The PE Huddle | Physical Education Strategies, Techniques, and Ideas!

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Changing the Narrative in Secondary PE | The PE Huddle Apr 10, 2026

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Lisa Smith and Sarah Gietschier-Hartman join Dr. Aaron Beighle for an energizing episode of the PE Huddle focused on the evolving landscape of secondary physical education. Drawing on their experiences in health, PE, adapted PE, and unified PE, Lisa and Sarah explore how the field is shifting from traditional, sport-dominated models toward more student-centered, meaningful, and inclusive experiences. Their conversation highlights the importance of changing the narrative around PE, creating spaces where students feel safe and supported, and designing programs that engage all learners, especially those who may not have seen themselves reflected in traditional physical education settings.

Throughout the episode, the conversation digs into practical ways teachers can move secondary PE forward, including giving students more voice, choice, and ownership, using the Meaningful PE framework to guide instruction and assessment, and rethinking outdated practices that no longer serve today’s learners. Lisa and Sarah also share honest reflections on disruption, innovation, inclusion, and professional growth, offering encouragement for educators who want to create joyful, relevant, and responsive programs for adolescents. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring look at what secondary PE can become when teachers are willing to challenge the status quo and center student experience.

Starting the Year Strong + Reflections on Fitness Testing | The PE Huddle Sep 24, 2025

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Kick off the school year with inspiration, fresh ideas, and practical strategies to set yourself and your students up for success. In this episode of The PE Huddle, we revisit the "why" behind physical education, explore routines and systems that build meaningful learning, and share ways to create a positive classroom culture. We'll also touch on recent developments in fitness testing and what they might mean for the field. Join us as we set the tone for a purposeful, optimistic, and impactful year ahead.

Jason Semanoff is a third-generation educator and past president of SHAPE Maryland with a career dedicated to advancing physical education. He spent 16.5 years as a health and PE teacher before moving into state leadership. Jason now serves as the Director of Comprehensive Health and Physical Education at the Maryland State Department of Education, where he provides guidance and technical assistance to Maryland's 24 school systems and works closely with community partners to strengthen programs statewide. As an adjunct lecturer at the University of Maryland, he prepares the next generation of teachers while staying at the forefront of research and best practices. Jason is passionate about meaningful, high-quality PE and the critical role fitness testing and standards-based assessments play in building physically literate students.

Dr. Aaron Beighle (beat-lee) is an internationally recognized expert on physical education and school-based physical activity promotion at the University of Kentucky. With extensive global experience, Aaron regularly collaborates with schools seeking to elevate their P-12 physical education and physical activity promotion efforts. He has written more than 100 research-based and practical articles as well as six books, most notably Dynamic Physical Education for Elementary School Children, now in its 20th edition. He also contributes extensively to Dynamic PE ASAP (dynamicpeasap.com), a leading resource for evidence-based physical education and activity promotion.

Coaching: A Profession of Rewards and Challenges - Finding Success in the Balance Mar 14, 2025

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Coaching is a profession filled with both significant rewards and notable challenges. On the rewarding side, coaches often experience satisfaction from helping individuals achieve personal and professional growth, fostering self-confidence, and improving communication and teamwork. Coaching also comes with challenges, such as the emotional demands of players and parents, maintaining work-life balance, and navigating the competitive nature of the field. Join Josh and Jessica on the PE Huddle as we discuss the many sides of the coaching profession.

Creative Approaches for Inclusive and Adapted PE (K-12) Jan 10, 2025

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Adapted physical education has the power to elevate the quality of instruction across our entire profession. The saying holds true: creating a program that truly meets the needs of every student demands adapted physical education for every student. Join us as we dive into this transformative topic with three exceptional physical educators. They'll share actionable insights on everything from equipment adaptations and assistive technology to pre-teaching strategies and school-wide integration. Discover how to shift mindsets, foster meaningful collaboration with paraprofessionals, and unlock the potential of an inclusive approach to physical education. Don't miss these practical strategies to make a lasting impact!

Enhancing PE Experiences Through Outdoor Education Dec 20, 2024

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Join SHAPE America Teachers of the Year Casey Page, Ryan McKinney, and Outdoor Adventure expert Tari Garner in an engaging session hosted by Dr. Robert Pangrazi. Learn actionable strategies to bring outdoor education into your physical education program and empower students to thrive outside the classroom. Perfect for PE teachers seeking practical tips and inspiration!

Being Born Different Helped Me See the Uniqueness of Each Student | The PE Huddle Oct 24, 2024

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Join Heather and Dr. Robert Pangrazi as they discuss her unique background and how it has impacted her teaching effectiveness. She came from a rural background that taught her, "to just make it work and figure it out." Challenges from family and school leaders always took the form of, "Let's see what you can do." Enjoy a PE Huddle that is filled with enthusiasm, pride in our profession, and tips for getting the most out of every student.

Unpacking Canada's Approach to Physical Education Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Understanding how physical education is taught and structured in different countries can offer insights for our programs. Often,we discover that our programs share more similarities than differences with those around the world. In fact, many of our current practices have been influenced by models from other nations, particularly those from Europe. This month's Huddle will focus on physical education across Canada. Join us as we discuss teacher preparation, teaching methods, curriculum, and institutional practices.

Optimizing the Potential of Every Student | The PE Huddle May 10, 2024

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This episode of the PE Huddle is focused on instruction that helps all students find success in physical education. Join us as we discuss topics such as rigor and differentiation, dealing with difficult student behavior, assuring equity for all students, and creating a class environment that promotes success. Our guests have over 30 years of teaching experience and will focus on offering support for teachers at all grade levels.

Becoming the Teacher your Students Remember | The PE Huddle Apr 12, 2024

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Join us for a discussion about "Becoming the Teacher your Students Remember." This three-part podcast covers a toolbox of attitudes that you carry with you as you teach. It has a great impact on how students remember you and feel about physical education. The second part is a discussion of the Master PE Teacher video series that covers the "how to" of teaching using effective methodology. The last toolbox is filled with the Dynamic PE ASAP online curriculum which includes lesson plans, master teacher videos, formative assessment sheets, instructional signs, and fitness support signs. Join the webinar and gain access to professional support from Gopher!

Dr. Robert Pangrazi Answers Your Most Pressing Questions Oct 13, 2023

Show notes

Join the PE Huddle for a lively question and answer session. Dr. Robert Pangrazi, a Professor Emeritus at Arizona State University, and an Educational Consultant for Gopher Sport, will review and answer your questions from past podcasts in an action-packed hour. Dr. Pangrazi has had a long and illustrious career in physical education, beginning as a 5th-grade teacher and later teaching physical education for several years before becoming an ASU professor of physical education for 32 years. He has published over 60 textbooks and 125 research and professional articles.

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