Advertise on podcast: Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes

Apply for the 2027 Distinguished PE Teacher Award here!   For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   My guest today is Nick D’Ambroso the 2026 National Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Nick teaches at Prospect Hill School in Pelham, NY, where he is in his 22nd year. For the last 12 years, Nick has also been an adjunct professor at Manhattanville University and he currently teaches Elementary Physical Education Content in their graduate program.  He believes that all physical education lessons must be carefully planned, aligned with standards, and a part of a developmentally appropriate scope and sequence that focuses on connecting with students' needs, interests, and abilities.    Follow Nick on Instagram (@nick_dambroso)    Distinguished PE Socials Distinguished PE Facebook Group Instagram X   Resources Prospect Hill's Nick D'Ambroso Wins National P.E. Teacher of the Year   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

Apply for the 2027 Distinguished PE Teacher Award here!   For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   My guest today is Brian Crane. Brian received a bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at San Diego State University and his K-12 teaching credential in PE at Arizona State University. He has been teaching for 23 years. Brian taught ECE through 5th grade for five years before moving on to teach middle school at Kyrene Middle School for four years. From 2014 to 2026, he taught high school PE in the Mesa School District at East Valley Academy. Brian returned to elementary PE this year and is here to share his experiences in making the transition back to teaching PE to younger students.    Distinguished PE Socials Distinguished PE Facebook Group Instagram X   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Sandee Ortiz is a Nationally Board Certified Teacher and the 2025 SHAPE America National Health Teacher of the Year. Sandee teaches health and physical education at Sun Prairie West High School in Wisconsin and is entering her 29th year of teaching. In addition to her work in the classroom, Sandee serves as the President of Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (WHPE) and frequently presents at state and national conferences on health literacy, meaningful physical education, and AVID/WICOR instructional practices. She is also the Head Tennis Coach of the Sun Prairie West Girls and Boys Tennis Teams.    Follow Sandee on IG (@SandeeOrtiz99)   Resources Self-Assessment Rubric   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

Lucy Harris was our keynote speaker at the 2026 PE and Health Summit in June. Her speech about her journey as a seated student athlete, her experience in PE class, and the teachers who are supporting her along the way was so impactful to the two hundred or so PE teachers in the audience, I just knew that more teachers needed to hear it. A lot of PE teachers listen to this show, and many are nervous about teaching seated athletes or students with diverse physical needs. Lucy is here to change that. In this episode, she shares her story from injury, to her return to PE, to her advocacy work. More importantly, she's direct about what teachers got right, what they got wrong, and what every PE teacher needs to know. This conversation is for the students in your gym who need to feel seen, valued, and taught right alongside their peers. I can't thank Lucy enough for taking the time away from her busy summer of camp and hanging out with her friends to chat with me and share her experiences with you all. At the end of the episode, Lucy shares some information from some of her favorite and most impactful organizations that help kids like her continue their journeys in sports and adventures. Distinguished PE is really proud to be able to donate to them on her behalf, and we're encouraging listeners to do so too. Even a small donation can help other kids like Lucy experience things like crossfit, skiing, rock climbing, and scuba diving. You can find that information in the notes to the episode. It's an honor to be able to share this conversation with you, and I know it's gonna have an impact on thousands of students around the world.   Follow Lucy on Facebook or Instagram (@wheelie_lucy_harris)   Please consider checking out Lucy's favorite organizations below and making a donation if you are able to ✌🏼   Adaptive Recreation for Kids in the ARCH Program National Sports Center for the Disabled Paradox Sports Adaptive Adventures Denver Adaptive Divers Wheel WOD   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

Amazon | Distinguished Music Education   Links to share this episode:  Apple | Spotify   My guest today is Amy Friedhaber.   Amy received a bachelor of Music in Music Education with a minor in Speech Pathology from State University of New York College at Fredonia, and Masters from University of Colorado in Educational Psychology. This is her 24th year in Education – 14 of those were as a Music Teacher – and the last ten have been as a colleague of mine on our team of instructional coaches in Denver Public Schools.   Over the years Amy has taught music in grades ECE-8, and continues to direct the Steven’s JAMS Choir for the Colorado Children’s Chorale. She is also the co-author of the new book, Distinguished Music education. It’s a project that we’re incredibly proud of and are excited to share with you.   Contact Amy at: [email protected]   For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Click here to download a free sample of the curriculum and for purchasing options. Distinguished PE K-5 Curriculum Implementation Guide   Questions? Email [email protected]    Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]    Amanda Flohrs has been teaching physical education for 14 years. She is currently a middle school health and physical education teacher in Owatonna, Minnesota. She graduated in 2011 with her degree in Health and Physical Education and a minor in Adapted PE. In 2021, she earned her Master's in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University. She is also the 2025 Minnesota Shape Middle School Teacher of the Year.    Connect with Amanda on IG (oms_flohrs)   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Derek Thomas is a national board certified PE teacher at Cheyenne High School in North Las Vegas and the 2024 Shape Nevada and 2025 Shape America Western District High School teacher of the year. His teaching philosophy centers on movement with purpose.  Whether teaching, coaching, or mentoring colleagues, Derek's mission is to make PE a space where every student feels empowered, challenged, and proud of who they're becoming, both in and out of the gym.   Follow Derek on X (@coachDThomas84) or IG (@lovethegame1984)   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Distinguished PE has officially launched new self-paced courses! You can take them for graduate credits, 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:   The following three credit, self-paced courses are now available: DPE 101: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement DPE 102: High Expectations for Student Behavior DPE 103: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources DPE 104: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives DPE 105: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding   You can earn three graduate-level credits for each course (15 total if you complete all five) through Colorado State University Pueblo, which can help teachers move over on their pay scale in many districts. These credits can also be used toward a Masters Degree at CSU! If you’re looking for renewal hours, each one offers up to 100 hours toward your teaching license. To learn more or get registered, email [email protected] or head over to www.distinguishedpe.com and click on Virtual Courses. Click here for the direct link to sign-up: Register Here!   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Liz Potash has been teaching since 2002 and is currently an Elementary PE teacher at Goodnoe Elementary School in the Council Rock School District located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Liz is beginning her 5th year at the school teaching Grades K-6. Previously, she taught 10 years at Council Rock High School South and prior to that spent 9 years at Holland Middle School, all in the same district. For the last 14 years she has also served as the district curriculum coordinator, where she oversees the Health & PE programs for all 14 schools, with about 40 teachers under her lead. Liz is a strong believer in the importance of making Health and PE meaningful and relevant, while building strong relationships with her students.   Follow Liz on X (@crhpe) or IG Contact Liz: [email protected]    Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   My guest today is Derek Martinez. Derek was born and raised in northern NV, then moved to Boise where he earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in K-12 Physical Education. After teaching for seven years in Nevada at the elementary level, Derek currently teaches secondary PE in North Carolina. He is passionate about high quality teaching and was recognized for his accomplishments by receiving the Nevada Elementary Teacher of the Year award in 2024.   Follow Derek on Instagram (@libertypeakpe) or via email: [email protected]   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Bryson Davis is a passionate K-5 Physical Education teacher at Ridgeview Elementary in Colorado and an active board member of SHAPE Colorado. He is quickly becoming a leading voice on the intersection of technology and physical education. Bryson will represent the state of Colorado by presenting on AI in PE at the SHAPE America National Convention this year. He was also recently honored as the 2025 SHAPE Colorado Young Professional Award winner.   Resources: List of useful AI tools Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Victoria is in her ninth year of teaching 7-12th grade physical education on Long Island, New York. Three years ago she started teaching a dual enrollment exercise science class where high school students can earn college level credit. She is actively involved at her school and has been a club advisor for the student council and health club. In recent years she has also served as a mentor to student-teachers and new faculty members. Victoria was named softball coach of the year twice and also coaches volleyball. Most recently, she was recognized for everything that she does for students and her community by being named the 2025 Nassau County Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the year.    Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Matt Barker is an award-winning Adapted Physical Education (APE) teacher, author, advocate, and creator of JustAdaptIt.com, a leading resource hub for inclusive PE. Now an itinerant APE teacher in Virginia’s largest school district, Matt holds certifications in Physical Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. His work spans inclusive programming, DIY equipment, and AI-powered tools like the Just Adapt Bot. A regular keynote and national presenter, he helps educators reimagine what’s possible in adapted PE.   Just Adapt It. A STEP Framework for Adapting PE so Everyone Can Play (Book) Website: justadaptit.com Follow Matt on Instagram (digittheape) and X (@DigitTheAPE)   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone

For information on our K-5 Curriculum, self-paced graduate courses, ten-session live virtual course, facilitator certification program, book, or merch, visit www.distinguishedpe.com or email [email protected]   Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Queens College his Masters at Brooklyn College. He has been teaching for 16 years, spanning both general and special education PE. His Experience includes 10 years with the NYC Department of Education in special education and 6 years in general education PE, working primarily with k-8 students. Chris also serves as a part time college professor at Queens College where he teaches undergraduate and graduate PE majors, helping to prepare the next generation of PE teachers through hands-on coursework and school-based experience.    Follow Chris on Instagram (@mrkolb_mavenmotion)   Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone