The Best Teacher

Inclusive PE Games that Promote SEL for Neurodivergent Students

The core of an inclusive PE program is the “STEP” tool—adjusting Space, Task, Equipment, and People. When games are designed with these adjustments in mind, they move beyond physical fitness and begin to address CASEL’s core competencies: self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills.

1. Collaborative Balloon Polo

Unlike traditional hockey or soccer, Balloon Polo slows down the pace of play, reducing the “fight or flight” response often triggered by fast-moving objects.

The Game: Students use foam pool noodles to keep a balloon aloft and move it toward a wide goal (like a hula hoop).
SEL Impact: This game requires constant verbal and non-verbal communication. Students must regulate their physical force—hitting too hard sends the balloon out of reach—fostering self-management and impulse control.
Inclusive Tip: Use “jingling balloons” (balloons with a small bell inside) for students with visual impairments.

2. The “Mirroring” Movement Challenge

Neurodivergent students often struggle with …

Physical Education

How to Use Wearable Fitness Trackers for Personalized Student Assessments in PE

November 27, 2025December 19, 2025 - by Jacob Sullivan

The traditional PE assessment (timed mile run, push-up tests) often measures a single moment of performance, potentially demotivating students who struggle. By integrating wearable fitness trackers, PE teachers can now provide personalized feedback, track progress over time, and foster a lifelong love for activity by focusing on individual improvement rather than comparison.

1. Objective Data for Individual Baselines

Wearables eliminate subjectivity. Instead of observing a student’s activity level, you get real-time metrics:

Heart Rate Zones: Trackers like Fitbits or Garmins can monitor a student’s heart rate, allowing teachers to assess if a student is working in their target “aerobic” or “anaerobic” zones during an activity.
Steps & Active Minutes: Consistent data on daily steps and active minutes provides a baseline for each student, allowing teachers to set achievable, incremental goals.
Calories Burned (Estimated): While not perfectly precise, this metric offers a tangible representation of energy expenditure during a class.

Physical Education

Community Engagement Positions for PE Teachers: Fostering Healthy Habits

July 14, 2024March 27, 2024 - by Jacob Sullivan

Physical Education (PE) teachers play a crucial role in promoting healthy habits and physical activity among students. Beyond the classroom, community engagement positions provide PE teachers with the opportunity to extend their impact and foster healthy habits in the wider community.

Why Community Engagement Matters:

Community engagement positions for PE teachers are key to connecting schools with the broader community. By extending their reach outside the classroom, PE teachers can influence a larger population and create a culture of health and wellness that transcends school boundaries. Engaging the community allows for collective efforts in promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and overall well-being.

Collaborative Partnerships:

Community engagement positions enable PE teachers to establish collaborative partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders. Together, they can create opportunities for students to participate in physical activities, sports leagues, and community events. Collaborative efforts between schools and community partners can also provide additional resources …

Special Education

Advocacy and Support for Families of Special Education Students

June 25, 2024March 27, 2024 - by Jacob Sullivan

Families with special education students face a unique set of challenges, ranging from navigating the complex education system to accessing resources and support for their child’s needs. In these circumstances, advocacy and support become critical components to ensure that special education students receive the education they deserve.

Understanding Special Education:

Special education refers to a range of services that cater to the needs of students with disabilities or special needs. These services are provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan, which outlines specific goals, accommodations, and support for each student. Understanding the intricacies of special education laws and regulations can be a daunting task for families, especially those who are new to the system.

Advocacy for Families:

Advocacy is the process of promoting and protecting the rights of a group or individual. In the context of special education, advocacy involves working with school staff, administrators, …

Physical Education

Leadership Roles in Curriculum Development for Physical Education

March 11, 2024March 27, 2024 - by Jacob Sullivan

Effective physical education curriculum is essential to promoting the well-being of students by providing opportunities for physical activity and fostering lifelong healthy habits. Developing and implementing a successful physical education curriculum requires strong leadership and collaboration. Here are some leadership roles that are crucial in the process of developing a physical education curriculum:

Curriculum Development Team Leader

One of the most important roles in developing a physical education curriculum is that of the team leader. This person is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the efforts of the team to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with established standards and best practices. The team leader should have a deep understanding of physical education content and pedagogy, along with strong communication and organizational skills.

Content Specialists

Content specialists are educators who have expertise in specific areas of physical education, such as fitness, movement, or sports. They play a key role in developing …