Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Join us as we dive into the importance of understanding student language and how beneficial it can be in the classroom with Michael Grande. With his expertise in coaching, he has touched the lives of many educators across the world. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "I finally found someone who taught me how I wanted to be taught and found my learning language which is what interested me. If we could do that with our students, we'd have a whole new universe." "I work with them [students]. I talk to them, not at them." "Every single time something comes to me, I never say no. I think about it and say where is the opportunity? Not the obstacle. Where is the opportunity?" About Michael Grande After spending time in Rwanda teaching music Teachers how to become Coaches, Michael quickly learned that Coaching is not cultural, rather it is universal. After the Minister of Education of Rwanda agreed to incorporate Michael’s Coaching techniques and strategies, he felt it was time to share his methods of Coaching with others. In September 2023 Michael released his self-published book; From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher). Connect with Michael Grande http://TheGrandeMan.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as we go all in with Dr. Jim Van Allan, President of The Energy Bus for Schools. With experience in creating a positive school culture using his framework, Dr. Van Allan's insights have impacted the lives of leaders and educators across the nation. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "All in is what comes to mind...That's what I've seen that inspires me... The ability for these schools to go all in and truly commit to being a positive campus." You can love people by communicating effectively with them...by doing more one on one meetings." "I believe in that...I believe in putting in the work to make sure it's [PD] specific and relevant to the people sitting there because if it's not, they will not listen or they will not get a lot out of it." About Dr. Jim: Dr. Jim Van Allan is President of The Energy Bus for Schools. He runs The Energy Bus for Schools program which gives schools the blueprint and framework to create a positive school culture. He coaches school leaders and superintendents on mindset, teamwork, communication, and culture-building. Additionally, Jim speaks to schools and districts across the country with keynotes, trainings, workshops, and student assemblies. He is the co-author of the book, The Energy Bus for Schools, with Jon Gordon. Jim is also a Professor of Communication Studies and Lead Speech Instructor with Keiser University, which is based in Florida. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Communication. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Florida Atlantic University. He also earned his Ph.D in Education Leadership from Keiser University. Jim studied the impact of an early version of The Energy Bus for Schools program on a model school in Ohio. Much of his research centered around the impact of sustainable professional development for schools. He lives in Palm City, Florida, with his wife and three children, Brady, Brenden, and Brinley. Connect with Dr. Jim: Follow him on all social media @JimVanAllan Email him: [email protected] The Energy Bus for Schools Book The Energy Bus for Schools Program The Energy Bus for Schools on You Tube Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as we immerse in Vicki Davis's journey as an educator, author, and host. With over 20+ years of experience in education, specializing in technology and her vast understanding of artificial intelligence, Vicki has touched the life of many students and educators throughout her career. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "I would never say every single teacher has to embrace technology, but we have to embrace children. We have to embrace the nobility of teaching and we do have to embrace learning." "All that our kids are going to know is massive change...So we need to educate ourselves about how we can learn." "You have to relate to educate." About Vicki: Vicki Davis is a classroom teacher, book publisher, mom, author of the Cool Cat Teacher Blog, and host of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. With over 20+ years in education, Vicki has received many acknowledgments which include top education influencer awards, and a feature in USA Today. However, the award closest to her heart is being named STAR Teacher at her school and district this past school year. Over the years her blog has grown into a vibrant community of over 6000 posts, and her podcast has been recognized as a top podcast in education. Each post and episode is a fresh chapter in her shared adventure in education and technology. When the school bell rings, you can find Vicki juggling roles as an IT Director, Computer Science and Digital Technology teacher. Her classroom more than just a space; it’s a dynamic, fun learning community that extends beyond school walls, as they share and engage with the world. Vicki’s family includes her husband, three unique children, two of whom learn differently, (she never says the word “disability”), two dogs, and yes – Cheeto! Vicki’s varied educational journeys of her children ignite her drive to inspire every learner, celebrating their individuality. Vicki enjoys celebrating Cool Classrooms, explore Cool Apps and Technology, and share Cool Teaching Tips. When she is not immersed in a film project, assisting teachers, or fending off gnats in my hometown of Camilla, Georgia, she loves to spread her wings. Over the years, Vicki has conducted over 100 workshops, keynotes, and spotlight sessions globally, often with her students in tow! Connect with Vicki: Fb: https://www.facebook.com/coolcatteacher IG: https://www.instagram.com/coolcatteacher/ Website: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as we untangle the inspirational journey of Matthew Ebert, a powerhouse in education and expert in school leadership. With over twenty years of education experience, Matthew's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "People are not robots. The investment in the adults... the operationalizing of this idea of care pays off in the long run even if it's messy." It’s [winning] laughter. It’s joy. It’s people being happy to come to work, and kids being happy going to school. "Winning [in education] is a long term strategy that comes from taking care of each other." About Matthew: Matthew Ebert is a human-centered leader with 20+ years of experience in education, primarily focused on school leadership in urban settings. Matthew’s consulting is grounded in his experiences as a teacher, director of academic innovation, academy leader, and a decade of successful leadership as a public charter school principal. Throughout his leadership tenure, Matthew has developed teams that exceed expectations, consistently achieving strong results. He is committed to cultivating healthy work and learning environments in which individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. In addition to helping team members consistently attain their personal and professional goals, Matthew has facilitated dramatic and consistent growth in student achievement in both Baltimore and Boston, in metrics focused on academic achievement and school climate. Matthew’s leadership is based in the idea that we are all here to take care of one another. Connect with Matthew: www.linkedin.com/in/matthewebert1982 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebert-educational-consulting IG: eberteducationalconsulting X: eberteducation Published Works: EdWeek Creating A Culture Of Care Telling An Excellent Teacher It's Time To Leave A Good Principal Knows When It's Time To Leave Edutopia Using Slack In Schools (Internal Communications) One on One Meetings Ted Talk: 3 Strategies to Address the Teacher Shortage Crisis Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’  

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we delve into proven teacher support strategies that can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Quotables: "Every classroom deserves a teacher who is growing in capacity so that students have the opportunity to become an even better version of themselves. " "It's no longer enough to have a conversation about goals and dreams or to only check in on a colleague randomly when you have time. You've got to execute a support strategy consistently and with urgency." "When things are working, we diagnose that magic so we can replicate it. " Join the Teacher Leader Mastermind Enroll in the current cohort here Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Ryan Pelkey is an educator/speaker/writer and advocate of teacher mental health. With 25 years in education he has seen most, done most and been a part of some amazing schools and taught over 10,000 students. As a current administrator, he is active in restorative practices, instructional leadership and bringing the best out of his teachers, students and other stakeholders. Listen to Episode 280 which is when we first interviewed Ryan in 2022! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "I want other people to know that it's okay to want more out of your career, or want more out of your life...and to be able to step up and step out is what it's all about..." "A lot of times the focus is on the kids. The focus is on our students, and it should be...but if you treat your teachers well, you're gonna create those environments where the kids are gonna want to be there..." "...I know my staff. I know my community and I know my kids and I've really adapted and grown as a leader and a person because of the people I'm surrounded with..." About Ryan Pelkey Ryan is writing a new book called "...Just- The Dirtiest 4 letter word in a Growth Mindset" which is soon to be published on Amazon. His previous book The Boy Who Lost His Ears was a best seller on Amazon for students in grades 3-5. This SEL story shows the importance of listening skills and do we really need ears to hear/listen? Feel free to zoom him into your classrooms as a Pop Up Author! He has spoken at educational conferences from Virginia to Australia and Malaysia, hoping to make connections to help people anyway, anyhow and anywhere. Teachers need to be first in schools! He lives in Northern Virginia with his family and 2 amazing dogs. A big Yankee Fan, Eagles Fan and Carolina Basketball Fan. Find him on X and Instagram @mr_pelkey View Ryan's LinkedIn profile, too! Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Dive into insightful conversations with Michael and Nita Creekmore, seasoned educators with over 35 years of combined experience. Join them as they explore the importance of relationships in education, drawing from Michael's counseling background and Nita's instructional coaching expertise. Get practical tips, personal anecdotes, and wisdom from their book, Every Connection Matters.Tune in for actionable strategies, balancing career and family life, and fostering meaningful connections in and out of the classroom. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee “When you’re building relationships, you have to build trust, and the more you build trust, the more you can...get into [the] why. What is the root behind this?” "...compartmentalize! That's one of the necessary tools to avoid burnout..." ”That’s one of the by-products of having the biggest hearts...we take a lot of stuff home.” About Michael & Nita Michael and NIta Creekmore are a married couple both with more than 35 years combined in the field of children and education. Micheal has been in the field of professional counseling for about 16+ years and in school counseling for 5+ years. Nita has been in education for 19+ years. She has been an Instructional Coach for 5+ years and facilitates learning experiences with other educators. Nita and Michael have 4 children and a pup. Together they have Creekmore Conversations in which they facilitate learning experiences around the importance building, maintaining and restoring relationships in education. Together they wrote, Every Connection Matters: Building, Maintaining and Restoring Relationships Inside the Classroom and Out. They have very productive life inside and outside of education. They love what they do. They love having a large family. And, they also believe that having a healthy balance of it all is so important. Listen to Episode 218 which is when we first interviewed Nita in 2020! Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we discuss how to enhance student learning. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Quotables: "Each district and school operates so differently and especially as to how they use a teacher leader, aim for, and their name for the role..." "I teach the Triple A Method: aim, action, and achieve..." "Most important is the evidence...how do you know that you're moving forward?" "If you support the growth of teachers, you are a teacher leader and you can participate!" Join the Teacher Leader Mastermind Enroll in the current cohort here Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of Angela Watson, a powerhouse in education and expert in the incorporation of AI in the classroom. With over a decade of classroom experience, Angela's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee [When we think about AI, we ask] “How is this going to help me streamline my workload? It’s not going to do everything, but how can I make it really useful and how can I do it in an ethical manner?” "The trick to getting really good results from AI is to know how to give it good prompts." ”Productivity is something we all have to experiment with!” About Angela: Angela Watson is a National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has 11 years of classroom experience and over a decade of experience as an instructional coach. Angela created this website as a young teacher in 2003 to share practical classroom ideas and help other educators build a positive mindset so they can truly enjoy their work. It was originally called “Ms. Powell’s Management Ideas for Teachers” until 2008, when it was renamed “The Cornerstone for Teachers” after her first book. Rebranded in November 2021 to Truth for Teachers, the site now impacts over 8 million educators annually. Angela’s ideas have been featured in thousands of magazine articles, newsletters, and internet resources, and utilized in teacher preparation and support programs throughout the nation. She has authored numerous printable curriculum resources, online courses, and six books. Her newest book is the second edition of “Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching,” which was released in November 2022. She is perhaps best known for her free Truth for Teachers podcast, which provides bi-weekly encouragement for educators and consistently ranks in the top K-12 podcasts in the world. Angela’s professional development on productivity is being used in over 45,000 schools through the 40 Hour Workweek program. First designed for teachers and then expanded to instructional coaches and administrators, 40 Hour helps educators become more intentional with their personal, contractual, and instructional time so they can focus on what really matters. Angela’s mission is to help teachers live a more purposeful and conscious life. Through her mentorship, countless teachers have learned to take charge of their time and energy so they can prevent burnout and stay in the profession they love for years to come. Listen to Episode 155 which is when we first interviewed Angela in 2018! Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Don't miss this enlightening episode with Gretchen as she delves into the realm of tech integration in education. Discover invaluable tips for effectively assessing the level of student engagement versus mere compliance when utilizing tech tools in the classroom.In this episode, Gretchen shares practical planning strategies and essential considerations to enhance your instructional practices and ensure that lessons are accessible to all students, regardless of their learning styles or abilities.Unlock the power of technology to foster genuine student engagement and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. Tune in now for expert insights that will revolutionize your teaching approach and empower you to create inclusive and impactful lessons!As highlighted in this episode, Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Dive into this invaluable resource for a wealth of additional insights on increasing student engagement and fostering academic success! Quotables“We couldn’t finish the Engagement Series without touching on technology, because a lot of what folks think engagement is includes some sort of tech activity or game...”"...really it's less about check the box, I used tech today, and more about when I use tech it makes all the difference in student understanding."”We can’t assume that every tool is going to produce the same high levels of engagement.”Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Naomi Hall, also known as The Recovering Educator, as she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of being an educator. Naomi reminds us that while the teaching profession can be stressful, there are numerous factors within our control that can positively impact our well-being.In this episode, Naomi offers practical strategies for managing stress and reclaiming control over various aspects of our professional and personal lives. Discover how to effectively address the stressors inherent in education and cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to teaching.Tune in to empower yourself with tools and techniques to navigate the demands of the teaching profession with resilience and grace. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Naomi's expertise and embark on a journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment in your career!Quotables*All quotables are from the interviewee It’s that recognition of; there are external stressors and there are internal stressors...and I have to work on the internal stressors and mindsets that contributed to my burnout.I'm not the only educator struggling with burnout. I'm not alone in this.”I don’t know who I am without students, lessons...without a classroom.”About NaomiNaomi has spent years learning how to manage stress, prevent burnout, and make a comeback from burnout...and now she's teaching others. She offers realistic stress management techniques that are important to your effectiveness and happiness in your classroom. She works to help educators be their best and provide the support you need. Learn more about Naomi atMy goal has never been to leave education. It has been to help educators be their best and provide the support school districts forget to give you.Learn more about her at https://www.therecoveringeducator.com/Connect with Naomi:Instagram and Facebook: naomihallfiteducatorEmail: [email protected]: The Recovering EducatorJoin the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeGretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Let's talk TRANSFORMATION with Gretchen as she explores the art of leveraging student engagement through the integration of student voice. Uncover actionable tips and straightforward techniques that empower you to immediately enhance classroom dynamics and amplify student participation. Tune in now to discover the keys to unlocking greater engagement and fostering a dynamic learning environment!In this episode, Gretchen shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of student involvement in the learning process. Learn how to amplify student voices effectively and create an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels heard and valued.As highlighted in this discussion, Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Dive into this invaluable resource for a wealth of additional insights on increasing student engagement and fostering academic success!Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that promises to revolutionize your teaching approach and inspire meaningful connections with your students. Tune in now and embark on a journey towards greater student empowerment!QuotablesIf we don't nail engagement, then we've really let students down...we've really minimized their future success because we're limiting the amount of knowledge and skills they can acquire.Student voice is gonna look different for each of your students, depending on what their needs are.There were so many tiny ways throughout the day that students could exercise their voices.Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Gretchen as she unveils the keys to effective differentiation and personalized learning for optimal student engagement. Learn how to refine your teaching methods by eliminating inefficiencies and prioritizing strategies that deeply connect with your students. Tune in now to unlock powerful insights and transform your approach to teaching!In this episode, Gretchen unveils the concept of "Swiss Cheese Understanding" and its profound implications for educational planning. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will revolutionize the way you structure your teaching methods!Don't miss out on this transformative episode that promises to enhance your teaching toolkit and empower your students. Tune in now and embark on a journey towards more effective and impactful teaching strategies!QuotablesEvery level of what I'm gonna call "The House of Learning" is build with the support necessary so that new learning above it can actually stick.It's not that kids can't understand on their grade level. They need to work with the material long enough to make sense of it....the point is...they understand where they're going and why they need to have these skills..."Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Uncover actionable strategies, from fostering inclusivity to promoting collaboration, aimed at cultivating a supportive learning atmosphere that empowers students to excel. Gain 10 practical ideas for seamless implementation, ensuring immediate impact on your educational journey. Tune in now to ignite positivity and maximize student participation! Quotables: Explicitly teach the why behind the what. ...before we can start tweaking instruction, we have to nail the environment... Stressed brains can’t learn. Access the Thrive Framework by Ed Connective referenced in this episode, here! Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as our listeners unveil groundbreaking teaching approaches to revolutionize student engagement. Dive into the realm of cutting-edge methods, from gamification to interactive technology, designed to captivate students' interest and deepen their learning experience. Tune in now and discover how to spark curiosity and elevate engagement in your classroom! In this episode, Gretchen reminds us as educators that "...we don't always need the physical work sample--sometimes listening to the words they're using and the level of complexity of the topic they're able to talk about will determine how much knowledge has been consumed..." Quotables: You are going to hear from folks all over the United States with what is working for teachers and students in classrooms...in regards to engagement! ...we don't always need the physical work sample--sometimes listening to the words they're using and the level of complexity of the topic they're able to talk about will determine how much knowledge has been consumed... We know when students are more involved in the learning process, their learning outcomes will soar. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Discover how to recognize and prevent burnout, explore its various types, and reignite your passion for teaching. Tune in now to empower your educational journey! Join Rebekah Shoaf as she delves into her journey in education, offering invaluable insights and lessons learned. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Having a burn out is really a sense of having lost your purpose, your power, and your passion. Every teacher has the potential to be a leader. As an educator, stay connected to who you are as a learner and find the things that excite you and drive you and keep you connected to what you teach. About Rebekah Rebekah Shoaf is an author, educational consultant, and social entrepreneur. In addition to being the founder and CEO of the Bronx-based bookstore-without-walls Boogie Down Books and What If Schools, Rebekah’s first book, Educating with Passion and Purpose: Keep the Fire Going without Burning Out, was published in 2023 by Jossey-Bass. Rebekah has been an educator for more than two decades as a high school English teacher, founding faculty member, teacher leader, university instructor, and instructional and teacher leadership coach with the New York City Department of Education. She currently works with schools, districts, and other organizations across the country to promote transformative, innovative, learner-centered practices that advance educational justice. A Miami native, Rebekah graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and is a culinary school alum, a marathon runner, the owner of a pink Vespa, and everyone’s favorite aunt. Learn more about her at rebekahshoaf.com. Resources Mentioned by Alissa: Book by Rebekah: Educating with Passion and Purpose: Keep the Fire Going without Burning Out Website: www.rebekahshoaf.com Connect with Alissa: IG @whatifschools and @boogiedownbooks Email [email protected] Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Have you ever ran into a problem that you just can't seem to hack? This episode is for you! Tune in as Gretchen shares a practical story about a problem she had trouble hacking and how she overcame it. You'll walk away with tangible steps to hack your own problems and you'll leave this episode feeling empowered to take it on! Quotables Some problems aren’t meant to be solved by you. Say to yourself, “I’m not dumb. I’m not lazy. I’ve just run out of tools and that’s okay.” Trust that hindsight is 20/20. It will make sense later.   Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It's a new year! Tune into this special episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast as Gretchen shares three ways to grow your potential in the upcoming year. You'll walk away from this podcast with a list of three tangible things you can do to level up your teaching whether you are working with students or coaching teachers. Quotables The only way we are going to become better is if we shift our behaviors into better behaviors. We want application. That is the only thing that is going to change us and allow us to transform into something better. If some of the foundational stuff has cracks in it, it’s just going to fall flat. Links Mentioned: Episode 256: Habits over Resolutions Simply Coaching Summit Teacher Leader Mastermind Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It's the last podcast of the year! In this special episode, Gretchen reflects over the behind the scenes work of the podcast. She talks about who she intended the podcast for: new teachers, teachers in a slump and teacher leaders and how it has evolved over time. Gretchen shares how she has used the head, heart, hands strategy to plan every episode- a strategy that will serve you well in planning for professional developments that you may lead. Be sure to tune into this fun episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast. Quotables It’s important that you hear from other people what’s working. Am I being true to what I originally intended? If you revisit your mission statement and your core values, that might light that fire back up. Podcasts Mentioned: Melissa Emler Episode 20 Melissa Emler Episode 210 Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Do you have credibility with the teachers that you lead? It may just be the secret sauce that you are missing. In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen talks all about credibility and what that looks like. Lacking in the credibility area? No worries! Gretchen shares tips and tricks on how you can gain credibility with teachers. Quotables Credibility sets the tone. You can be successful and imperfect. Be caring and invested in other people. Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Meet and be empowered by Alissa Crabtree in this special interview episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast. Alissa shares great, tactile advice about how to effectively work with teachers as an instructional coach. She also discusses the importance of the instructional coach/administrator relationship and how that relationship can be a powerhouse for change within a district. Get your pen and paper out and hit play! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee As coaches and administrators, we are in the business of fostering motivation in adult learners. Sit down one on one with the people you lead and understand them as a person. When I slowed down, it sped my kids up. About Alissa Alissa is an advocate for educators everywhere! As a 16+ year veteran, she has been exposed to numerous instructional strategies, district and campus initiatives, and professional learning opportunities. Through her experiences, she has recognized what has a lasting impact and who truly benefits. Alissa believes in the power of growing teacher and student efficacy. She has spent the last eight years of her career coaching teachers, administrators, and district leaders so that both teachers and students harness their power and abilities. Her approach to coaching is simple: it is a collaboration, not a one-and-done experience. Alissa works alongside leaders, teachers, and stakeholders to analyze areas for growth, establish clear and attainable goals, facilitate learning, track student and teacher development, and pivot when necessary. Change occurs from the top down, so she meets with leaders to ensure goal understanding and support before coaching teachers and professional learning communities. Her coaching style is collaborative, and to make the most impact, everyone involved must have a clear picture of coaching. Resources Mentioned by Alissa: Online Course: Launch Your Instructional Coaching Style Email List: Crabtree Coaching Collaborative Newsletter Website: crabtreecoachingcollaborative.org Connect with Alissa: IG @crabtree_coaching_collab Twitter @alissa_crabtree Facebook Crabtree Coaching Collaborative Linked-In: Crabtree Coaching Collaborative Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

When hardship arrives, it can be used as an opportunity to propel you forward. Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast as Gretchen shares a personal story about hardship and then gives you practical steps that you can apply to your own hardships in order to use them as a stepping stone to move forward. You're not going to want to miss this one! Listen in and get ready to be empowered. Quotables When we are clear on what we want or need… it’s easier to brainstorm a solution. How can I use this situation in my favor? Hardship is a an opportunity to showcase great leadership and critical thinking skills. Gretchen Has a New Book Coming Soon! Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Accountability partners! Do you have one? In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares the importance of having an accountability partner. She shares why an accountability partner just might be the secret sauce to level up your success! Gretchen also shares 8 practical tips on how to be an effective accountability partner. Tune in today and learn how an accountability partner just might be the solution you need to add to your growth strategy! Quotables Accountability is the secret sauce of dreamers and planners to actual achievers. An accountability partner is just the solution you need to add to your growth strategy. Your goals are only as great as your follow through. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Comparing yourself to others takes all the joy out of growth. Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast and listen as Gretchen shares her experience of comparing herself to others and the lessons she learned along the way. Listen until the end as Gretchen shares 4 tips to help you out of the comparison trap. Quotables It’s unfair to look at your colleagues and compare yourself. I was taking the joy out of the growth because I was too busy looking at the wrong people and comparing myself. The only data point that makes sense is comparing yourself to you in the same situation.   Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen lays out the four key bricks, in the order needed, so that instruction can be improved. She provides practical tips in order to make sure you are laying each brick securely before moving onto the next brick. Tune in today and leave empowered to improve teacher instruction. Quotables Sometimes we find solutions by just doing the dang thing. Classroom Management. This is prevention over being reactive. You gain so much time for instruction and learning because of how you set up your physical space and how you and your students operate within it.   Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Pre-order Gretchen's NEW book HERE Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The Science of Reading has replaced Guided Reading. Switching to something new can feel hard and frustrating. Tune into this episode and become encouraged and empowered by Linda Rhyne. She talks about what Science of Reading is, why it’s replaced Guided Reading and how you can implement it. Tune in now! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee In order to become a proficient reader, children need and require direct, explicit, and systematic instruction. Educators know, understand and feel to their core a deep understanding of the impact that they have or could have. I can use what I’m learning now to propel myself forward. About Linda Linda Rhyne is the owner of Linda Rhyne Consulting, a company focused on helping teachers and leaders connect research to practice in a safe & supportive environment. Linda is an award-winning and National Board Certified educator with 15 years of experience in education with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of the nation’s 20 largest urban school districts located in Charlotte, NC. She served in multiple positions in CMS: classroom teacher, literacy facilitator, new teacher support coordinator, and Southeast Learning Community coordinator, with 10 years of experience as an instructional coach. In her free time, you can find her playing with her two boys, hanging with her husband, reading, and working out. Resources Mentioned by Linda: The Reading League- The Science of Reading Connect with Linda: IG @lindarhyneconsulting Twitter @lindaschultzie FB LindaRhyneConsulting Website: http://lindarhyneconsulting.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen talks about the importance of critical thinking. She shares relatable stories, a lesson and then four keys to building critical thinking that lasts. Tune into this episode and leave empowered to support critical thinking skills within yourself and your students. Quotables Critical thinking is the biggest clue of what’s to come. Everyone is going to have a problem or an obstacle. It’s not about how big that thing is but how you react to it. We have to teach kids and adults how to think.   Blog Post Mentioned in the Episode https://alwaysalesson.com/guiding-questions-that-move-teacher-performance-forward/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this Summer Series episode, you'll hear from Sam Shields. Sam shares the highs and lows of her education journey. She'll encourage you and empower you to just keep going, even when it's hard. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee We are all learning no matter where we are at in our journey. That first year of a coach is going to be worth it. A lot of times teachers don’t see or feel how appreciated they are. About Sam Samantha Shields is a Product Owner at Torsh. Prior to Torsh, Sam served as an Early Learning Specialist supporting early childhood educators, a district instructional coach, a classroom teacher, and is a published author. She is passionate about the outcomes that true, authentic coaching can deliver for student and teacher success. Sam became a part of the Torsh team after Torsh acquired Your Coaches Corner, a company she founded and ran for the past several years. Books by Sam: Daisy's Unperfect School Year Every Educator Speaks their own Languages: The Unique Love and Appreciation Languages of Educators Connect with Sam: IG @samshieldscoach Twitter @samshieldscoach Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Gretchen interviews Laura Williams in this special Summer Series episode. Laura shares about her journey into the field of education. Laura has a passion for creativity in the classroom and a desire to help teachers empower students to think more deeply. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee When you’re a yes person and you’re a go getter and you do things, opportunities just come your way. Be a motivator. We’re trying to move the bar and we are going to move it a lot further if we move it together. About Laura: Laura Williams (MAT, M.ED ELPS) is your resident authentic learning expert, co-facilitates the Iowa Authentic Learning Network for the Iowa AEAs, and is the founder of the Authentic Learning Alliance. She also is a Project Manager on a statewide project board for PK-12 Students across Iowa as part of her AEA role. Her educational background includes: B.A. in Interdepartmental Health Studies: Emphasis on Multidisciplinary Sciences, M.A.T. in Secondary Science Education, and Principal Licensure and M.A. in Ed. Leadership and Policy Studies and is currently a doctoral student. Laura is a certified Scrum Master, Product Owner and Agile Classrooms Trainer. Over the past 10 years, she’s dedicated herself to transforming education through incorporating authentic learning experiences with area partnerships into PK-12 classrooms as an educator, consultant, and 21st Century Learning Specialist. She believes that education can be “the great equalizer” if we can leverage our student’s interests and passions. “We have ~6.5 instructional hours a day and I believe we can be the difference. We just have to dedicate the time, space, and connections to "up the ante" for students. I believe we can help each learner find their superpowers and help them develop 21st Century skills to be successful in living, learning, and working. We can help students develop a mindset that they can be and do whatever they want in order to find their greatest human potential and live in their element.” Resources mentioned: Agile Classrooms Live Event Sir Ken Robinson Connect with Laura: Website: https://www.authenticlearningalliance.org/ Twitter: @mrswilliams21c Email: [email protected] Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

You'll enjoy this special summer interview series as Jana Lee shares about all the unique hats she's worn in education and how her journey in education has evolved. Get ready to be empowered as Jana shares how everyone has an X-factor and something unique to bring to the world of education. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Teachers have it really hard. It doesn’t have to be like that. Sometimes we forget that there’s so much out there in the impact we can have as educators. Never underestimate the power of building relationships. About Jana: Jana Lee is the proud founder of New Jersey's first all-girls, district, public school, she has spent the last 15 years surrounding herself with forward-thinkers in the educational space. As educator, leader, adjunct instructor, literacy specialist, and Executive Director of Jana Lee Consulting, LLC, Jana has gained valuable insight into the significance of collaboration, strategic teacher-leadership, and data-driven approaches for effecting transformative change within classrooms, schools and districts. Jana, who will complete her Doctor of Philosophy in Reading, Language, and Literacy in winter, 2023, continues to be most impressed by the people who work in and support our schools- the ultimate champions of student learning. Connect with Jana: Website: janaleeconsulting.com Instagram: @misslee_edconsulting Twitter: @misslee_ed Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/janaclee Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this special bonus episode, Gretchen shares about her journey from classroom teacher to teacher leader and how her mentor helped her along the way. She now empowers other teacher leaders to impact their school districts positively. Gretchen shares how she can specifically help teacher leaders and gives a special invitation to join her exclusive, Fall Mastermind at the end of the episode. Join the Mastermind here! Quotables Few actually achieve it [their dreams] because of that piece of knowing how to turn it into a plan. Everyone dreams. Most people take action but very few achieve.     Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this special summer interview series on the Empowering Educators podcast, Gretchen interviews Heidi Davis. Heidi brings value and wisdom to the show as she shares about her experience in a variety of different educational roles. Heidi shares her secrets of how she ignites her passion in education so that you can be an empowered and great educator in the upcoming school year. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Be able to go with the flow and be flexible. You never know what the day is going to bring. Knowing what’s going on in your students’ lives makes a huge impact on the difference your education is going to make. Don’t take yourself too seriously, it’ll be okay. About Heidi Heidi Davis has been teaching for 10 years and has taught 6th grade, been a reading interventionist, an instructional coach, and is currently teaching third grade. She is married to her high school sweetheart and she has two kids. Heidi lives in a small town in West Virginia and she loves to spend time outdoors and being with family. Heidi's favorite past time is reading. She is passionate about helping teachers find their way through the difficult times with the help of God and to find their way back to loving teaching again. Connect with Heidi: IG @heidi_m_davis Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Tune in as you listen to this special Summer Series episode on the Empowering Educators Podcast. In this episode, Gretchen interviews Ashley Hubner. You will feel empowered as you hear Ashley's story of being a classroom teacher, instructional coach and curriculum specialist. You'll love her advice on how to reignite your passion, listen today! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee In education today, you have to be very flexible and adaptable. There are so many good educators everywhere in the world. If we were to collaborate a lot more outside of our own little silos, we could make education great.   About Ashley Ashley has been an Instructional Coach and Curriculum Specialist since 2013. Her background contains experience in systematic planning, curriculum design, professional development, and intervention. She provides quality professional development at the campus and district levels to improve classroom instruction within schools. Ashley is dedicated to impacting student growth by building capacity within schools through coaching, mentoring, and professional development. She enjoys working with stakeholders to build instructional effectiveness within classrooms while cultivating a positive school culture. Ashley started ACCESS to impact the success of students. She believes education is an ever-changing world, so as educators, we must be life-long learners. We must be prepared to meet all learners’ needs as education changes. Together, we can find student-centered solutions that will give all students access to a profound learning environment, every day. Purchase Ashley's book she mentions here: https://coachingaccess.net/sales-landing/ Connect with Ashley: Facebook @coaching.access IG @coaching_access Twitter @coaching_access Linkedin @accesscoach Website: https://coachingaccess.net/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

What is collaboration? What is it not? In this short and sweet episode, Gretchen talks all about collaboration amongst teachers. Stay tuned until the end as Gretchen gives you a special opportunity for collaboration amongst other teacher leaders. Join the Mastermind here! Quotables We cannot confusing talking with true collaboration. We have to push each other’s thinking. Tuning people out when it doesn’t apply to you is not a way to be a good collaborator.       Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators podcast, Gretchen interviews Michelle Ruhe. Michelle shares all about her journey in education. Throughout the interview, Michelle shares wisdom and encouragement to all educators that will empower you to be elite no matter where you are at in your journey. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee It’s not about the knowledge. It’s about the people. The reason you’re here right now, in this situation is because you’re supposed to learn something and think about what that is. Even though it’s stressful, there’s a tremendous benefit to the lesson you’re going to learn from it once you get through the hard part. About Michelle Michelle helps teachers and school leaders implement best instructional practices in literacy, as she stays very current in the latest research findings. She's in classrooms every day, working alongside teachers, helping students grow. Michelle keeps things simple, where impactful student learning, not cutesy fluff, is at the forefront. This is the recipe that leads to maximum student success and reduced teacher overwhelm. Her 15 years of classroom experience include: -Kindergarten -First Grade -Second Grade -Fourth Grade -Lead Teacher -Teaching in 4 different states -Opened 2 new buildings -Looped twice and then serving as a literacy interventionist, K-5 for 5 years, and have now been a literacy coach for three years. Additionally, as part of the school's leadership team, she gets to partner with administration to plan and implement next steps forward for greater student achievement in literacy. Connect with Michelle: IG @coach_fromthecouch Twitter @MichelleRuhe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ruhe/ Website: www.coachfromthecouch.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Meet Courtney Tate in this special interview episode on the Empowering Educators Podcast. Courtney shares her journey from teacher to teacher leader and everything that helped her along the way. She shares special nuggets of wisdom that will have you leaving empowered so that you can go out and be great! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Step back and think about why you are doing this work. Be patient but give yourself grace and give your students grace. You have to be doing well mentally and emotionally to be showing up well for your students and your colleagues. Take care of yourself and take time for yourself. About Courtney Courtney Tate is from Gastonia. Over the past nine years, Courtney has worked with teachers, facilitators, and school leaders to lead professional development and coaching to address the assessed needs of the school. Her mission is to build the capacity of teachers and leaders to have a positive impact on student achievement one goal at a time. Connect with Courtney: IG @ctatewrites Facebook: CourtneyTateConsulting Website https://courtneystate.com/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen interviews Casey Watts. Casey gives practical and applicable advice that is easy to follow. You'll step away from this interview with powerful nuggets of wisdom that you'll be able to use right away! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee If you can hone your resiliency as a classroom teacher and be ready to shape shift it as you move into an instructional leadership role you will have so much more confidence and clarity about what you bring to the table as a leader. Part of growing into leadership is being the courageous person that owns their current reality but does not accept it for what it is. When we find passion in what we are doing, even the hard things become easier or manageable. About Casey Casey Watts is an Impact Coach and Consultant as well as a school-based instructional specialist in East Texas. She received her Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Elementary Education and her Master's Degree of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Over the past several years, she has focused her research and work on effective collaboration that leads to collective efficacy. In this work, she has recognized the importance of internal and external components that are absolutely necessary for cohesive, vision-driven teams. In her experience, she has realized that this is possible, even when you feel overwhelmed by resistance and roadblocks. Connect with Casey: IG @catchingupwithcasey Facebook @catchingupwithcasey Website www.catchingupwithcasey.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators podcast to hear Gretchen interview Melissa Morrison. Melissa has a passion for quality writing instruction within the classroom. You'll love hearing her story of how she went from a psychology degree, to teacher, to consultant. Hit play and get empowered! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Change takes time. Regardless of what you teach, you have to honestly and truly care about your students. You have to be willing to continually fine tune your practice. It’s okay to not be great at something right away. About Melissa Melissa was an elementary teacher for 10 years. After being in the classroom, she decided to become a consultant and has done so for the past 4 years. Melissa is passionate about bringing high quality literacy (especially writing) instruction to schools and teachers. Links Mentioned: Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom https://amzn.to/3GvD4UT Connect with Melissa: IG teachingtotransformllc Facebook teachingtotransformllc Website www.teaching-to-transform.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares about a personal struggle she has had in her own child's education journey. Gretchen shares about how she navigated the challenges, acted quickly and was able to advocate strongly for what her daughter needed. As always, Gretchen leaves you with practical tips and applications on how you can use the lessons she's learned in your own EDU journey. Quotables Productive struggle is part of the process. You have to advocate for yourself and those you represent. There’s a fine line between struggling and making progress. Advocate for what you need and advocate for what you want. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Gretchen attended CoachFest in the mountains of North Carolina. In this episodes she reflects on her experience and shares her eight big takeaways. You'll step away from this podcast challenged to make the most of your next professional development opportunity! Quotables Sometimes your message is interpreted quickly and teachers can process and change fast and other times it takes them a moment to process. The learning relationship requires you to give to someone else and to receive. Everyone has something to contribute. Your authenticity is your magic. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It's that time of year! Are you and your students experiencing spring fever? It's a real thing and it makes the end of the year a challenge. Tune into this episode and be empowered with tips and tricks on how to combat spring fever, head on! Quotables A disengaged mind can be problematic. Give more breaks in the spring. We should plan for spring fever. Links Shared in the Podcast: Blog Post: https://foxwellforest.com/embracing-spring-fever-tricks-tips- Light Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Want to grow as a teacher or a teacher leader? You won't want to miss this episode! Tune in as Gretchen shares five key leadership moves that can empower you into the teacher leader you are capable of being! Quotables Leadership is a state of mind. It doesn’t always have to be a title. A lot of what leadership is, is just being a good human. If we believe that teachers have tremendous effect on students, then we better do everything we can to support their growth. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

This is the second time Nicole Turner has been on the Empowering Educators Podcast! She was on the show a couple of years ago but a lot has changed since then! Tune in to hear what she's been up to and what all has changed in her life. While she shares her story, you'll also gain some valuable pieces of wisdom. You'll step away from this episode an Empowered Educator. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Choose one small thing to work on and get quick wins. Small little gains end up being a bigger impact. Coaches help to bring out the best in you. Make time for you. About Nicole Nicole S. Turner is a K-12 educational coach, author, speaker, trainer, and school improvement specialist, founder & CEO of Simply Coaching and Teaching Inc. She is also the founder of the Simply Coaching Summit—the first virtual summit exclusively for instructional coaches and teacher leaders. Nicole specializes in helping instructional coaches master their roles and helping teachers use engaging activities in the classroom. She has 18+ years of K-12 classroom and leadership experience in positions such as classroom teacher, lead teacher, differentiated accountability coach, district and building-level instructional coach, assistant principal, dean of students, AdvancEd diagnostic review team member, and school improvement and turnaround specialist for the Indiana Department of Education. Nicole has worked with thousands of educators, instructional coaches, and administrators across the United States through conferences, one-to-one & small-group coaching, and custom professional development sessions. Her professional memberships include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Indiana State Teacher Association, Indiana State Reading Association, and the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She is the author of two published books, Simply Instructional Coaching: Questions Asked and Answered from the Field and The S.I.M.P.L.E. Blueprint for Instructional Coaching Workbook and the creator of the Track My Coaching Planner and the Simply Coaching Hub. Nicole is a candidate for a doctor of education in Curriculum and Instruction at Oakland City University with research focused on the professional development of instructional coaches. When Nicole is not serving in various educational roles, she can be found spending time with her family, which consists of a supportive fiancée, three biological children, and three bonus children. Connect with Nicole: IG simplycoachingandteaching_ Facebook Simply Coaching and Teaching Website simplycoachingandteaching.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

We have mission statements plastered on our school walls, websites and in our email signatures but are we truly living that mission statement? In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares how we can go from just having a mission statement to actually living that mission statement in a way that makes our school better for the people that work there, the students that attend and the community surrounding the school. Quotables   If you’re not clear in where you’re going, everyday you show up without a North Star you are working in circles. People want to work at a place where good intentions are followed up by good works. Move beyond the mission statement. We have to become the mission statement. Links Shared in the Podcast: Coachfest March 15-17 https://sites.google.com/view/coachfest2023/home?pli=1 Murder Mystery party www.nightofmystery.com Nicole Turner Episode #80: https://alwaysalesson.com/episodes/80-bonus-edition-interview-nicole-turner/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Burnout! Have you been there? Are you currently going through it? Gretchen shares 5 helpful tips on how to combat the burnout. Tune in today and reignite your passion! Quotables A lot of times burnout is seasonal. Know the course of your goals. We can push through when we know there is a reward at the end. Links Shared in the Podcast: Amber- blog + video + audio series : https://alwaysalesson.com/how-burn-out-saved-my-educator-spirit/ CH chat: https://alwaysalesson.com/episodes/ch-bonus-supporting-teachers-in-burnout/ Pod Ep 171: https://alwaysalesson.com/episodes/171-burning-out-isnt-an-option/ Blog: https://alwaysalesson.com/beat-student-burnout-5-strategies-enhancing-student-psyche/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Breaks are absolutely needed to continue being elite educators but getting back into the groove after a long break can be difficult. If you love acrostic poems and practical tips, this episode is for you! Gretchen uses the word GROOVE to give six, easy steps to get yourself back into the groove in the new year as you head off back to school. If you find this episode helpful, be sure to share it with a colleague! Quotables It’s so important that we find our flow as fast as possible because the students depend on us to be our best. When you get overwhelmed, your productivity goes down and you start getting depressed and anxious. Successful people don’t haphazardly reach their goals. Links Shared in the Podcast: https://alwaysalesson.com/product/elementary-educ-101-what-they-didnt-teach-you-in-college/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Change is inevitable- especially within the world of education. What is an educator to do when everything they have learned to be good and right is now thought of to be wrong and bad practice? Tune into this episode and listen as Gretchen shares with you five practical tips of what to do when best practices change. Quotables We can’t be upset with ourselves for doing what we were told to do. Research is going to continue to evolve. What is a disservice is when we continue to do what we know is not a best practice. Change is going to come. It always does. Come Chat on Clubhouse! Instructional Coaching Club– www.clubhouse.com/club/instructionalcoaching Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, our guest Ryan Pelky encourages all educators to be more and achieve more. His "teacher first" mindset is refreshing and will empower you to be all that you are meant to be! Put your headphones in, it's time to be empowered. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee We have to get rid of the taboo of needing to say, “I’m broken and I need some help.” It’s important to make everybody matter and everyone can come to the table with new ideas. New teachers: ask questions. Put teachers first. About Ryan After 25 years of education, Ryan Pelkey has finally realized the importance of putting teachers first in schools. He has steadily broke the "just a PE teacher" mold and has put out a platform of meeting the mental health needs of all educators. Without teachers and administrators, schools would cease to exist. He is a published best selling author of a children's book "The Boy Who Lost His Ears" and has spoken at various educational conferences all over the world. He can often be found on the audio only app Clubhouse as one of the leaders of the Education sphere. When he is not fighting for teacher's rights, he is found at home with his family and his two dogs. Connect with Ryan: IG @mr_pelkey Twitter @mr_pelkey Clubhouse @mr_pelkey Come Chat on Clubhouse! Instructional Coaching Club- www.clubhouse.com/club/instructionalcoaching Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Get to know Gretchen a little bit more! You'll enjoy this special Q&A episode with Gretchen. Learn about her biggest triumphs, mistakes, holiday favorites and teacher lounge must haves. You'll get to know Gretchen all while leaving empowered. Quotables Let me help you figure out a way it can work for you in your classroom so that all students can be successful. It’s going to be okay. Even on your worst day you didn’t ruin a kid’s life. Kids are going to have a hard time connecting with you if you’re just trying to be perfect. Links from the episode: Teach Like a Champion- https://amzn.to/3Ac2aEw Get Better Faster- https://amzn.to/3GeqhGx Harry Wong- https://amzn.to/3O3cUee Essential 55- https://amzn.to/3E6ffR8 Move Your Bus- https://amzn.to/3GbqoTm End of Molasses Classes- https://amzn.to/3hFCfim Excellent 11- https://amzn.to/3DYerxC Come Chat on Clubhouse! Instructional Coaching Club– www.clubhouse.com/club/instructionalcoaching Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

This is the is the third and final episode in the Champion Series. And just like with key #1 and 2, Gretchen will be sharing real life stories and how she applied this key, advocation, in her EDU journey. Get ready to learn a little more about Gretchen, all while being empowered on your EDU journey. Quotables Listen to what you desire and chase the heck out of it. Advocate for what you need and what you want. Don’t be afraid to change your situation so that you can have more experiences that fill your cup. You have an impact to make in this world. Don’t show up with pebbles when you’re capable of bringing boulders. Come Chat on Clubhouse! Instructional Coaching Club– www.clubhouse.com/club/instructionalcoaching Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’