PE Express

Tune into the PE Huddle to hear about how to make personal changes in your teaching practice to make your profession personally rewarding. Topics such as emotional and physical safety, off-task behavior, modeling desired behavior, and efficient planning are just some of the topics to be discussed. As one of our speakers puts it, “The art of a tough few weeks of consistency to create a well-oiled machine” is a good place to start. Holly Aungst is a Professor and Administrator in the Health Sciences Department at Northern Arizona University. She prepares teacher candidates to deliver appropriate instruction that is physically and emotionally safe for all learners. With nearly 15 years' experience, Holly shares her expertise often by presenting at state and national conferences. Theresa Freas has taught Health, Physical Education and Yoga for 24 years at Coconino High School in Flagstaff AZ, (her Alma Mater). Theresa has served as Department Chair for 15 years, was a Link Crew Coordinator for 15 years and coordinated the Alternative to Suspension program. Theresa earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education, Health Education in addition to Athletic Training at Southern Utah University.

Join the PE Huddle for a discussion about the what and why of physical literacy. Physical literacy has been defined in many different ways and has often polarized teachers. It certainly isn't universally accepted by the profession and much of that may be due to a lack of understanding of what it is or isn't.  Tune in for a discussion that is down to earth and easy to understand as we discuss it in terms of you and the profession as a whole.  Gary Lemke has emerged as a leader in blended learning for health and physical education. As a curriculum developer, he helps teachers and schools with new strategies and technology tools to achieve physical literacy and health literacy. He is a past president and executive director of INSHAPE (Indiana) as well as a past member of SHAPE America's health literacy task force.

Kick off the school year by tuning in to the August PE Huddle with a focus on “A New School Year: A Game Plan for a Successful Start”. Join our guests Shannon Irwin, Bill Jones, and Richard Edgar as they discuss preparing for the start of school. The start of the school year has a large impact on how you feel about your classes and teaching in general throughout the school year. This month's speakers have differing amounts of teaching and leadership experience so there will be something for everyone regardless of grade level and experience. This will be a “nuts and bolts” discussion as we discuss faculty issues, working with staff and administrators, and effectively meeting, managing, and teaching your students. Bill Jones is the Director of Physical Education (Preschool-8th grade) at the University School, serving 870 boys in Junior Kindergarten to grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. He received his M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He has taught and coached for the past thirty-five years at independent schools. He was awarded the Chilcote Chair in Applied and Innovative Learning in 2011-2013 and the Donald C. Molten Chair in Athletics in 2013 – present. Shannon Irwin has 17 years of experience in Physical Education, pk3-8th grade in both public and Catholic education. She served as an athletic administrator at Saint Andrew Catholic School in Fort Worth, TX and recently was named the Athletic Director for the Catholic Diocese. Shannon regularly shares her expertise by presenting at local, state, and national levels. Richard Edgar has taught Physical Education in Arizona for 5 years. Richard earned his bachelor's degree in Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science from Arizona State University and his post-baccalaureate teaching degree from Rio Salado. Before joining Mesa Public Schools, he started the Physical Education program at Eagle College Prep.

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Darci Mick Beversdorf shares how she uses PE to help her students understand perseverance and grit. Connect with Darci on Twitter @DMickBeversdorf.

This month the PE Huddle will focus on “Promoting Lifetime Activities in Secondary Schools.” For the past 40 years, physical education professionals have talked about the importance of graduating students who will be physically active throughout their lifespan. We will discuss and analyze why this important goal has not taken hold in many of America's schools. Join us as Brett Fuller, Past President of SHAPE America, and Maria Corte, Southwest District High School Teacher of the Year, offer perspective and advice for personal and curricular changes that will help assure we graduate students who know how to stay active and healthy. Maria Corte attended Arizona State University and University of Phoenix where she earned her Physical Education bachelor's and master's degrees.  Maria has been teaching at Mesa High School for 28 years and at Arizona State University for 8 years.  Maria was honored with the SHAPE Southwest District High School Teacher of the Year Award.       Brett Fuller is a Past President of SHAPE America and the Curriculum Specialist for Health and Physical Education within Milwaukee Public Schools; Wisconsin's largest district which supports 175 health and physical education teachers. His career spans over three decades, and in that time his philosophy has centered upon the ideal of teaching students to be healthy for a lifetime.

View all of Gopher's free resources at https://www.gophersport.com/freeresources Join our speakers for a PE Huddle that will bring a fresh look and perspective to our profession. Tom and Guy will discuss how social media and technology can improve your instruction, help you develop advocacy campaigns, and create videos that can serve as homework. Beyond the gym, social media and technology offer teachers a chance to learn from other teachers and share your best ideas. Join us as we offer ways to reach beyond “face to face” instruction in the gym.  Guy Danhoff brings together a solid background in communications and marketing applied to professional organizations, community programs and university systems.  His skill in strategic planning based on digital and social media applications has helped professional organizations have a deep impact on their market and with members.  His detailed attention to analytics guides decision-making, allowing organizations to effectively track progress in meeting goals. Thomas Gelardi has been teaching Physical Education for over 16 years at the Elementary level in NY. He attended Manhattan College and Graduated with a BS in Exercise Science and a Master's Degree in Physical Education from Adelphi University. He presented numerous PE workshops at NYC Zone, Nassau Zone, and NYS, AHPERD conferences. He also presented PE workshops virtually all around the world including United States, England, Thailand, Turkey, and India. He created a YouTube channel called Coach Gelardi's “PhysEdZone” to support all Elementary PE teachers and programs with over 4 million views as well as providing Tips for PE Teachers on “Coach Gelardi's” TikTok account with over 25k followers. A father of two beautiful daughters and a son.

This podcast provides a detailed description of the purpose of the dynamicpeasap.com introductory activities. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Aaron Beighle on Twitter at @AaronBeighle.  

In this PE podcast, Dr. Robert Pangrazi shares why it's important to focus on creating group cohesion in class where every student feels part of the solution. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Dr. Pangrazi @rpangrazi.    

In this podcast, Aaron Beighle describes the guiding principles behind the development of the dynamicpeasap.com assessments. If you enjoyed the podcast, be sure to connect with Aaron on Twitter @aaronbeighle.

In this episode, Jessica shares how to use a Bingo style card to review content knowledge and have students work with a variety of partners in completing activity challenges. Connect with Jessica on Twitter @JessicaShawley!

Social-emotional learning and character development have long been a point of focus in education. Great teachers have always worked hard to help students mature into caring and positive adults. This month's PE Huddle will examine why physical education is often an important environment for developing positive character traits. Join us as we chat about practical ways to integrate reflection, self-control, caring about others, and grit into physical education. If all the issues with COVID have helped create rage and anger, we as teachers can help students learn to cope and even prosper in these difficult times. Join our guests Chris Nichols and Leigh Anderson as they share their efforts to teach social-emotional skills within a successful physical education setting.

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, we're joined by Scott Williams. Scott is a former PE teacher and the US OMNIKIN Coordinator. If you have any questions about OMNIKIN or would like to connect with Scott, feel free to reach out by email at pescottwilliams@gmail.com or on Twitter @PEScottWilliams. 

Flag football can be an excellent way for kids to learn and better understand the skill set required to play football with limited risk. We know about concussions now; it might be best to have your child play flag football if unsure about playing tackle football. That way, they can gain confidence. Here are some ways you can get your students ready for your flag football unit. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Chris on Twitter @tamez209

Join Marci Pope and Maria Corte as they share many thoughts, ideas, and techniques for creating a positive environment for students with disabilities. Marci Pope was an adapted physical education specialist for many years and is currently training teachers at California State University, Chico. Maria Corte is a high school physical education teacher at Mesa High School in Arizona. She has created and implemented a successful inclusion program for high school age students. Both instructors have years of experience and will offer practical and sensitive advice to physical educators teaching students with disabilities.  

This podcast discusses the importance of curriculum planning in physical education. Are you looking to plan intentionally? Want to focus on student learning? This episode will give you some step-by-step instructions on how to plan using the backward design principles. Connect with Collin Brooks on Twitter @CollinBrooksie.

In this Physical Education podcast, Dr. Robert Pangrazi shares how you can build a positive learning environment. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Dr. Pangrazi on Twitter @rpangrazi.

This podcast will share 2 easy back-to-school icebreakers to help students get comfortable again with socializing, meeting new people, and most importantly having fun!

Join PE Supervisors Deb Pangrazi and Billy Noble for a PE Huddle that will help you get ready for the start of the school year. As we plan to return to face-to-face instruction, it is an ideal opportunity to adopt new teaching strategies and approach the year with renewed enthusiasm. We will discuss the relationship between curriculum and the learning process. Learn about the new and improved DPE-ASAP with instructional signs, videos, and assessment tools to make planning quick and easy. Deb and Billy will share how they assure their teachers are prepared and ready to start classes on the right foot.  

This physical education podcast describes two strategies, getting to know your students and establishing class values as you re-enter post-COVID Connect with Aaron on Twitter @AaronBeighle.  

Physical education is more than keeping kids busy, happy, and good. A look at what a comprehensive program is and how it should be presented. Connect with Dr. Pangrazi on Twitter @rpangrazi.

This interview provides an overview of how Jordan Manley uses project-based learning in physical education at the STEAM Academy Connect with Aaron Beighle on Twitter @AaronBeighle. Connect with Jordan Manley on Twitter @STEAMWellness

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Mike Graham shares how you can make your PE program more visible within your school and district.

In this podcast episode, Chris Nichols shares how he got started providing professional development and the struggles he had to overcome. Connect with Chris on Twitter @cnicholspe!

This podcast provides a brief overview of the Dynamic Physical Education textbook and how the dynamicpeasap.com website is an extension of the book.

Change is a word that often stirs concern and worry. Even if you are told that it will make things better, you have a bit of resistance because it is coming from an external source. How many times have teachers been asked to expect a new approach or curriculum after summer break? I have often observed that school systems work on a 3–5-year plan. Teachers are given a new curriculum or a schedule, receive a lot of training in the “new” method, and work hard to master the new approach. Then after 3-5 years, another administrator or school board takes over and proposes a new approach which starts the cycle over. That is forced change and you often have little say in how it will be implemented. That is a way of life as a teacher. However, I want to discuss self-motivated change; personal improvement that you take responsibility for and set personal goals to help you improve as a professional.   If you are going to change, you have to have time to think and contemplate. It is impossible to change much during the school year because you are not in a personal growth mode. During the school year, you come to school, plan your lessons, deal with faculty meetings, supervise recess, clean your equipment room, and oh yes, you teach all day. Then, after school, you may coach or do afterschool activity programs. Where, oh where, are you going to find time to change? That is why I feel that when we get close to the end of the school year, it is prime time to think about personal and professional goals you want to make. If you wait until the end of the summer, all the angst and stress you felt about things at school will be forgotten. Now is the time to make a list of a few key things you would like to do differently. This will give you time to make plans, develop small incremental goals, and implement your changes next fall. There is an old saying in education that some teachers have taught for 20 years but only have one year of experience. The point being that if you don't change and grow from your teaching experiences, you are bound to repeat the same mistakes over and over. Once you enter the teaching activity area, very little feedback comes your way. In fact, most experienced teachers are only evaluated and offered strategies for instructional improvement once or twice a year. Self-improvement is the cornerstone of great teaching. You have to want to be better today than you were yesterday. So, let's look at a strategy for change: Decide what personal changes you want to make. If you have specific outcomes, you have talked or contemplated for some time, those are probably a good place to start. Here are examples I have often heard from teachers. The best things to plan on changing are those that are unique and important to you. Self-growth is about you, not what someone else wants you to do. Write and develop some new lessons and units. Develop ways to work with students in a more constructive manner. Create a monthly newsletter to students and parents about PE and the need for physical activity promotion. Find ways to raise funds for physical education equipment. Change the way I plan and structure my classes, so I am not teaching the same way I did last year. Take classes to better understand the needs of my students Focus on a specific issue such as bullying, social-emotional issues, or health/activity issues. Create your plan for self-improvement. Pick a major change you want to make and then break it down into small goals. This is where SMART goals are useful. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and within a Timeframe. Smart goals have been around for many years but recently have enjoyed a renaissance. A couple of books might be helpful to you. I would recommend How to Change by Katy Milkman or Atomic Habits by James Clear. Clear's subtitle is “An easy & proven way to build good habits & break bad ones”. Both books recommend plans and examples of how to accomplish personal goals. Manage your time effectively. It is easy to say, “tomorrow I am going to start developing my personal goals”. Remember that tomorrow never comes and it is always a day away. The hardest part of making any change is getting started. We can sit and contemplate for hours and never accomplish a thing. Set aside time each day and force yourself to sit down and start writing down the steps you want to take to accomplish your personal changes. Break it down into chunks and small steps. A large overarching objective will stop you in your tracks – it will seem so big that it intimidates you and makes it appear to be an impossible task. Small chunks will seem within reach and something that you can do over time to accomplish your larger outcome. It is very much like fitness. If you want to get fit and lose some weight, it will require a plan that takes many workouts and days of effort. The hardest part of losing weight is getting started. Measure your success and celebrate. If you have chunked your major outcome into smaller goals, make sure you know when they have been successfully accomplished. Set aside time to work on your goals whether it is taking a class, exercising, seeking funding, or writing new instructional materials. Monitor and record each time you find success and celebrate yourself. We often spend too much time getting after ourselves when we fail or don't reach a goal. Turn it around and decide how you are going to celebrate each time you make some progress toward your personal goals. There is no greater satisfaction than accomplishing personal change and reaching meaningful goals. External pressure to change doesn't feel nearly as rewarding as changing because you want to change. The most satisfying accomplishments are those that are driven by your internal drive and motivation. Great teachers are self-motivated to become the best they can become. No one can push you to greatness. It comes from that intrinsic motivation to excel. Now is the time to get started!! Thanks for being teachers. Believe in yourself!

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Karen Burnell, Dallas ISD health and wellness coordinator, joins Chris Nichols to talk about how you can encourage the entire family to get active this summer.    

In this episode, Jessica shares her top tips when searching for grants and finding funding for your program. Connect with Jessica on Twitter @JessicaShawley!

A quick look into why teachers use pedometers in their classes. It's much more than what is accomplished in the classroom. Connect with Maria Corte on Twitter @CortePE

Join us as we converse with three outstanding teachers who bring us a wide range of experiences and diversity. From New York to Minnesota to Arizona, these teachers have excelled in different environments. Critical issues for teachers such as equity, bullying, character building, and class management will drive this Huddle. Covid 19 and the impact it has had on the teaching process has changed the teaching profession. Will this be the end of virtual instruction now that schools are more open to face-to-face instruction? These issues and more will be discussed as we near the end of another challenging school year. Join us for an uplifting session that will make you think and reflect on your own personal strength and grit.

In this PE podcast, Maria Corte addresses a few reasons why teachers are essential...in person!

In this episode, Jessica speaks to the novice grant writers about how uses the 3 Phases of Grant Writing to help her focus her time and energy on her grant writing journey.

In this Phys Ed podcat, Darci Mick Beversdorf speaks to how she uses her last unit of the school year to excite and encourage students to be active throughout the summer.

With schools being closed for almost a full year we have seen the mental health of students affected. Here are four ways physical activity can help boost students' mental health. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Chris on Twitter @tamez209.

Getting local businesses like coaches, summer camps, retailers, and exercise studios involved with your school's fitness event can build community partnerships that benefit schools, students, as well as the businesses. This podcast will give examples of meaningful ways businesses can be part of your fitness event - whether that's sports day, fitness week, or a jogathon - and school community. Connect with Lucie on Twitter @RunKidsRun!

This podcast emphasizes the importance of sound classroom and behavior management. It gives a simple, specific example of how to decrease transitional management time and increase physical activity using the "do this and then do that hack". Connect with Collin on Twitter @CollinBrooksie!  

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Dr. Robert Pangrazi explains the three levels of Physical Education and why they differ. He also shares why it's important to support each other and how criticizing colleagues is hurtful to the profession. Connect with Dr. Pangrazi on Twitter @rpangrazi.

Greg and Jordan place emphasis on teaching students “why” we do something in PE before we tell them “what” to do. Prepare for a Huddle that brings to life what many teachers talk about, but few do – motivate students to focus on the process of moving throughout their lifespan. Discussion will be centered on why physical activity is a habit that needs to be learned in the school setting and practiced throughout life. Traditional physical education has often focused on short term outcomes rather than monitoring the process of physical activity for all students. Join us as we discuss motivation, process outcomes, and activity time assessment as variables to help students develop lifetime activity habits. Prepare for a session that will make you a more effective teacher.

Like a lot of admirable physical educators I know, or have observed over the years, I take a lot of pride in the verbal cues I utilize in my classroom. As many know, verbal cues have the power to help students better grasp the many fine and gross motor skills presented to them on a yearly basis. From the underhand throw to the stationary kick, my students have found more success with the skills I teach them because of a practice I call “catchy cues”. Catchy cues are verbal statements I attach to the skills I teach that have purpose, but most importantly, physical and auditory rhythm.

In this Physical Education podcast, Chris Nichols compares his first year teaching struggles and the similarities to teaching during a pandemic.

This podcast challenges teachers to think about their role in schools and in the lives of children. If you enjoyed the podcast, connect with Aaron on Twitter @AaronBeighle!

In this podcast, Mike Graham shares what his rollerskating unit looks like in his program. If you enjoyed the podcast, be sure to connect with Mike on Twitter @PE4Everykid.

Questioning techniques are vital to helping students to understand concepts and strategies within physical education. This podcast explores the importance of including questioning techniques as well as my top teaching strategy to allow for more natural questioning!

Join us as we chat about the qualities of effective physical education and health teachers. Connie Pangrazi has spent years recruiting and training new teachers in our profession. We will discuss teachers from many points of view including traits that are found in successful teachers; differences between elementary, middle, and high school teachers; why 1 out of 3 new teachers drop out of the profession at the end of three years; how salary impacts the quality of teachers who enter teaching; and how to support and help teachers who feel “burned out.”  

Technology is a major part of our lives and the lives of our students. What if you challenged yourself and your students to unplug for 24 hours? On today’s PE Express Podcast, Michelle Carter from SHAPE America shares with you an Unplugging Challenge to get students to step out of their comfort zone.

This is an interview with Billy Noble the elementary PE director in Lexington KY. We discuss how he uses dynamicpeasap.com for a common curriculum, language, and practice all while providing an equitable curriculum.

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Kristi Bieri and Kyle Salvo share their experience with the health. moves. minds. service-learning program.

Learn how Bill Casey incorporated SHAPE america's health.moves.minds. program into his high school and how it ended up being an experience for our students that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Health. moves. minds. offers a fundraising component that allows you to grow your HPE program and support your local community. Krystal Forsyth shares how she was able to get support from her administration and select a charity partner. She also shares how she was able to conduct fundraising efforts with her students.

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Anna Forcelledo and Michelle Huff shares the impact that health. moves. minds. has had on their school and community.

Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week! On today’s PE Express podcast, Yasmeen Taji-Farouki shares her thoughts on why implementing lessons around kindness and mindfulness in the middle of a growing mental health crisis and pandemic is more important than ever. She also shares some new resources from the health. moves. minds. program that can be used during Random Acts of Kindness Week or anytime throughout the year.

In this episode of the PE Express podcast, Mike Graham shares his go-to source for professional learning.