James D. Ressler, Ph.D.

Professor, Physical Education Teacher Education

Department

Kinesiology and Physical Education

Research Interests

• Teacher Preparation
• School and University Partnerships
• Social and Emotional Learning

Education

• Ph.D. The Ohio State University, Physical Education Teacher Education
• M.S. Eastern Illinois University, Athletic Administration
• B.A. Baldwin-Wallace College, Physical Education and Sport Management

Recent Papers

• McMurray, A., and Ressler, J. D. (2026). An Assessment Plan for the Affective Standards: Leading with Adventure-Based Learning. Strategies, 2–10.
• Ressler, J., McMurray, A., and Wahl-Alexander (2026). Promoting effective teaching and coaching practices in the moment: The hand of fair play. JOPERD. 97(3), 75-77.
• Stuhr, P., Sutherland, S., and Ressler, J. (2025). Adventure based learning: A pathway toward social and emotional wellness. (1st Edition). Kendall-Hunt.
• Tsuda, E., Ward, P., Ressler, J., Wyant, J., He, Y., Kim, I., and Santiago, J. (2023). What Preservice Teachers Know Upon Entering Physical Education Teacher Education Programs. Quest. 75(4), 270-280.
• Wright, P., Richards, K., and Ressler, J. (2023). Assessing Student Ratings of Developmental Experiences in a High School Physical Education Leadership Program. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education.
• Anderson, J., Ressler, J., and Wahl-Alexander, Z. (2022). Increasing self-efficacy of preservice teachers in early field experiences. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 93(7), 26-30.
• Ressler, J., Culp, B., Landi, D. and Bainbridge, J. (2021). Social justice and SEL: case studies of promising practices. In P. Wright and K.A.R. Richards (Eds). Integrating Social and Emotional Learning into Physical Education and Beyond. Human Kinetics.
• Ressler, J. and Wahl-Alexander, Z. (2021). Student voice in physical education and physical activity. In E. Centeio and R. Martinnen (Eds.), Before and After School Approaches to Physical Education and Physical Activity. Routledge. 227-238.
• Ressler, J. and Rodriguez, A. (2020). Possibilities for leadership in high school physical education. Strategies. 33(6), 50-52.
• Ressler, J., and Richards, K. A. R. (2019). Transforming in the visiting assistant professor role: Collaborative self-study research in physical education teacher education. Sport, Education and Society. 24 (5), 507-519.