DISTINGUISHED PHYSICAL EDUCATION
DPE Synchronous Virtual Course
This virtual professional development course is designed for K–12 physical education teachers seeking to elevate their instructional practice and improve student outcomes. Using the text Becoming a Distinguished Physical Education Teacher, participants will engage in ten virtual sessions focused on classroom management strategies like inclusive practices, high expectations for student behavior, and efficient use of space and resources, along and high impact instructional methods, like standards-based content and language objectives, assessment, and accountable talk structures.
Each session combines high impact instructional strategies with opportunities for collaboration, implementation, and feedback. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to create rigorous, standards-based, and student-centered physical education programs.
Teachers can earn up to 500 hours toward license renewal or up to 15 graduate level credits from Colorado State University!
Session Descriptions
Session One: Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement
Explore strategies to create an inclusive learning environment where all students feel safe, valued, and motivated to engage in activities.
Session Two: High Expectations for Student Behavior
Learn how to set clear behavioral expectations, promote accountability, and encourage positive social interactions among students.
Session Three: Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives
Discover how to create and effectively communicate daily objectives that align with physical education standards and promote meaningful learning.
Session Four: Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding
Gain insights into practical assessment tools and strategies to monitor students’ progress toward lesson objectives and unit goals.
Session Five: Optimizing Use of Space and Resources
Learn how intentional organization and thoughtful planning can enhance student participation and minimize downtime.
Session Six: Rigor and Differentiation
Learn how to consistently incorporate activities that are both physically and cognitively rigorous while modifying and extending them to meet the needs of students.
Session Seven: Accountable Talk Structures
Dive into specific strategies for implementing accountable talk in PE. Learn how to facilitate meaningful student discussions, structure peer-to-peer conversations, and use questioning techniques that deepen understanding and engagement.
Session Eight: Delivering Descriptive Feedback
Learn how to provide real-time feedback that supports skill development, reinforces learning objectives, and fosters student growth.
Session Nine: Standards-Based Social Skills
Examine how to explicitly teach and reinforce social skills—such as collaboration, conflict resolution, and sportsmanship—through a standards-based approach. Discover ways to integrate these skills into daily lessons to promote positive interactions and a respectful learning environment.
Session Ten: Sharing Learning With Colleagues
Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their learning from the course and share how it has influenced their teaching practice and student learning.
This course is ideal for physical education teachers seeking professional growth, collaboration with peers, and new ideas to refine their instructional methods. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with new strategies and inspired to implement meaningful change in their classrooms.