Best Descriptive Progress Feedback Podcasts (2025)

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#29 - Back to School 2025: Building Belonging and Culture with Courtney Lukasavitz 53:04

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11d ago53:04

53:04

This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. Courtney Lukasavitz was named the 2025 Shape America Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She's entering …

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#28 - Back to School 2025: Class Agreements, Student Voice, and Intentional Routines with Rhys Meredith 45:09

24d ago45:09

45:09

This episode is part of the Back to School 2025 series, which is focused on setting a positive tone for the school year and building an inclusive culture in PE that provides meaningful experiences for all students from day one. In this episode, Rhys and I discuss how to create co-agreements with students, examples of what they look like and the imp…

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Student-Centric Learning with Dana Younes 56:58

27d ago56:58

56:58

In this episode, Nancy Jenkins, a trust-based observation trainer, interviews Dana Younes, a first-year special education teacher at Bahrain Bayan School. Dana passionately discusses her teaching philosophy, emphasizing student autonomy, engagement, and personalized learning. She shares her comprehensive approach to understanding each student's nee…

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A Principal's Perspective on Trust-Based Observations with Carrie Davis 34:29

1M ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, the focus shifts from teachers to a principal's perspective on implementing trust-based observations (TBO). Host Craig interviews Carrie Davis, principal of Robertson Elementary in Yakima, Washington. Carrie discusses her journey from initial skepticism to a strong advocate of TBO, detailing how it transformed her relationships wit…

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Fostering Growth through Trust with Rose Picard 16:15

1M ago16:15

16:15

In this bonus episode, Craig Randall engages in a post-podcast discussion with Rose Picard. They delve into the impact of different types of principal support and the value of trust-based observations in fostering professional growth among teachers. Rose shares personal experiences with different principals and how trust-based observations have sha…

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The Power of Positive Reinforcement with Xavier Juarez 33:55

2M ago33:55

33:55

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Xavier Juarez, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher from Robertson Elementary. Xavier shares his journey into teaching, highlights the importance of creating a positive classroom environment, and discusses strategies for behavior management and student engagement. This episode also explores the implementation of…

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Innovative Techniques in Dyslexia Support with Rose Picard 28:14

2M ago28:14

28:14

In this episode, Craig Randall talks with Rose Picard, a dedicated reading literacy specialist at the Briarwood School in Houston, Texas, about trust-based observations, individualized education plans, and effective classroom management for students with learning disabilities.By Craig Randall

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Trust, Play, and Learning with Krystal Merriel 28:39

2M ago28:39

28:39

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Krystal Merriel, an inspiring pre-kindergarten teacher from Soap Lake, Washington. Krystal shares her journey from being a student in the same school district to becoming a teacher, discussing her passion for relationship-building, innovative teaching strategies, and classroom management techniques that mak…

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Fostering Productive Struggle with Sonia Juaregui 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with veteran teacher Sonia Juaregui about her innovative teaching strategies, including the concept of 'The Pit' from visible learning, and the impact of Trust Based Observations on her growth and teaching practice. Sonia details her methods of fostering productive struggle and neuro-linguistic programming to s…

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Learning by Doing in Special Education with Isaiah Glenn 29:13

3M ago29:13

29:13

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Isaiah Glenn, a special needs educator at Tuttle School, part of Briarwood School in Houston, Texas. Isaiah shares his unconventional journey into teaching, the challenges and rewards of working with special needs children, and the importance of social skills training. They also discuss the impact of Trust-…

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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe It’s the final episode of the first year of the Distinguished PE Podcast — and it’s all about taking time to reflect. In this episode, I sit down with Adam Mullis to talk about wrapping up the school year with purpose: how to reflect on your teaching, your students’ …

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The Hero's Journey & Teaching Life Lessons through Literature with Lauren Turley 31:03

3M ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of 20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance on the Road with Trust Based Observations, Craig Randall interviews Lauren Turley, a ninth grade English teacher from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, Florida. They discuss Lauren's teaching journey, her approach to classroom management, the integration of higher order thinking skills in …

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Encouraging Student Engagement with Marcee McLain 29:07

3M ago29:07

29:07

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Marcee McLain, a fifth-grade teacher at Soap Lake Elementary. Marcee shares her journey into teaching, her methods for fostering creativity, and the importance of building strong relationships with students. The discussion also touches on the positive impact of Trust-Based Observations in her classroom.…

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#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

3M ago50:08

50:08

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe What happens when four PE teachers commit to growing their practice together? In this episode, I sit down with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith - all participants in the Distinguished PE Book Study - to talk about how the experience reshape…

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From Evaluation to Empowerment with Lizz Chappell 33:45

3M ago33:45

33:45

In this episode, Craig Randall discusses impactful teaching with Lizz Chappell. They delve into building student rapport, the importance of trust, encouraging student vulnerability, and the role of interest in learning.By Craig Randall

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#25 - Supporting English Learners in PE Without Speaking Their Language (Yet) with Kelly Donnelly 40:42

4M ago40:42

40:42

What would you do if 200 new students walked into your gym — most of them speaking a language you don’t understand? That’s exactly what happened to Kelly Donnelly, a PE teacher in Denver Public Schools. In this powerful episode, Kelly shares how welcoming a wave of Spanish-speaking migrant students changed her teaching, pushed her outside her comfo…

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Classroom Mastery with Clarissa Larsen 30:23

4M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, Craig interviews Clarissa Larson, a passionate and dedicated sixth-grade teacher from Central Washington. Clarissa shares her journey into teaching, the impact of her mother on her career, and her innovative teaching strategies. Topics include the importance of classroom management, the benefits of starting as a paraeducator, build…

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#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

4M ago27:43

27:43

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe My guest today is Jen Smith, a passionate PE leader and teacher from Denver, Colorado, who recently returned from the 2025 SHAPE America National Convention in Baltimore. Jen has been teaching for over 20 years and is known for her energy, thoughtful leadership, and …

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Making Science Practical and Applicable with Moriah Houseman 31:34

4M ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with Moriah Housman, a passionate middle school science teacher at the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. They discuss Moriah's journey into teaching, her unique classroom strategies, and an engaging lab activity that sparks curiosity and higher-order thinking among her students.…

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Creating a Supportive Learning Environment for Neurodivergent Students with Thaint Elliot 30:43

5M ago30:43

30:43

In this episode, Craig speaks with Thaint Elliot, a dedicated reading interventionist, about her experiences and methodologies in creating a supportive and efficient learning environment for neurodivergent students. They also delve into broader educational challenges and potential solutions for public school systems.…

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Unlocking Student Potential with Jill Stedman 29:27

5M ago29:27

29:27

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Jill Stedman, a seasoned social studies teacher from the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. They discuss Jill's innovative teaching methods, including her use of Madeline Hunter's instructional strategies, Project Zero routines, and the thought-provoking unit on fast fashion and its impact on the Chinese ec…

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#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos 45:10

5M ago45:10

45:10

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…

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#22 - How to Plan an Unforgettable Field Day with Drew Burris 41:18

5M ago41:18

41:18

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 …

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Building Strong Foundations Early with Macee McGill 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with first-year teacher Macee McGill about her teaching strategies, classroom management, and the importance of planning. Macee shares her journey into teaching, insights into her classroom techniques, and how she manages behavioral challenges to create an engaging and effective learning environment.…

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#21 – Why Dance Belongs in PE: Strategies, Confidence & Inclusion with Victor Spadaro 39:45

5M ago39:45

39:45

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 Trai…

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Creating Safe Spaces for Growth with Amanda Jelen 32:48

5M ago32:48

32:48

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with Amanda Jelen, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Holy Redeemer in Marshall, Minnesota. Amanda shares her teaching journey, the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships, and strategies for effective classroom management and engagement. She also discusses differentiation practices to meet …

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#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights with Brad Hunter 53:49

5M ago53:49

53:49

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 t…

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Building Thinking Classrooms with Emily Welu 32:22

6M ago32:22

32:22

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Emily Welu, a dedicated math teacher at Holy Redeemer School in Marshall, Minnesota. Emily shares her innovative teaching strategies, including building thinking classrooms, using story arcs for lesson planning, and creating a career wall to connect math to real-world applications. The conversation delves i…

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#19 - Becoming a Better PE Teacher Through National Board Certification with Patrick Noel 43:15

6M ago43:15

43:15

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 …

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Movement and Engagement in Kindergarten with Paula Dudgeon 35:36

6M ago35:36

35:36

In this episode, Craig Randall is joined by Paula Dudgeon, a seasoned kindergarten teacher from Holy Redeemer in Marshall, Minnesota. Paula shares her extensive teaching experience, the importance of fitting well within a teaching role, and her journey in kindergarten teaching. They explore the significance of movement in learning, the effectivenes…

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#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice with Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville 53:26

6M ago53:26

53:26

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…

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#17 – From College to the Gym: Practical PE Insights with Christina Collins 40:54

6M ago40:54

40:54

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 Lea…

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#16 – Preparing for a Physical Education Job Interview: Tips for Standing Out 13:22

6M ago13:22

13:22

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, …

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#15 - Encouraging Learning and Growth in Physical Education Through Self-Reflection with Erin Evans 48:33

7M ago48:33

48:33

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 s…

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#14 - Legitimizing Physical Education Through Meaningful Assessment with Adam Mullis 50:01

8M ago50:01

50:01

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 leadershi…

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#13 - Establishing a Culture of Excellence in PE with Sam Horton 58:19

8M ago58:19

58:19

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 …

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#12 – Standards-Based PE Assessment Made Practical with Jen Smith and Jesse Weber 1:07:59

10M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 assessment in PE Out…

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#11 - Why Student Talk Matters in PE with Mark Lombardi 33:56

11M ago33:56

33:56

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 Nort…

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#10 – Empowering Student Voice Through Peer Feedback with Peter Rossi 28:03

12M ago28:03

28:03

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 physic…

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#9 – Chapter Two of Becoming a Distinguished PE Teacher: High Expectations for Student Behavior 42:52

12M ago42:52

42:52

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 environ…

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#8 – “What Are We Learning Today?”: Creating and Communicating Content and Language Objectives with Jen Smith 53:22

1y ago53:22

53:22

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 …

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#7 - Chapter One of Becoming a Distinguished PE Teacher: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement 23:38

1y ago23:38

23:38

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 …

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#6 - Designing PE for Everyone: Equity, Inclusion, and Differentiation with Brian Hull 52:35

1y ago52:35

52:35

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 Ad…

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#5 - Teaching PE to Preschoolers: What Every PE Teacher Should Know with Sara Whatmore 46:24

1y ago46:24

46:24

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 transiti…

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#4 - Back to School 2024: Strategies for Elementary PE Teachers with Tyler Quinn and Jessica Templeton 48:35

1y ago48:35

48:35

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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 Elem…

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#3 - Back to School 2024: Strategies for Secondary PE Teachers with Brian Crane 1:04:12

1y ago1:04:12

1:04:12

For all things Distinguished Physical Education: https://linktr.ee/distinguishedpe 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, hu…

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Trust and Relationships to Foster a Positive Learning Environment with Susan Anderson 33:38

1y ago33:38

33:38

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews first grade teacher Susan Anderson. Susan, who started her career later in life after adopting two children, speaks on the value of building trust and relationships with students to foster a positive learning environment. The conversation covers her approach to formative assessments, differentiation, behavi…

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Mastering Classroom Management with Rocio Avalos 28:20

1y ago28:20

28:20

In this episode, Craig Randall sits down with Rocio Avalos, a first-grade teacher with 35 years of experience at Whitney Elementary. They discuss her journey from aspiring chemical engineer to passionate educator, her classroom management and relationship-building techniques, and the significance of routines and responsibilities in fostering a succ…

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Building Trust and Joy in the Classroom with Morgan Adams 30:43

1y ago30:43

30:43

In this episode host Craig Randall interviews Morgan Adams, a first-grade teacher from Trinity Midland School in Midland, Texas. They discuss Morgan's journey into teaching, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the importance of building relationships and trust in the classroom. Morgan shares her creative and engaging classroom strategies…

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#2 – Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher: Introduction 8:36

1+ y ago8:36

8:36

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 introducti…