Polar Technology Trainers are seasoned, physical educators and fitness professionals, who conduct training sessions at schools all across the country. You can learn more about them below.

Backed by 35 years of teaching, a BS in Physical Education and an M.ED in Computers, Rich Butterworth is a retired PE teacher from Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District in Massachusetts. He was also Intramural Director and a baseball and basketball coach. In addition to being a Polar Technology Trainer, Rich is an Instructor at Northeastern University Summer Institute for Professional Development, a Supervisor of Student Teachers at Springfield College, and an Educational Consultant for PE Programs. He is a member of MAAHPERD and AAHPERD.

Rich received the Lighthouse Grant in 2000 and implemented a fitness assessment program using TriFIT, and initiated a healthy heart program using E600s, PE Manager, Companion Pocket PCs, and the Wellness Center.

When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Rich states, "Sharing information with other professionals that have the same passion for our profession, having the opportunity to be a mentor for other teachers who are attempting to implement changes to improve their curriculum, and to be part of an organization that is committed to improving health and wellness programs throughout the world.”

Backed by 31 years of teaching, and a BS in Health & Physical Education, Pamela Dawson is an elementary PE teacher in Richardson, TX, where the 3rd through 6th graders use Polar Heart Rate Monitors in every PE class. Pamela also uses PE Manager, TriFIT software, and a Companion Pocket PC at her school. She is a member of TAHPERD and has presented for both TAHPERD and AAHPERD. Pamela also teaches staff development for Richardson ISD Physical Educators, and has taught K-12 and adult fitness over the years.

Pamela began using Polar technology 8 years ago after hearing Beth Kirkpatrick speak at TAHPERD. Pamela had been teaching Aerobics classes and taking heart rates with two fingers on the carotid artery. After taking heart rates this way for ten straight years, she was elated to find an easier way of knowing what her students were doing. To help motivate herself, she uses a Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor.

When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Pamela states, "I love traveling the country, sharing and collaborating with people passionate about what they do.”

Backed by 23 years of teaching and BS & MS Physical Education degrees, Jean Drennan is a physical educator at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, KS. Honored as Kansas and Central District Secondary PE Teacher of the Year 1999-2000 and Blue Valley Northwest High School 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 17 years ago and expanded her program to include TriFIT 9 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 18 years of teaching, a BS Health and Physical Education K-12 degree, and an MA ED degree, Joe Gallo is a Physical Education Specialist at Edgewood Elementary School in Yardley, PA, with the Pennsbury School District. Honored as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2004, and a finalist for EDA Teacher of the Year 2005, Joe is a member of PSAHPERD, AAHPERD and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He has presented at PSAHPERD, the PA Governors Institute, NASPE workshops, and before his Pennsbury School District as a staff developer.

Joe began using Polar technology 13 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 discussing 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 23 years of teaching, a PhD in Health Promotion, and an MEd and BS in Health and Physical Education, Ken Felker is a professor and HPE Chairperson at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. Recipient of numerous awards including AAHPERD - Eastern District’s Health Professional of the Year 1999, Pennsylvania AHPERD’s Health Educator of the Year 1998, and Edinboro University’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 an 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 of 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 a Masters in Curriculum Development and a BA in Secondary School Physical Education & Technical Arts, Pat Fushimi is a retired educator who spends his time windsurfing, bicycling, cross country skiing, working as a fly fisherman guide, and touring the country on his motorcycle. He coached men’s and women’s high school and middle school gymnastics, was the Intramural Director for Bell Jr. High in CO, and taught Cross Country and Telemark skiing at Copper Mountain in Colorado for 28 years.

Pat was introduced to Polar Products by Polar Trainer, Tom French, and accompanied Tom on several Polar trainings.

When asked what he likes most about being a Polar trainer, Pat says, “I believe that with the Polar technology, Physical Education teachers can motivate and safely exercise their students away from obesity.”

Backed by 18 years of teaching, a BS Health and Physical Education K-12 degree, and an MA ED degree, Joe Gallo is a Physical Education Specialist at Edgewood Elementary School in Yardley, PA, with the Pennsbury School District. Honored as Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 2004, and a finalist for EDA Teacher of the Year 2005, Joe is a member of PSAHPERD, AAHPERD and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He has presented at PSAHPERD, the PA Governors Institute, NASPE workshops, and before his Pennsbury School District as a staff developer.

Joe began using Polar technology 13 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 discussing 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 has taught primarily in elementary Physical Education, four years at the Junior High level, and 15 years teaching at the University level. 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 WAAHPERD. Deb has presented at both the WAHPERD and the Northwest District of WAAPERD.

Deb first learned about Polar Technology three years before she retired when she was introduced to the full range of technology options offered to schools through Polar. As her schedule and class load continued to grow, she began looking for HRMs and software that would be easy for her, as well as for her students, to understand and implement. Polar technology really answered a need she had for specific and reliable data about her students.

When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Deb states, “The best thing about being a Trainer is working with awesome physical educators. All the great equipment in the world would do little without the drive and determination of the gym teacher to bring the best to his/her students.”

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, and has done three state level presentations at IAHPERD, which focused on technology use in Physical Education.

Emily began using Polar technology two 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, undergraduate and doctorate degrees, Kirk Mathias is a professor of HHPR at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. 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 a Master’s degree in Health and Physical Education, Lois Mauch is a physical education specialist in the Fargo Public Schools, ND. Lois has received several awards including, North Dakota Elementary Teacher of the Year 1989, North Dakota 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 serves on the National Task Force for Writing Assessments.

Lois began funding HRMs with a small grant from Central District and has since helped with the writing of 4 PEP grants of which 3 were received. The Carol M. White Grant (PEP) has awarded her school district over $1 million in federal funding for healthier students and professional development for staff. Lois has been instrumental in the development and application of standards, benchmarks, assessments and standard based report cards for her district. She has implemented technology across the country.

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 14 years of teaching, a BS in Physical Education, an M ED in Athletic Administration, a Professional Certificate in School District Administration, and a Personal Trainer Certification from the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research, Ted Nagengast is a physical educator, football coach, and PEP Grant Coordinator at Bay Shore Middle School in New York. He is also a member of AAHPERD, NYS AAHPERD, the American Football Coaches Association, and the NY State H.S. Football Coaches Association, and has received NEW 12/Dowling College Educator of the Month January 2006, Suffolk Zone (NYSAAHPERD) Professional of the year December 2006, Man of the Year-Bay Shore Athletic Sponsors Booster Club June 2006, and Suffolk Coalition for Alcohol and Drug prevention “Outstanding Community Contributions” May 2005.

Ted started using Polar technology when he began teaching 14 years ago. His first Athletic Director gave him a Polar Vantage XL HRM and told him to learn how to use it. Ted remembered it from his exercise physiology class and was hooked instantly since, as a new teacher, he was also looking for a new way to motivate his students. Additionally, he attended any and all conferences during the 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. His school now uses the E200, E600, and TriFIT 600 & 700 and Ted has used PE Manager with his classes. He also uses an F11 to track his workouts.

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!! As more teachers and students use the Polar products we are making more of a change in the youth of today that will help them tomorrow!”

Backed by 34 years of teaching, a BS in Physical Education/Health/Coaching and Masters of Education degree, Debbie Peterson is the Department Chairperson and PE/Health teacher at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN. A Minnesota State Coaches Hall of Famer, Debbie belongs to the MAAHPERD and AAHPERD, and has presented at the state AAHPERD conferences and yearly at the University of Minnesota. She has also delivered more than 100 presentations at international, state, and local levels.

More than 15 years ago, Debbie attended a technology training on heart rate monitors and recognized the potential benefits to students. The next year she brought heart rate technology to her school and soon after, to her district. 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 being a Polar trainer, Debbie shares, "I enjoy meeting new teachers and 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 9 years of teaching, a BS degree, and personal training certification, Sharon Warren was a Physical Educator at Edison Middle School in Illinois.

Sharon began using Polar technology 12 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 who 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 PE at the secondary level, a BS and MS in Physical Education, and an M ED in Secondary Administration, Bob Wehinger is a retired physical educator from North Syracuse Central School District in New York. He’s also coached H.S. and college football as well as men’s and women’s Lacrosse. A member of NYSAHPERD, AAHPERD, and IDEA, Bob has conducted over 350 presentations on Polar products. He was honored at Cornell University in the Fall of 2006 when a former player endowed a coaching position with Sprint Football in Bob’s name for $150,000.00. He will also be honored in October 2008 as an outstanding educator by the North Syracuse Education Foundation.

Bob began using his first Heart Rate Monitor in 1991 after seeing Beth Kirkpatrick speak about the use of Polar Heart Rate Monitors. When he retired in 1999, his school district had more than 150 heart rate monitors incorporated in their PE Program. To track his own workouts, Bob uses an E600 as well as a Tanita scale, and a Companion Pocket PC.

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 33.5 years of teaching, a BS degree in Physical Education, and a Master’s Equivalency plus 36 graduate credits, Nancy White is a retired educator from Eastern Lancaster County School District in Pennsylvania. She is also a PIAA certified official in Swimming & Diving and Track & Field and she officiates NCAA swimming and USA Track & Field. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania AHPERD and NASPE. She was awarded teacher of the year by Lancaster-Lebanon H & PE Association in 2007, and has conducted various presentations at the State PSAHPERD conventions for many years.

Nancy was introduced to Polar technology when her school district was awarded a PEP grant, of which she was the Project Coordinator. In her classes, Nancy used TriFIT, PE Manager, E600 Heart Rate Monitors, and the Companion Pocket PC. These products changed her entire focus for PE classes and she saw great results with the students. Nancy believes the use of Polar Technology can change youth fitness and result in better academic scores for all students. In her personal workouts, Nancy uses the RS800 G3 Fitness Computer, the F11 Heart Rate Monitor, and the RS800 with her horses.

When asked what she likes most about being a Polar trainer, Nancy says, “The best part of being a Polar Trainer is meeting so many different teaching professionals. Going to so many schools gives you a sense of hope for the future of fitness in this country. I believe teachers are using the Technology to teach their students how to be fit. This will follow them for a lifetime. To be part of this movement is truly a wonderful experience!”