About Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes
Welcome to the Distinguished Physical Education podcast, the show where PE teachers from around the world come to discuss how to create a rigorous, standards-based PE program that is safe and welcoming for all students.
Are you passionate about growing as a teacher? Do you find yourself constantly reflecting on your teaching and seeking out new perspectives on physical education? Then you’re in the right place! In each episode, we will dive deep into topics such as:
- Equity in PE
- Strategies for ensuring that students display on-task behavior
- Utilizing standards-based content and language objectives to drive instruction and student learning
- Methods for effectively and efficiently assessing student progress towards objectives and tracking data
- Providing academically focused and descriptive feedback and next steps to students
- What rigorous instruction looks like in PE
- How to differentiate for the diverse needs of students
- The importance of focusing lessons on standards-based social skills
- And much more!
#52 - Returning to Elementary: What I Learned as a High School PE Teacher | Brian Crane
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 gary@distinguishedpe.com
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 Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone
7 Sept 2026
#51 - 2026 Back to School Q&A | Sandee Ortiz
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 gary@distinguishedpe.com
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 [Guest First Name] on IG (@SandeeOrtiz99)
Resources
Self-Assessment Rubric
Distinguished Physical Education Logos created by Alex Stone
22 Aug 2026
#50 - I'm Still Your Student | Lucy Harris
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
Who has been a guest on Distinguished Physical Education Podcast Episodes
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Adam Mullis
Jessie Erikson
Scott Harris
Byron Robinson
Jen Smith
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