The Polar Technology Trainers are seasoned physical educators and fitness professionals who conduct the onsite training sessions at your school. Here's your chance to learn more about them:

Backed by 29 years of teaching, and a BS in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance degree, Pam Dawson is an elementary physical education teacher at Dartmouth Elementary in Richardson, Texas. Pam is a member of TAHPERD and presents at the TAHPERD annual conference in addition to doing staff development for Richardson Physical Educators.

Pam began using Polar technology 8 years ago after hearing Beth Kirkpatrick speak at TAHPERD. Prior to that she had been teaching Aerobic Dancing taking heart rates with two fingers on the carotid artery. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Pam states, "Sharing teaching ideas with people from all over the country and being around people passionate about what they do.”

Backed by 18 years of teaching and a BS MS Physical Education degree, Jean Drennan is a physical educator at Blue Valley Northwest High School (BVNWHS) in Overland Park, Kansas. Honored as Kansas and Central District Secondary PE Teacher of the Year 1999-2000 and BVNWHS Master Teacher of the Year 2000, Jean is a member of KAHPERD and AAHPERD and has presented at Kansas and Missouri state conventions.

Jean began using Polar heart rate monitors 12 years ago and then expanded her program to include TriFIT 5 years ago. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Jean shares, "I can learn from the people at the training how to improve my own program. The trainings allow me to meet new people while sharing teaching ideas. I really like the opportunity to work hands on with teachers and see their excitement about the Polar products."

Backed by 11 years of teaching and BA and MA degrees, John Dunlop is a physical educator and athletic coordinator at Portage Central Middle School in Portage, Michigan. John is a National Board Certified teacher and a member of MAHPERD, AAHPERD and NASPE. He has presented at several conferences including MAHPERD's fall and summer conventions, DuPage County Institute and the Wisconsin Best Practices workshop.

John was introduced to Polar technology at a workshop he attended seven years ago. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, John shares, "Getting the opportunity to travel to other districts, meeting other teachers to see how their PE programs are set up, and learning how they will use this technology."

Backed by 23 years of teaching, a PhD in Health Promotion, and MEd and BS in Health and Physical Education, Ken Felker is a professor and HPE Chairperson at EdinboroUniversity in Pennsylvania. Recipient of several awards including AAHPERD - Eastern District’s Health Professional of the Year, 1999, Pennsylvania AHPERD’s Health Educator of the Year 1998, and EdinboroUniversity’s Faculty Technology Scholar 2004, Ken is a past president of PSAHPERD and belongs to AAHPERD, the International Society for Technology in Education, and the American School Health Association.  He has delivered more than 100 presentations at international, national, state, and local levels, highlighted by six years of HIV/AIDS curriculum training workshops for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ken began using Polar technology 12 years ago as a tool to improve his triathlon training. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Ken states, "The opportunity to interact with high energy health and physical educators.  Plus teaching strategies shared during training sessions benefit participants and trainers alike."

Backed by 31 years of teaching and a MS Physical Education degree, Tom French is a retired physical educator from Summit Ridge Middle School in Colorado. Honored as Colorado Physical Educator of the Year 1995, Tom is a member is CAHPERD, AAHPERD and the National Education Association and has presented at several conferences including CAHPERD, Southwest District AHPERD and Northwest District AHPERD. Tom was also a trainer for the PEOPLEL Program, a grant for special education peer tutoring in PE.

Tom began using Polar technology 10 years ago as both a PE teacher and coach. He trained his school district and facilitated the use of PE technology in Jefferson County Schools. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Tom shares, "The opportunity to work with PE teachers and their students to enable them to use the best technology available for measuring accurate exercise data. It greatly improves our profession."

Backed by 14 years of teaching and a BS Health and Physical Education k-12 degree, Joe Gallo is a physical education specialist at Edgewood Elementary School in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Honored as Southeastern Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2004, Joe is a member of PSAHPERD, AAHPERD and Pennsylvania State Education Association and has presented at PSAHPERD, the Governors Institute and before his Pennsbury School District.

Joe began using Polar technology 9 years ago. After attending 3 presentations given by Beth Kirkpatrick, he decided he needed to get this technology for his students. He approached his principal and PTO for funding and slowly earned enough to bring Polar to his school. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Joe shares, "I personally love the interaction of working with fellow professionals – exchanging success stories, stumbling blocks and then solutions. I also enjoy being able to share what a great piece of information it is to include technology into the PE classroom. It is important to keep pace with our students and their desire for information. These children are now and will continue to be people who want to know and require hard evidence of curriculum."

Backed by 34 years of teaching, a BS in Broad Area Physical Education, and an MAEd in Education, Deb Hulbert is a Physical Education Teacher and Coach at River Falls Public Schools and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Recipient of many awards including WAHPERD Teaching Honor Award, 1990, Senator Herb Kohl Achievement Award, 1995, Most Influential Educator River Falls Board of Education, 2002, and Wisconsin High School Gymnastics Hall of Fame, 2003, Deb is a member of AAHPERD and WAHPERD. Deb has presented at both the WAHPERD and the Northwest District AHPERD conferences.

Deb began using Polar technology 3 years ago because she wanted her students to have a concrete measure of their activity. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Deb states, “I like to empower teachers and students. Physical educators see hundreds of children a day. Polar offers options to make programs stronger, the teachers’ jobs more rewarding and children’s lives healthier. Children are concrete thinkers. HRMs offer students a specific and concrete measure of their activity. Each time the beep sounds a student is offered an opportunity to make a choice in their life. The more practice we offer students to make healthy choices the more it will become a matter of fact. It is kind of like saying please and thank you, if we want it to be an automatic response we need to offer countless repetitions.”

Emily earned her MA in Physical Education with an emphasis in Technology in August 2006. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Georgia in Physical Education pedagogy. Emily is a member of AAHPERD and IAHPERD. Emily has done three state level presentations at IAHPERD which focused on technology use in Physical Education.

Emily began using Polar technology 2 years ago. She was one of the first students involved in a unique Master’s program at the University of Northern Iowa that was partnered with Polar and Grundy Center Community Schools to integrate theory with practice. She used Polar software and technology in 4th through 12th grade classrooms to monitor and evaluate student effort during activity time and to assess and record fitness test data.

When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Emily states, "I enjoy meeting so many different people who have dedicated their careers to the field of Physical Education. It’s exciting to work with professionals who are interested in advancing the face of Physical Education through the use of technology. The process of using the Polar software and hardware revolutionizes the way physical educators will teach and evaluate their students. I believe that it is an exciting and encouraging step forward in the field of health, fitness, and physical education.”

Backed by 22 years of teaching, and a doctorate in addition to his undergraduate degree, Kirk Mathias is a professor of HHPR at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. Recipient of the Washington University TOY (2005) award, Kirk belongs to AAHPERD, NASPE, NAPEHE, and NASPEM. He has delivered more than 40 presentations at international, national, state, and local levels.

Kirk began using Polar technology 10 years ago in an effort to help teachers reevaluate their lesson design. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Ken states, "It is exciting to meet new teachers and hear about all of the great things being done in Physical Education. Every training provides a bit of education for the trainer as well."

Backed by 25 years of teaching and a MS Physical Education and Health degree, Lois Mauch is a physical education specialist in the Fargo Public Schools, North Dakota. Lois has received several accommodations including, ND Elementary Teacher of the Year 1989, ND and Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year 1997 and the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Award 1997. In addition to her membership to NDAHPERD, AAHPERD, North Dakota Education Association and other professional organizations, Lois has presented at conferences across the country as well as authored and co-authored articles, videos and books for JOPERD, Strategies, Teaching Elementary Physical Education and Champion Videos.

Lois was introduced to Polar technology 13 years ago when she attended a convention and saw Beth Kirkpatrick present. After the session, she knew she had to have the technology and it was just a matter of coming up with the funding. Since then, Lois was able to get the funding she needed and recently, she co-wrote two winning PEP grants, which awarded her school district with $513,000. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Lois states, "I love sharing my experiences and ideas with others so that together we can make a difference for our students. Physical Education today has changed by allowing students to take ownership of their own personal fitness. Polar Technology is the best way to allow students to make smart personal decisions about their lifestyles."

Backed by 30 years of teaching Physical Education, a BA and MA in Physical Education as well as an Ed.D, Debby Mitchell is an associate professor at the University of Central Florida as well as the President and Founder of GeoFitness Inc. Recipient of the Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology Award at the Eleventh International Conference on College Teaching and Learning, Debby is a Faculty Fellow at the Faculty Center for Teaching Learning and is also a member of AAHPERD and FAHPERD.

Debby has made numerous presentations at international, national, state, and local levels. She began using Polar technology 15 years ago after receiving a small grant. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Debby shares, "I like working with other people, seeing their enthusiasm, and I really love it when the ‘light bulb’ goes off and they realize how they might integrate what they are learning into their teaching.”

Backed by 11 years of teaching and BS Physical Education and M ED Athletic Administration degrees, Ted Nagengast is a physical educator at Bay Shore Middle School in Bay Shore, New York. A member of NYSAHPERD, AAHPERD, AFCA and NYSHSFCA, Ted is a 4-time speaker at the Suffolk Zone AHPERD and has presented at the NYS Middle School Association and International Association for Higher Education in PE conferences. Ted also received a personal trainer certificate through the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research.

Ted started using Polar technology as soon as he entered the physical education profession 11 years ago. His first Athletic Director gave him a Polar Vantage XL HRM and said learn how to use these. He remembered them from his exercise physiology class and was hooked instantly since he was also looking for a new way to motivate his students as a new teacher. Additionally, he attended any and all conferences his first couple of years that dealt with technology in PE. During one of these conferences he was introduced to TriFIT. He then lobbied hard for his school to buy one and eventually they purchased two.

When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Ted shares, "My most memorable experiences occur when the teachers I am training figure out how to use the equipment and start acting like students themselves – whether they are running in place with the monitor, testing each other on TriFIT, or learning how to use the Companion. I enjoy meeting teachers from around the country and learning about their PE programs and discussing how they can implement the technology into their curriculum, so that they will be successful. I feel very strongly that the technology can be a very beneficial tool to helping our kids become healthier and more motivated to exercise properly because the feedback is instantaneous!!”

Backed by 30 years of teaching and BS Physical Education/Health/Coaching and Masters of Education degrees, Debbie Peterson, Department Chairperson and PE and Health teacher at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota. A MN State Coaches Hall of Famer, Debbie belongs to the MAAHPERD and AAHPERD and has presented at the University of Minnesota and state AHPERD conferences.

Several years ago, Debbie attended a technology training in Fargo on heart rate monitors and recognized the potential benefits to students. She continues to use the technology in the classroom after witnessing the motivation, self- direction, education and positive influence gained by her students. When asked what she likes most about training, Debbie shares. "I enjoy meeting new teachers, sharing the activities and strategies that work for me and my students. Most of all, I enjoy having other teachers get excited about new technology in PE - technology that will empower their students to make decisions that can result in lifelong healthy habits."

Backed by 19 years of teaching and BS Education/Health and MS Motor Development degrees, Carrie Waisner Taylor, Tulsa Public School Challenge Course Coordinator in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Carrie is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and operates her own adventure training business called "The Experience." In addition to numerous speaking engagements throughout OK, Carries has been a keynote speaker for the Centers for Disease Control and has presented at the Missouri AHPERD.

As a result of winning a PEP grant three years ago and in her role as an Assistant Director for a Wellness Center, Carrie was introduced to Polar technology. When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Carrie shares, "Taking Physical Education to the level it needs to be for the children and giving teachers a tool to show parents the value of the Physical Education training that their children are receiving. Additionally, teachers can demonstrate to their administration the value of Physical Education in a school environment and the possibilities available for their programs. I love technology that can make the teacher’s job easier."

Backed by 9 years of teaching and a BS degree, Sharon Warren was a physical educator at Edison Middle School in Illinois. Sharon began using Polar technology 9 years ago after attending state IAHPERD conventions and becoming very excited about heart rate monitors. Her school let her pilot one monitor and one interface for a year. She put the monitor on the superintendent, principal, students, parents, and school board members became excited as well. With the school board's support, they spent their Physical Education adoption money on technology, including heart rate monitors, in 1996. In 2002 Sharon was introduced to the New PE total solution. After experimenting with the equipment personally, in schools, and health clubs she began training on all Polar products.

When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Sharon shares, "The people I meet through trainings inspire me. As physical educators we can get wrapped up in the negative stereotypes. I have had the privilege to work with some of the best teachers in the country. Exciting things are happening to the health of students who are involved in the New PE and I am glad to be a part of motivating teachers who encourage their students to live healthier lifestyles."

Backed by 34 years of teaching and BS Physical Education, MS Physical Education and M ED Secondary Administration degrees, Bob Wehinger is a retired physical educator from North Syracuse Central School District in New York. Member of NYSAHPERD, AAHPERD, NYSUTA and NSEA, Bob has presented more than 150 times at conferences, in-services throughout the country, including being a 5-time speaker at NYSAHPERD.

Bob purchased his first Polar heart rate monitor in 1991 after seeing Beth Kirkpatrick present. When he retired in 1999, his school district had more than 150 heart rate monitors incorporated in their PE program. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Bob shares, "The trainings have allowed me to associate with outstanding physical education staffs throughout the country and share my expertise and knowledge of the Polar products. These trainings have allowed me to give back to the profession by assisting physical educators who are incorporating technology and "the New PE" in their programs.

Backed by 9 years of teaching Physical Education and a BS in Health and Physical Education, Christopher West is a Physical Education Specialist at Riffenburgh and Bauder Elementary in Fort Collins, Colorado. Participant of the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser, Chris was one of the top 6 people in his state to raise the most money in 2000. Additionally, Chris came in third place at the Gatorade/Sports Illustrated Game Challenge in 1999. Chris is a member of AAHPERD, CAHPERD, and NASPE and has presented at PSAHPERD.

Chris began using Polar technology 4 years ago after attending the AAHPERD convention in Atlanta, GA. When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Chris shares, “Being a trainer helps me to always challenge my teaching skills. I like to show people the power that Polar products bring to our profession, and I like working with professionals in my field that have the same passion as I do. Training teachers helps me work with professionals who want to show their community the difference between Physical Education and Physical Activity. When we use Polar products in our profession students are not just being physically active, they are getting physical education.”