TAHPERD’s reMOVEing Layers

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Northeast ISD educators Brandon Turner, Katie Steinhoff, Adrian de Quiroz, and Kellie Johnson for a conversation about the power of outdoor education and creating meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom. The guests share their journeys into education, their involvement with TAHPERD, and how a student adventure program launched in 2012 has grown into a transformative experience for students, many of whom have never had the opportunity to explore the outdoors. From fishing, kayaking, and hiking to archery, mountain biking, and team-building challenges, they discuss how these multi-day trips help students develop confidence, independence, and lasting connections. The conversation also explores the planning and coordination required to make these experiences possible, including safety protocols, staff training, parent communication, and community support, while highlighting the lasting impact outdoor adventures can have on students and educators alike.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, preview the TAHPERD 103rd Annual Convention in Corpus Christi with keynote speaker Dave Burgess, educator, magician and author of Teach Like a Pirate. Burgess shares the philosophy behind his unconventional approach to teaching and offers practical ideas for creating more engaging learning experiences, even when educators face large classes, limited resources and other challenges. He discusses finding purpose in the work, using constraints to fuel creativity and recognizing the importance of presentation alongside content and teaching methods. The conversation also explores ways to make competition more inclusive, including shifting the focus from students competing against one another to working together toward a common goal. Burgess also reflects on the value of professional associations in building connection and community.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Crystal “Diva” Day, director of athletics and physical education/health district coordinator for Ector County Independent School District, and John Adams, a veteran educator and instructional leader and the 2026 TAHPERD K-12 Administrator of the Year. Crystal and John share how TAHPERD has influenced their careers and what led them from teaching and coaching into administrative leadership. They discuss some of the realities that come with making that transition, from managing daily challenges and navigating central-office dynamics to strengthening communication and addressing gaps in teacher preparation. The conversation explores how a background in health and physical education can shape effective leadership, the importance of advocating for physical activity, recess and student wellness, and why leaders must listen to the educators they serve. Throughout the episode, Crystal and John emphasize servant leadership, stakeholder involvement and the professional support and sense of family they have found through TAHPERD.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Jackie Caver, Physical Education Specialist at Turner Elementary in Pasadena, Texas, and Dr. Sharon Carano, Program Coordinator for Physical Education in the Department of Kinesiology at Texas Wesleyan University, to discuss how physical education continues to evolve to better serve every student. They explore practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments, establishing routines and expectations at the beginning of the school year, and adapting activities to meet diverse student needs. The conversation also highlights the importance of collaboration, thoughtful classroom management, and TAHPERD's role in supporting educators through professional development, advocacy, and a strong community of peers.

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

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, hosts Rachel Naylor, CAE, and Lisa Fall, CMP, welcome Brian Devore, professional development director for OPEN, and Doug Satre, sales manager at Gopher Sport, to discuss the value of exhibiting at TAHPERD events and supporting health and physical education professionals. They share why relationships keep them coming back year after year, explore the evolving needs of educators, and discuss current challenges, including limited budgets, professional development gaps, and the growing number of alternatively certified teachers. The conversation also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibitor experience and highlights the important role industry partners play in advancing the profession.

reMOVEing Layers is produced by Association Briefings.

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.