2020.

In this episode, we discuss:

The difference between equality and equity in PE

Inclusive practices that meet students where they are

How to differentiate instruction to support all learners

The role of reflection and relationships in equitable teaching

Brian brings a powerful lens to this conversation—one grounded in experience, empathy, and a commitment to making PE meaningful for every student.

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 Sara Whatmore. Sara earned a BA in Child Development from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She taught kindergarten and first grade for 11 years—two of those in Charlotte, North Carolina, and nine in Aurora, Colorado.

She later transitioned into teaching physical education while earning a Master’s in Physical Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Sara now teaches PE at Stephen Knight Center for Early Education in Denver Public Schools, where she combines her experience working with children ages 3–6 with her passion for physical education.

Sara also serves as a regional team specialist, developing and leading professional development for other PE teachers, especially those working with younger grades.

In this episode, we discuss:

The unique needs of Pre-K students in physical education

How to structure developmentally appropriate lessons

Tips for managing transitions and behavior in early childhood PE

Strategies for aligning lessons to physical education standards

The role of play and imagination in supporting motor skill development

Sara brings a thoughtful and joyful approach to teaching early childhood PE—and it was a pleasure to learn from her.

My new book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, is available on Amazon.

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 Tyler Quinn and Jessica Templeton.

Tyler has been teaching elementary physical education for seven years. After starting his career in Arlington Public Schools, he moved to Colorado in 2020, where he now teaches PreK–5th grade PE at Columbine Elementary in Denver Public Schools.

Jessica brings 24 years of experience in Denver Public Schools. She spent 16 years as a third-grade classroom teacher before transitioning into PE. She currently teaches at Gust Elementary and also serves as a Regional Team Specialist, supporting PE teachers across the district through professional learning.

In this episode, we discuss:

How to create a safe and welcoming gym environment from day one

Gym setup strategies that reinforce expectations for student behavior

Planning for entry and exit routines and other essential procedures

Activities to build classroom culture during the first week

Key advice for new teachers heading into the school year

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is full of actionable ideas to help kick off the school year with confidence and clarity.

My new book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, is available on Amazon.

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.