Best Gary Zaharatos Podcasts (2025)

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#31 - The Return of the Presidential Fitness Test: Repeating the Past or Reimagining the Future, with Kathy Harvey and Jamie Sparks 45:19

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22h ago45:19

45:19

In this episode, Kathy Harvey, Jamie Sparks and I talk about the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, whether or not it belongs in a high-quality PE program, and the impact it can have on students. Then we zoom out a bit and explore fitness testing more broadly, including what teachers actually do with the data, and what it looks like to meanin…

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#30 - Back to School 2025: Building an Inclusive PE Culture That Moves Every Student with Juli Neace 38:31

23d ago38:31

38:31

This episode is the final installment 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, I’m joined by Juli Neace, a National Board Certified teacher and SHAPE America Southern …

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

1M 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

2M 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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#27 - End-of-Year PE Reflections: Looking Back and Moving Forward with Adam Mullis 36:49

4M 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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#26 - How the DPE Virtual Course Transformed Our Teaching with Jessie Erikson, Scott Harris, Byron Robinson, and Jen Smith 50:08

4M 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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#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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#24 - Highlights and Takeaways from SHAPE Baltimore 2025 with Jen Smith 27:43

5M 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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#23 - Why Every PE Program Needs Yoga with Kristen Santos 45:10

6M 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

6M 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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#21 – Why Dance Belongs in PE: Strategies, Confidence & Inclusion with Victor Spadaro 39:45

6M 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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#20 - The Power of Adapted PE: Strategies, Tools, and Insights with Brad Hunter 53:49

6M 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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#19 - Refining Your Craft Through National Board Certification with Patrick Noel 43:15

7M 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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#18 - Motivating Secondary Students Through Student Choice with Austin Olsen and Caitlin Schoville 53:26

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

11M 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

12M 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

1y 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

1y 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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#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…

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#1 – Promo Episode: Welcome to the Distinguished Physical Education Podcast! 13:09

1+ y ago13:09

13:09

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 …