Gary Zaharatos

Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

Education EN ↓ 48 episodes

Welcome to the Distinguished Physical Education podcast, the show where highly effective teachers from across the world come to discuss how to create a rigorous, standards-based PE program that is safe and welcoming for all students. This podcast is a great companion for the book, Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, which is available on Amazon.

Author

Gary Zaharatos

Category

Education

Podcast website

distinguishedpe.podbean.com

Latest episode

Jun 15, 2026

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Episodes

#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga | Kristen Santos 04.04.2025

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   Looking for ways to create a calmer, more connected PE environment? In this episode, I talk with Kristen Santos — a certified yoga instructor and Massachusetts Middle School PE Teacher of the Year — about how yoga can help students self-regulate, focus, and feel more included in your program.   We explore: The ben...

#22 - How to Plan an Unforgettable Field Day | Drew Burris 30.03.2025

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   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 i...

#21 - Why Dance Belongs in PE | Victor Spadaro 25.03.2025

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 f...

#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights | Brad Hunter 18.03.2025

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 ser...

#19 - Refining Your Craft Through National Board Certification | Patrick Noel 14.03.2025

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 Vi...

#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice | Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville 05.03.2025

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 Distri...

#17 - From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights | Christina Collins 22.02.2025

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   My guest today is Christina Collins, founder and owner of NeverStopMoving365, an organization focused on expanding access to physical education beyond the school day. Christina holds a Master’s in Sport Science and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with a research focus on movement joy a...

#16 - Preparing for a Physical Education Job Interview: Tips for Standing Out 15.02.2025

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 com...

#15 - Encouraging Learning and Growth in Physical Education Through Self-Reflection | Erin Evans 02.02.2025

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 comm...

#14 - Legitimizing Physical Education Through Meaningful Assessment | Adam Mullis 15.01.2025

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 organizatio...

#13 - Establishing a Culture of Excellence in PE | Sam Horton 29.12.2024

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 stu...

#12 - Standards-Based PE Assessment Made Practical | Jen Smith and Jesse Weber 05.11.2024

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 as...

#11 - Why Student Talk Matters in PE | Mark Lombardi 10.10.2024

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 Curriculu...

#10 - Empowering Student Voice Through Peer Feedback | Peter Rossi 16.09.2024

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 Color...

#9 - Chapter Two of Distinguished Physical Education: High Expectations for Student Behavior 02.09.2024

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 beh...

#8 - “What Did You Learn in PE Today?”: Creating and Communicating Content and Language Objectives | Jen Smith 21.08.2024

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...

#7 - Chapter One of Distinguished Physical Education: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement 14.08.2024

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...

#6 - Designing PE for Everyone: Equity, Inclusion, and Differentiation | Brian Hull 08.08.2024

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   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 Ada...

#5 - Teaching PE to Preschoolers: What Every PE Teacher Should Know | Sara Whatmore 07.08.2024

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   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 transitio...

#4 - Back to School 2024: Strategies for Elementary PE Teachers | Tyler Quinn and Jessica Templeton 31.07.2024

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   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 Eleme...

#3 - Back to School 2024: Strategies for Secondary PE Teachers | Brian Crane 24.07.2024

Distinguished PE is excited to announce the launch self-paced graduate courses! See below for more information on how to sign up.   In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Crane, a veteran PE teacher with over 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Brian currently teaches at East Valley Academy in the Mesa School District and brings a wealth of practical wisdom, hum...

#2 - Distinguished Physical Education: Introduction 30.05.2024

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   In this episode, I read the introduction to my book Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher. This book was written to help PE teachers reflect on their practice, grow in their craft, and elevate the role of physical education in schools.   In the introduction, I share: Why I wrote this book What makes...

#1 - Promo Episode: Welcome to the Distinguished Physical Education Podcast! 30.05.2024

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe   Welcome to the Distinguished Physical Education Podcast, the show where we discuss how to create rigorous, standards-based PE programs that are safe and welcoming for all students. In this short introductory episode, I share: What this podcast is all about The kinds of topics and guests you can expect My backgroun...

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