Distinguished Physical Education Synchronous Virtual Course

course overview 

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 research-based 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 over 100 hours toward license renewal or up to six graduate level credits from CSU Pueblo!

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

Explore strategies for maximizing gym space, equipment, and time to create an efficient, engaging, and well-structured learning environment. 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 book study, participants will be equipped with new strategies and inspired to implement meaningful change in their classrooms.

*The 2025-2026 section of the DPE Virtual Course is sold-out and underway. Follow us on X and Instagram for updates on when future sections will become available.*

Distinguished Physical Education Asynchronous Virtual Courses

Teachers can also earn graduate credits at their own pace! 

The following three credit asynchronous courses will be available in 2026:

Promoting Inclusivity and Engagement

High Expectations for Student Behavior

Optimizing Use of Space and Resources

Standards-Based Content and Language Objectives

Assessing Students’ Progress and Understanding

Rigor and Differentiation 

Accountable Talk Structures in PE

How to Deliver Descriptive Feedback

Incorporating Standards-Based Social Skills

To be notified when these course are live, send an email to gary@distinguishedpe.com