In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, are joined by Anne Daily, retired Spring Branch ISD teacher and current TAHPERD president, and Brendan Thompson, a health fitness teacher at Wilchester Elementary in Houston, for a conversation about professional growth, mentorship, and developing the next generation of educators. Anne and Brendan reflect on recent TAHPERD events and the mentors who shaped their careers, highlighting the important role professional associations play in building connections and supporting educators. The discussion also explores the growing need to intentionally teach fundamental movement skills as fewer teacher preparation programs focus on health and physical education. Anne and Brendan share practical strategies for teaching skills such as throwing, catching, kicking, and striking, including step-by-step progressions, differentiation techniques, and peer feedback. The episode concludes with a look at how involvement in TAHPERD fosters lifelong learning, leadership development, and lasting professional relationships.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, are joined by Pete Silvius, director of Whole Child Initiatives in Seguin ISD, and Courtney Robertson, physical education teacher at Canyon Creek Elementary in Richardson ISD, for a conversation about mentorship, leadership, and professional engagement within TAHPERD. Pete and Courtney reflect on the mentors who encouraged their involvement in the organization and how stepping into leadership and volunteer roles helped shape their perspectives on service, vulnerability, and personal growth. The discussion also highlights TAHPERD’s summer area workshops, designed as accessible, regional opportunities for professional learning that offer a more approachable environment for first-time attendees and presenters. They share details on workshop offerings taking place across Texas throughout May and June, along with a two-day outdoor adventure workshop on July 7–8 at the Irma Lewis Outdoor Learning Center, focused on high school Outdoor Adventure TEKS and adaptable K–12 activities such as paddling, biking, archery, and map-and-compass navigation. 

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, are joined by Lori Carroll (Spring ISD), Amber Macneish (Pasadena ISD), and Helen Wagner (Humble ISD) for a conversation on the value of professional involvement in TAHPERD and the challenges of evaluating PE and health educators. The group discusses common issues with the T-TESS evaluation system, including administrators’ limited familiarity with the content area, an overemphasis on activity and safety, and inconsistent scoring—especially with Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) implications. They also introduce a practical tool they developed to better align T-TESS expectations with PE and health instruction, offering clearer guidance for observations and conferences. Early results point to stronger teacher performance, greater administrator confidence, and more consistent, fair evaluations.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Anne Daily, retired Spring Branch ISD teacher and current TAHPERD president, to reflect on her decades of leadership within both her district and the association. Anne shares how a mentor first encouraged her to join TAHPERD 30 years ago and why she has remained committed ever since. For her, the lasting value has been the relationships, friendships, and professional growth the organization fosters. She also looks back on some of her most meaningful contributions, including serving multiple times as convention manager. Anne introduces her 2026 presidential theme, SOAR, which stands for Strengthen Outreach and Retention. She explains the symbolism behind the hot air balloon logo, representing TAHPERD’s seven divisions and a renewed focus on elevating membership and rebuilding event participation. The conversation highlights new initiatives designed to reduce barriers and expand engagement, including a basic access membership option, non-member event rates, broader access to advocacy and compliance resources for educators and administrators, and increased opportunities for virtual leadership involvement.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Britt Klein, Director of Exhibits and Member Engagement at TAHPERD, for a look ahead at what’s coming in 2026. The conversation highlights the launch of TAHPERD’s new mobile app—available on Apple and Android—designed to make member engagement, event registration, and access to key information easier than ever. Britt shares how features like a digital membership card, integrated learning management system, event photos, and auto-renewal streamline the member experience and support ongoing professional development. Along the way, Britt and Lisa reflect on their own growth through association involvement and the value of building meaningful relationships. The episode wraps with appreciation for the TAHPERD community and excitement for the year ahead.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, are joined by Judy Bloomquist and Dr. Kristy Urbick for a conversation about the power of student involvement in TAHPERD. The discussion highlights how engaging students early not only strengthens the association, but also helps shape the next generation of professionals and leaders. Judy and Kristy share their own journeys with TAHPERD and reflect on how the association has supported their work, from professional growth to creating meaningful opportunities for students. Dr. Urbick discusses her passion for expanding pathways for high school students, while both guests emphasize the value of mentorship, research presentation opportunities, and networking experiences available through TAHPERD. The episode wraps with practical advice for faculty and professionals looking to encourage student participation, along with reflections on the long-term personal and professional impact of investing in students through association involvement.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

Hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, sit down with Jacob Pacheco, an elite adaptive athlete and keynote speaker at TAHPERD’s 102nd Annual Convention. Born with cerebral palsy, Jacob shares how he turned adversity into purpose through education, athletics, and advocacy. He discusses his belief that effort matters more than results, the role of routine in overcoming fear and self-doubt, and the power of community in personal growth. Jacob also reflects on his mission to create inclusive spaces and underscores how physical education fosters both wellness and belonging—on and off the field.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Lauran DeForke and Christina Fuller-Summey, the 2025 TAHPERD Physical Education Teachers of the Year. Christina highlights her innovative use of technology to enhance student learning, while Lauran reflects on a lifelong passion for education and athletics that has shaped generations of students. Together, they share how TAHPERD has supported their professional growth, the challenges and rewards of teaching PE today, and their best advice for the next generation of educators.

This episode is sponsored by OPEN, US Games, and BSN Sports.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

Hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, sit down with Stephen Mackey—player development coach, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and keynote speaker at TAHPERD’s 102nd Annual Convention. Mackey shares his powerful journey of connecting sports to life lessons for students and athletes, along with his work alongside the Texas High School Coaches Association. He discusses the creation of resources like Game Day with Coach Mackey, offers strategies for overcoming adversity, and emphasizes the role of core values in athletics. Throughout the conversation, Mackey highlights the lasting impact coaches and educators have in shaping the character and future of young people.

This episode is sponsored by 2Words Character Development.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

Join hosts Rachel Naylor and Lisa Fall, CMP, as they sit down with Dr. Sharon Rice, assistant professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, and Tammy Gilstrap, a retired Texas educator with over 40 years of experience, to talk about the exciting relaunch of the Exemplary Schools Award. The conversation explores the importance of post-summer routine, the challenges of creating a more accessible and equitable application process, and how the revamped criteria highlight the impact of comprehensive health and physical education. From detailed lesson plans to video evidence and collaboration, the new approach is designed to truly reflect the quality of programs across Texas. 

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.