Understanding today’s PE challenges and what really motivates students
This conversation has been lightly edited for smoothness and clarity.
Tierney O: To start, can you introduce yourself and the work you do?
Dan D: I’m a physical education teacher with 24 years of experience—12 years in middle school and 12 in high school. This year I’m also teaching two days a week at the elementary level and supporting middle and high school PE teachers in my district through professional development and classroom coaching. My goal is to help ensure that every student has access to quality physical education.
Tierney O: What are the biggest challenges teachers face in engaging students in physical activity?
Dan D: For older students, one of the biggest challenges is peer comparison. They’re constantly aware of how they look and perform compared to others. Relevance is another factor—if what we’re doing doesn’t feel meaningful, engagement drops. When students understand why they’re moving, and the activity feels appropriately challenging, they’re more likely to participate.
Outside class, screens and social media compete for attention. We can’t control what students do after school, but we can help them build the skills, knowledge, and motivation to stay active on their own.
Tierney O: Does that look different across grade levels?
Dan D: It does. Elementary students mainly want to have fun and play with friends. In middle and high school, they look for activities that feel personally relevant and socially comfortable. They want to be challenged, but they also need to feel safe—physically, mentally, and socially.
Tierney O: You mentioned comparison. How does that show up in class?
Dan D: Students compare everything—how much they can lift, how fast they can run, how skilled they are at certain games. Teenagers often feel like everyone is watching them, even when they’re not. As teachers, we try to create a space where students can choose how to participate so everyone feels comfortable.
Tierney O: Have you noticed any changes in how students relate to one another over time?
Dan D: It depends on the class culture. I use a phrase I heard from another teacher: play for the love or play for the money. Some students want to compete and keep score; others just want to play for fun. When they can choose their approach, they’re more relaxed and kind to one another. If it gets too competitive, I remind them that it’s not the world championships and to take it easy.
Tierney O: What about parents and youth sports—does that influence how students show up?
Dan D: It can. In middle school especially, teams often focus on the biggest or fastest players instead of skill development. Growth varies a lot at that age. Smaller or less mature students sometimes get overlooked even though their potential is high. As educators, we have to focus on helping all students build skills so they can grow into their abilities.
Tierney O: How has technology changed your work?
Dan D: Technology brings both challenges and opportunities. It can be a distraction, but it can also enhance engagement when used well. Gamified experiences—like Pokémon Go—get people moving. Online communities can provide support and accountability. The main thing is teaching students how to filter information. Not every online coach or influencer gives age-appropriate advice, so we help them evaluate what they see.
Tierney O: What needs can digital PE meet that traditional PE can’t?
Dan D: The biggest is personalization. Digital tools let students learn at their own pace and focus on skills that interest them. If they can access a library of videos and choose what to work on—with teacher guidance—they’re more invested. That relevance leads to better engagement, fewer behavior issues, and more confidence.
Tierney O: Do you see that confidence build throughout the year?
Dan D: Definitely. As students gain skills, their confidence grows. I had a group who didn’t want to play volleyball because they felt they weren’t good at it. After a few minutes of focused instruction, they started to get it—and suddenly they wanted to keep playing. That kind of progress changes everything.
Published December 16, 2025