
Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast
314 episodes — Page 3 of 7

287: Spring Break State of Mind
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’

286: Five Leadership Moves to Grow Teachers
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’

285: Impact with Nicole Turner Part 2
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’

284: Working Beyond the Mission Statement
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’

283: 5 Ways to Combat Burnout
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’

282: Getting Back into the GROOVE
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’

281: What to do When Best Practices Change
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’

280: Teacher First Mindset with Ryan Pelkey
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’

279: Q&A with Gretchen
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’

278: Champion Series- Key #3 Advocation
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’

277: Champion Series- Key #2 Attraction
This is the second episode in the three part Champion Series. Gretchen will be talking about key #2, attraction. And just like with key #1, she'll be sharing real life stories and how she applied this key in her EDU journey. Get ready to learn a little more about Gretchen, all while being empowered on your EDU journey. Quotables It always works out in the end because you choose for it to. It’s mindset and it’s motion. You find strength within yourself whenever you go through something hard. Attract what you want so that your dreams can come to fruition. 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’

276: Champion Series- Key #1 Adjustment
Join in on the first episode of a unique, three part series. Get to know Gretchen a little more by listening in on stories from her life and the lessons she learned along the way. You'll be captivated and entertained all while being inspired and empowered to show up well in your EDU journey. In this episode, Gretchen will chat about adjustment and what that looks like in life and as an educator. Quotables You can be the champion of your life and career. Just because you’re experiencing a moment that feels different than the norm doesn’t mean it can’t be a great opportunity You have a choice. You can rely on yourself- that you’re capable and confident enough to do it. Just take the risk. 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’

275: Instructional Coaching with Julianna Morelock
Tune into this episode to be encouraged and inspired by another Instructional Coach. Her story is unique in that she took a break from the field of education to reignite her passion for the classroom. After her break, she came back as an Instructional Coach. Hit play now to be empowered by her story. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee The more we put boundaries around our lives, the better we can be for our students. It’s okay to say no sometimes, to speak up for what you need and to leave the building at a normal time. It’s natural to feel nervous to take that next step. Do your thing and be proud. Find your people to help you reignite your passion. About Julianna Julianna Morelock is an elementary instructional coach in Marietta, GA. Prior to this role, Julianna taught kindergarten through 3rd grade at schools across metro Atlanta. She started teaching in 2011 as part of Teach for America Metro Atlanta, and worked as a coach for TFA during summer institute. Julianna also took a break from education and worked in ed tech for 2 years. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, a Master's in Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of South Carolina, and her Specialist's degree in Teacher Leadership from Mercer University. Outside of school, Julianna enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Charlie, trying new restaurants, and getting involved in the community. Connect with Julianna: IG @morelockedonlearning 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’

274: How Teaching and Leading is Just Like Writing a Book
In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares about her experience with writing a book and she draws parallels to teaching and leading. You'll enjoy getting a "behind the scenes" taste of what Gretchen has been working on, all while gaining valuable insight for your own career. Quotables Show up every day no matter what- consistency is what makes you effective. You have to have a roadmap but still leave room to off road. Are you saying the same things in different ways so that it can be remembered and acted upon? Back up what you’re saying. Share yourself. You are the x-factor. Consistency is everything. 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’

CH Bonus: Leadership Isn’t for Cowards
Leadership isn't always easy, but it can be worth it. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where educational leaders, Casey and Courtney, share their review of Mike Staver's book, Leadership Isn't for Cowards. This book acts as an all-in-one leadership guide with tips that you can immediately apply. It is applicable for anyone interested in growing their leadership skills, regardless of their current role or title. Quotables Leaders mess with people’s lives, both positively and negatively. The way we use our words is really important. Stop thinking that your solution is the answer, but that it is the conversation starter. Focus on finding the bright spots. Reward hard work and risk taking. Connect with Casey Facebook: Catch Up with Casey Instagram: @catchupwithcasey Website: catchingupwithcasey.com Connect with Courtney Instagram: @edubookster Website: theedubookster.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: A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Grab the book here: https://amzn.to/3Kpfh9v 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’

273: Four Top Coaching Fears and the Lessons they Teach Us
In this episode, Gretchen reveals four of the most common fears about coaching and she gives you practical tips to overcome those fears. Are you new to the role of coaching or you just have those beginning of the year jitters? Get this episode in your ear! You won't want to miss this one! Quotables All you can do is show value and continue to show up, encourage people to engage with you and build trust. Time is always going to be an obstacle, no matter what career you have. Quality is essential in how you show up versus quantity. Leadership isn’t for sissies. Leading others is hard because it’s personal. 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’

272: Teacher Leadership with Sahur Augsteen
With only five years of experience in the field of education, Sahur shares wisdom beyond her years in both teaching and leadership. Sahur has a calm confidence that will surely reignite your passion for teaching. As an ending to our summer series, this interview is just what you need to start your school year off right! You can read the article she talks about in the podcast here. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee You don’t necessarily need the years, just go about it in your own way and be excellent at what you do. Focus on being present on the day to day things you are working on. When I’m present I can realize the needs around me. Really great teachers come with a passion. Believe in the work that you’re doing. If you’re just committed to figuring it out in this life, you’re going to be okay. About Sahur Sahur Augsteen is a Campus Instructional Coach with five years of experience in education. Prior to becoming an instructional coach, she was an educator in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development (Hook 'em!), before going on to earn her Master's in Urban Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University. Coming from a family of educators, she feels that teaching is her calling! Sahur is an instructional leader who truly believes in the power of education and has seen how a dedicated teacher can change the trajectory of a student's life. Sahur loves to cheer others on! So much so that it is what she can be seen doing while coaching and supporting educators daily. Fostering relationships, being a servant leader and working alongside educators to help them polish their skills and talent is what bring her the most joy. She believe in continuously growing and dedicating herself to excellence. As a teacher, she was awarded Teacher of the Year her third and final year of being in the classroom. She has also been a mentor to first-year teachers and never misses the chance to make new staff on campus feel welcomed and supported! Outside of school, she loves to stay involved at church, spend time with family, drink coffee and work out. She can be found by the lake fishing or reading on any summer day. She always finds value in the small moments and looks for ways to spread kindness and love toward everyone she meets. Connect with Sahur: IG @thattexasteacher Twitter https://twitter.com/MsAugsteen Website https://sahuraugsteen.wixsite.com/website/growing-our-garden 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’

271: Reignite Your Passion in Education with Brian Sepe
Tune into this special episode in the summer series of the Empowering Educator's podcast. Brian Sepe is on and he shares with us how he reignites his passion for education. You'll gain practical tips to help you reignite your own passion for education. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Admit what you don’t know and find ways to be a learner around that. Everyone DESERVES a thought partner. Whatever happens today, the next presentation will definitely be better. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. The most successful educators that I’ve been around are not afraid to hand it over to their students. If you can’t walk the talk, it becomes really challenging for your colleagues to gain that trust. When it comes to teacher leadership, it’s really just about understanding and deploying empathy and really understanding what’s being said and what’s not being said in a way that we can support without the bells and whistles of something that isn’t attainable. About Brian Brian Sepe is educator, instructional coach, and consultant. He is passionate about exploring the habits, beliefs, and ideas of people who teach and is driven by the idea that everyone deserves a thought-partner and trusted coach. Brian received his MA from Canisius College and began his work in classrooms as a teacher and coach through the partnership with the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. He spent 17 years in Buffalo, NY as an elementary and middle school teacher and instructional coach. During the day, Brian can be found in classrooms supporting and empowering educators to find their voice and pursue their goals for their own learning and their impact on students. When Brian is not in the classroom, he serves as an adjunct professor at Canisius College and as a consultant and coach for the Western New York Teacher Residency Program. A program where early career educators experience a one year residency with a Master-Teacher in the city of Buffalo, NY. Brian is also a consultant with the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) with Jim Knight and learning partner with Growth Coaching International (GCI) In his free time, Brian enjoys writing for Choice Literacy, spending time with his family, and coaching baseball. Connect with Brian: FB @Brian.sepe.75 IG @Brian_sepe_ 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’

270: Instructional Coaching with Inga Parker
In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Inga Parker shares about her EDU journey. She encourages and inspires others to coach teachers well. Inga has a passion for advocating for new and seasoned teachers alike. Tune into this episode and leave empowered. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Just say you don’t know, it’s okay. You can know it all but if you don’t let them know you care about them, it’s all for not. Don’t compare your journey. About Inga Dr. Inga Parker is the Instruction and Personalized Learning Lead (IPLL) at Rocky Creek Elementary School in Hampton, Georgia. In this role, she serves general and special education teachers and students in grades Kindergarten through 5th. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Core Leadership/Administrative Team. Parker holds a BA degree in Sociology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Morris Brown College, a Masters Degree in Education from Touro University, and a Specialist and Doctoral Degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from Argosy University. Parker has been an educator for 22 years. While in the classroom she taught grades K, 1, 4, and 5. As an Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher, she taught grades K-2. In both roles, Parker often had leadership roles. She's had opportunities to serve as the grade level and committee chairperson, MTSS chairperson, testing coordinator assistant, mentor, and more. As a teacher leader, she believes that what matters most are relationships! It is her mission to engage teachers and students in equitable practices that enhances their performance, growth, and development. Parker is the creator of numerous professional developments for educators. Her most impactful PD sessions are Rigor, Re-Engagement, Relevance, and Relationships and Leveraging Healthy Conflicts in Teams, which was presented nationally at the Simply Coaching and Teaching Summer Summit 2021. She was recently selected by her colleagues to represent Rocky Creek as the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Parker is married to her amazing husband Frederick and together, they have one son, Asa. Connect with Inga: FB @loveleadliteracy IG @love_lead_literacy 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’

269: Untapped Potential with Linda Rhyne
Listen in to hear Linda Rhyne share her experience from being a teacher, coach to now being the owner of Linda Rhyne consulting. You'll be empowered as you hear about her EDU journey. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee There are so many people in our lives that have untapped potential that they do not see. I know a great teacher when the students love them but the students grow. The relationship has to be the gateway to being instructionally sound. We have to assume that people are showing up with their best selves. Something is more than nothing. We need to be authentic in what we do. If you can take a stance of staying curious- you will succeed. 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. Connect with Linda: IG @lindarhyneconsulting Twitter @lindaschultzie FB LindaRhyneConsulting Website: http://lindarhyneconsulting.com 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’

268: Effective Professional Development with Erica Harrell
Tune in and listen as Erica Harrell shares about her experience and knowledge with creating effective Professional Development opportunities for educators. You'll be inspired as Erica shares her challenges and wins along her education journey. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee When you are the expert…it’s often hard to make the information digestible for others because you want to give so much. Facilitators who really hit the nail on the head, get to know their learners. When you can be willing and transparent to show all the data, that’s when growth happens. As a PD facilitator there is a time to be the GPS and a time to be the map. About Erica: Erica Harrell is the CEO of Erica Harrell Consulting, an education consulting firm created to help dedicated educators create strategic professional development plans to increase student achievement and improve staff capacity. Erica has over 12 years of experience in K-8 education. She began her career as a special education teacher and has held multiple leadership roles from instructional coach to principal to Director of Leadership Development. In all of her roles, Erica has always had the desire to grow and help others do the same. As a school leader, Erica has led teams to develop strategic and comprehensive project plans for multi-day and multi-week professional development series and coached leaders to ensure high-quality session facilitation. Under her leadership, a team of school-based leaders facilitated 4-week summer professional development with an average of over 90% of participants rating sessions and operations as “Platinum” (highest rating on 5-point Likert scale) multiple years in a row. Erica is originally from Upstate New York. She attended University of Maryland, College Park for undergrad. She holds a MEd in Instructional Leadership from Relay Graduate School of Education. Erica currently lives in Maryland with her husband and one year old son. Connect with Erica: IG: @ericaharrellconsulting Email: [email protected] Podcast: The Power of PD Podcast 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’

CH Bonus: Coaching with a Classroom Management Lens
The end of the school year can get a little crazy, which is why now more than ever, it is important to remember that classroom management is a year-round thing. Take the time to check in with your teachers and start planning on how you can better support them in the fall. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where classroom management expert, Celeste, shares strategies for establishing strong classroom management routines and how you can support teachers and keep them accountable. Quotables Focus on classroom management as a lever to getting to the content. Classroom management is a year-round thing. Reflection makes you an effective teacher. Classroom management doesn’t have to be super complicated, but it needs to be consistent and appropriate. Classroom management is not a one size fits all. Think through all of the hiccups that can happen while teaching, and plan ahead on how to avoid them. Think outside the box. The end of the year is the perfect time to plan how you will support teachers in the fall. Connect with Celeste Instagram: @msceleste_online Youtube: Your Co-Teacher, Ms. Celeste 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: 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’

267: Effective School Leadership with Jamal Maxsam
Jamal Maxsam shares his wisdom about being an effective school leader. He will leave you motivated an inspired to make a change within your school or school district. If you are needing a recharge this summer, this episode is for you! Jamal will leave you feeling empowered to take on another school year. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee We have to be the problem solvers and we have to see the mission within the mess. That one thing that keeps bugging you is probably your mission. Maybe it’s not time to quit. Maybe it’s time to address the root of the frustration. Leadership is influencing people to take action. Don’t give up on your vision. When you have vision, communicate vision, and act on it- that’s when things happen. It’s not about you and what you do. It’s about how you motivate and support everyone else who’s doing the work. The role of a leader is to bring out the greatness in others. Your responsibility is not to lead everybody but to lead the right people. About Jamal: Jamal Maxsam is a friend; mentor to new and aspiring leaders as well as Edupreneurs. His mission is to ignite K-12 educators to be champions of change by stepping into leadership or Edupeneurhsip so they can rekindle their joy of being an educator. Jamal is known for his ability to plan strategically; helping those he serves create action steps to accomplish their vision and overcome the challenges of school leadership. Jamal obtained his first leadership role at the age of 16, managing a fast-food restaurant, leading his peers as well as adults. His success continued as he opened a new location of a franchise recruiting and training team members which resulted in several awards for sales and performance. Jamal shifted to education and continued to grow in the ability to develop people. He taught for 9 years then served as a school Principal. He has led a school with as many as 92 staff members, serving approximately 950 families. He also provided support to a school Principal at a school that served approximately 2,100 families. In addition to running his business, Jamal serves on the board of directors of a non-profit organization. Jamal lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife where they enjoy laughing and spending time together. Connect with Jamal: www.jamalmaxsam.org IG: @jamalmaxsam Twitter: jamalmaxsam LinkedIn: jamalmaxsam 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’

CH Bonus: Creating Mental Health Supports for Teachers
Mental health is a topic that is hard to talk about, but it is time that we address the elephant in the room. Now more than ever, it is important to come together to make a change. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where mental health expert, Charle, shares strategies for establishing strong relationships and addressing the mental health needs of teachers, students, and parents. The time is now to start talking and make your voice heard! Quotables Mental Health is a systemic issue. We need to acknowledge that feelings are part of the human experience, and how to handle them. Ask teachers what they need, and what can make their experience better. Let’s start the conversation now, before it’s too late. Kids need a space to talk; find a way to make everyone feel safe. Start brainstorming and being creative with what is in our power to control. If we keep doing the same things, we are going to keep having the same problems. Your voice does matter! You’re not going to change policy, and I’m not going to change policy, but together we can make a difference. Don’t give up on the system. Connect with Charle Email: [email protected] Twitter: @CharlePeck Website: thrivingschool.org Schedule a Discovery Call: calltsc.org 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: 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’

266: Mindset with Becca Silver
Becca Silver shares how she helps support Teacher Coaches by working on mindset. She discusses the importance of working on personal growth as well as professional growths and how both ares of our lives effect the other. You won't want to miss this important discussion! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee Coaches are the figure it out people What coaches end up doing is treating teachers the way they want to be treated and not the way the teacher wants to be treated. Don’t treat people the way you want to be treated but the way they want to be treated. There is a skill to be built to sense when something is off. Listen to better understand. If they can talk about it they can move through it and get back to instruction. Being self aware is really powerful. About Becca: Becca Silver is the founder and CEO of The Whole Educator. She is a highly energetic and knowledgeable trainer who approaches leadership development with transformational coaching skills and strategies. Becca is a former educator, instructional coach, life coach and executive coach. Her training programs and customized one-on-one coaching work focuses on fostering teacher buy-in, bridging knowledge gaps between leadership and staff and increasing teacher effectiveness and retention. Connect with Becca: www.thewholeeducator.com IG: @thewholeeducator Twitter: BeccaSilver_Edu LinkedIn: Becca Silver 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’

CH Bonus: Adapting to Different Teacher Needs
The end of the school year is the perfect time to reflect and prepare for the following year. It is important that we don't assume teachers need the same support year after year, and that we get to the root of the problems we can help with. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where we share strategies for adapting your coaching methods to meet the needs of all teachers. Quotables Find the true root of the problem. Divide and conquer. To be an effective leader, you don’t have to do it all. Lean on folks, but don’t push. You have to figure out what someone needs in order to get better, and a lot of times, it is not what they are asking for. People first, mindset second, professional growth third. You can be an effective professional and still be yourself. When you can leverage the talent within your building you become such a stronger leader. Link to Coaching Summit https://www.simplycoachingsummit.com/a/19590/xdLFeEkF 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: 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’

265: Get Motivated with Beth Segner
Beth Segner found herself burnt out where she was in education. That burn out ultimately lead her to a role of coaching which reignited her passion for education. Beth chats all things coaching and early math education. Tune in to hear actionable steps you can take right now to ensure you stay motivated, focused and productive! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee If they’re not seeing it in action, chances are, they are not going to implement it. We as coaches are connectors. You will be successful because you’re always trying to improve. There’s no set number of years that makes a great educator. About Beth: Beth Segner is a math instructional coach at a K-5 school in Tennessee. She has experience in coaching new & veteran teachers, best practices for math instruction, co-teaching strategies, systematizing data meetings to maximize effectiveness, and math interventions for struggling students. Beth aspires to contribute to the work of developing teachers’ capacity to understand math more deeply, follow the CRA model for mathematical understanding, and reduce math anxiety in students. Her educational passions include developing number sense, conceptual understanding, productive struggle, and the belief that EVERYONE can learn math. Connect with Gretchen Instagram: @elementarymathcoach Facebook: The Elementary Math Coach Website: www.bethsegner.com Linked - Media Mentioned: Graham Fletcher Brene Brown 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’

CH Bonus: Prepping Our Leadership Now for the Upcoming School Year
As we get closer to the end of the school year, sometimes we feel like we are being pulled in every direction. Schedules also change in the spring semester, and sometimes we find ourselves with nooks and crannies of time that we didn’t have before. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where our guest educator – Mel – shares her tips and tricks for leveraging your time now in order to be better prepared for next year. Quotables Celebration is helpful for the brain. Random acts of appreciation can make a difference. Everyone deserves to have their brains stretched. Don’t be afraid to just sit still for a minute and reflect. The only way to grow as a leader, is to expose yourself to people who are different. When you are fully fulfilled, you become more passionate about what you do. Doing anything to build community and camaraderie should be at the top of the list. Link to Coaching Summit https://www.simplycoachingsummit.com/a/19590/xdLFeEkF Link to Blog Post https://alwaysalesson.com/10-end-of-year-tasks-for-instructional-coaches/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests Connect with Melnequa Holloway Twitter: @Melnequah Facebook: Melnequa Holloway Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: 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’

264: Teacher Leadership with John Schembari
John Schembari shares about his journey within the education world. He discusses what it takes to be a true teacher leader and how you can leverage past experiences to add value to your teacher leadership journey. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee A true leader understands that it’s about empowering the community, not necessarily empowering themselves. We cannot do this alone. It requires all of us to step up and give our best. Educators throughout time have had similar concerns and stress… take comfort in that. You can have all the content knowledge in the world but if you can’t transmit it or get other people interested in it, you can’t teach. Sometimes you just need the right person to say the right thing at the right time. You have to help raise and grow people first and then everything else comes. That ignites my passion, to see the spread of good things. Not bad things. About John: Dr. John Schembari is an Improvement Coach through which he supports teachers and school leaders by performing on site evaluations, identifying data informed trends, reviewing curriculum/assessment materials, creating improvement plans, coaching individuals one-on-one, developing and delivering group trainings to educators, and implementing evidence-based instructional strategies that improve teaching practices and increase student learning. John’s areas of specific interest include the facilitation of professional learning communities and educator affinity networks, implementation of project-based learning, and the development of teaching practices that promote student engagement, equity, and inclusion. Prior to his time as a consultant, he served as a middle school teacher, high school social studies teacher, founding high school principal, K-12 district CAO, leadership development facilitator, and as national director of teacher and school leader learning. John also has lived/worked internationally in Japan, Saudi Arabia, and The United Kingdom, and, occasionally, performs on site reviews of American curriculum schools in The United Arab Emirates. Raised in New Jersey, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington (VA), his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh (PA), his second master’s degree in educational supervision from Montclair State University (NJ), and his doctorate in educational leadership from Seton Hall University (NJ). Linked - Media Mentioned: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnaschembari/ "Cultivating Genius" by Gholdy Muhammad "The Marshall Memo" Kim Marshall The 74 Education Week Educational Leadership The Main Idea 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’

CH Bonus: Tried and True Tips for Coaching Teachers
Coaching can be isolating. Sometimes we are at the end of our rope and thinking what else can I try? Tune in to this Bonus Clubhouse Episode where our guest educator – Kelsey – shares her tried and true tips on how to be the instructional coach that your teachers need. This chat not only provides tips on how to help teachers, but also ways to grow as a coach and not get overwhelmed in this leadership role. Quotables A short, pin-pointed coaching cycle can be motivating for teachers. Sometimes it doesn’t matter that you have years of experience or degrees, but that you have an outside perspective. It’s important as an instructional coach to shift and redirect some of the negative and toxic conversations. The best leaders are quiet. Sometimes there are seasons where you need to pump the breaks in order to get somewhere faster. Lean into your master teachers and veteran teachers in your building. Keep feedback new and exciting. You can’t pour from an empty cup; take care of yourself. Link to Coaching Summit https://www.simplycoachingsummit.com/a/19590/xdLFeEkF Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests Connect with Kelsey Bodie Instagram: @kelsey.bodie Twitter: @kelsey_bodie Website: www.kelseybodie.com Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: 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’

263: Wait Until Your Words Have Weight
Do your words have weight? Does the feedback you give to those that you coach provide the results that you know are possible or does your feedback land flat? What do you need to do in order to give feedback that people hear and apply? Tune in to gain some practical tips to help you gain influence with those you coach. Quotables In order for feedback to create change, it's got to be at the right time with the right relationship between the people. Words have weight only when you value who it is coming from. Being ready to listen- that's the first step. We are in the business of growing people. If we can't reach them as people first, we can't reach them as professionals next. Influence is an honor. Virtual Coaching Summit Ticket https://www.simplycoachingsummit.com/a/19590/xdLFeEkF 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’

CH Bonus: Alternative PD Options for Teachers
Covid has shaken things up in classrooms everywhere, but maybe it is time to shake up professional development as well! We invited multiple instructional coaches to talk about alternative formats for professional development, and how to get away from the one-hour passive meeting that so many of us have found ourselves trapped in. One thing that everyone can agree on, is that teachers don’t need one more thing added to their plate. We can still provide meaningful, authentic learning opportunities that get teachers excited to go back to the classroom each day. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where our guest educator – Kimberly – shares her ideas on how you can shake up your professional development, and get teachers excited about learning! Quotables It’s not that teachers don’t want to stay current or learn, but that they are so overwhelmed and overworked, that their brains can’t take in any new learning. Sitting for an hour does not equate to an hour of learning - make your time together come alive and be full of authentic learning opportunities. Be an advocate for teachers and see if any current responsibilities can be put on pause for now. Create actionable, bite-sized learning opportunities. Get to know your staff and what works for them; not everyone wants less. Don’t stop those teachers who are eager to learn! Maximize PD without putting more on teacher’s plates. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests Connect with Kimberly Holt Instagram: @eduk8tor_1920 Twitter: @mrsholtskids Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: 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’

262: Belief Over Reality
Your mind is a powerful tool. What you believe becomes your reality. What beliefs do you hold that may be holding you back? How can you turn your thoughts into productive actions for your desirable outcome? Quotables You become what you believe What do you believe about yourself? Does that belief match your current reality? It doesn’t have to. Thoughts. Actions. Outcomes It starts with the belief in yourself. It’s never too late to turn the boat around. Your reality is not where the story stops. Think, believe and act like your future self. 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’

CH Bonus: Secrets to Powerful PD for Teachers
Gone are the days that PD sessions should be viewed as a one-and-done meeting. Professional development should be seen as a whole program experience, that people will talk about and think about after it is over. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where our guest educator – Erica – shares her tips, tricks, and secrets on how to plan and implement the most powerful and productive PD sessions for your teachers. Quotables We have a lot of talent in our school buildings that aren’t being leveraged and it’s because the ways we are setting up learning opportunities for us adults. Adults learn because they are in a specific role for learning. Start with the end in mind. Less is more – bring it down to a bite-sized learning objective. Learning doesn’t always have to be a PD session; professional development meets learners where they are. Remember there is magic in the simple stuff too. Every minute you spend talking is one less minute that they have to collaborate and implement their learning. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests Connect with Erica Harrell Instagram: @ericaharrellconsulting Facebook: Erica Harrell Consulting Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: 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’

261: Capturing Fear
Fear can be crippling and truly rob us of our greatest potential. Fear can keep us from taking that new position or doing hard things. How can we overcome fear? Listen in as I share about my experience with fear and the steps I have taken to take control of it instead of it taking control of me. Quotables Perspective and acknowledgment of what was happening really helped me drive out fear. (Fear) is not healthy or productive. It limits your growth, potential and enjoyment. Do you have a strength that you are allowing to be used against you? You have to take the control back. Fear is something you can control. You can manage it by understanding it. If we don’t get ahold of what holds us, we are never going to have the impact we are meant to have. If we want kids to set goals, take risks and become who they were meant to become- it starts with us. 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’

CH Bonus: Stress and Teacher Support
Teachers are stressed out now more than ever before. As teacher leaders, it is important that we know and understand the stressors our teachers face so that we can help with solutions. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat as we discuss the stressors our teachers are facing and how we can help. Quotable We need to give them (teachers) a voice especially right now with stress. They might feel like when we are giving them a solution it’s just one more thing because it may not fit there personality, style, or their day to day. Maybe we need to rethink the whole process of the requirement of the lesson plan. When we limit options, that immediately decreases stress. We have to move past traditional PD. It’s too much. Many of our teachers are mourning traditional practices. We are not going back to normal so we have to help guide teachers to find their new identity. Help teachers develop the mindset of turning this impossible situation into a possible opportunity. Make time to visit classrooms… just to check in. Teachers want us to listen but they also want us to see what’s happening. The morale and the culture (of the school) helps us to retain teachers. Stamp of Approval To connect with Lori Poole on Instagram: @levelupliteracy or email [email protected] To connect with Inga Parker on Instagram: @love_lead_literacy 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: 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’

260: Jon Orr and Kyle Pearce
Jon Orr and Kyle Pearce discuss their Make Math Moments Three Part Framework. In their framework they discuss sparking curiosity within students all while fueling student sense making and igniting your teacher moves. Jon and Kyle make it easy to help us inspire our students to dive deeper in the classroom Quotables How do we engage our thinkers? How do we get our students thinking in our classrooms and how do we get them more curious? One of the best compliments or feedback we can receive is when the bell rings and the students say, “Wow, that went by fast!” We discovered that what we really need to focus on are, “What are the elements that make moments in our math class?” Caring about kids and who they are is an important part of teaching. Two key characteristics teachers should have is being reflective and being open. About Jon: Jon is a math teacher at John McGregor Secondary School in the Lambton-Kent District School Board in Ontario Canada. When not teaching his students and spending time with family he leads workshops and presentations on teaching pedagogy in the math classroom. He is a co-host of the podcast Making Math Moments That Matter along with his friend Kyle Pearce. Lately he is excited about promoting struggle in his students and talking math with primary aged kids while creating math prompts for MathBeforeBed.com. You can follow his classroom lessons, routines, and educational thoughts at Mrorr-isageek.com, makemathmoment.com and also on Twitter: @MrOrr_Geek About Kyle: Kyle is the K-12 Mathematics Consultant with the Greater Essex County District School Board, where his passion for mathematics fuels him to uncover creative ways to spark curiosity and fuel sense making through the inquiry process using tasks that are contextual, visual and concrete. He shares his most recent noticings, wonderings, and reflections in mathematics pedagogy and effective uses of technology by delivering workshops across North America and blogging on www.tapintoteenminds.com, www.mathisvisual.com, on the Making Math Moments That Matter Podcast, and @MathletePearce on Twitter Linked - Media Mentioned: Website - https://makemathmoments.com/ Podcast - https://makemathmoments.com/podcast/ Peter Liljedahl "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics" Dan Meyer "3 Act Math Tasks" Cathy Fosnot "New Perspectives on Learning" John A Van De Walle "Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Teaching Developmentally" 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’

CH Bonus: Collaborative Planning Teams
Planning as a team is essential. Many times, though, we find that time to plan is not on our side. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat as we discuss how to structure collaborative planning teams with teachers! Quotable Sometimes conversations need more time. Splitting up that time throughout the week allows for those deeper conversations. Modeling - practicing those activities in team meetings. Practicing and perfecting - we know it's as efficient as it's going to be, and as accurate as it's going to be, and helpful to students learn and achieve. Change our mindset to truly collaborate - give everyone a voice. It can organically work out, without taking work home. Do the pre-work: come prepared with a resource or something for that particular content area. Don't be afraid to slow down. Stamp of Approval To connect with Inga Parker on Instagram: @love_lead_literacy To connect with Denise Newsome on Instagram/Twitter: @MsNewsomesNotes To connect with Melissa via 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: 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’

259: Max Out Your Minimum
After several years of pushing our limits, giving all we have as educators, it's time to truly maximize our efforts. How might we scale back from the stress and give our best when tasks are piling up each day? Allow yourself to be fully present and effective. This happens when you discover that sweet spot in maximizing your small jobs done well. Let's find out how! Quotables Less is more! Let us reprioritize and share the workload. Cut the fat - what can you scale back on? Find our way back to thriving. Linked - Media Mentioned: Website - https://www.wewillskyrocket.com Podcast - https://www.wewillskyrocket.com/podcast/ 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’

CH Bonus: Prep, Priorities, and Plenty of Rest over the Holiday Break
Effective time management is the secret of success; prioritizing our tasks can help us achieve better education quality and better teaching results. As an educator, we should always be looking ahead and planning. Join today’s bonus Clubhouse episode, listen to our guest educator - Tammy- share her experience and tips with us! Quotable “It’s essential for us to learn this habit of looking ahead, planing ahead, prioritizing, getting in the calendar” “When you take the time before you take the time to really know what’s coming, then you can really maximize your time away” “We prioritize tasks over our time, something I have been getting better at is being really really thoughtful of how I use my time” “When we are thinking about prioritizing our time, and really focusing on things that we need to do that require the quality time and effort and focus, we should have those time to decide in larger chunks” Stamp of Approval To connect with Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman on Twitter: @TMus_Ed 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: 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’

258: Leverage Your Surroundings
In times of uncertainty, or an emergency, we can find ourselves in a place of panic. When we are reminded of the people and resources around us, though, we are grounded. Listen in to hear a very personal incident I recently encountered that helped me recognize how to leverage my community and resources! Quotables Leverage what and who is around you. Who is more knowledgable than you in specific areas and how can you contact them? What is your weakness, find someone with that strength. Accept your limitations! When an opportunity comes, you are ready to execute. You will never make an impact by yourself! 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’

CH Bonus: Supporting Teachers in Burnout
When teachers get through the rough patch of the work, what can we do to help them work through the different phases of burnout? You can dip into burnout one day, and come back out. And it's important, to be honest with yourselves about where you are in burnout, and how to get out of it. Join the podcast now and find out more detailed methods to support our teachers! Quotables Students are coming to their classrooms with different needs, and that really isn't being acknowledged. As leaders, a part of that responsibility is kind of being a good model, being compassionate, being open to be receptive to the needs of your teachers. There are things that we can change to bring excitement into our day. And sometimes that is enough to distract the brain from the ho hum. It's true you're gonna find burnout in any profession, what you need to do is recognize these things in yourself and in your environment. I might still be in burnout, but I'm making progress towards being burned in which is what Amber says, then that is motivating to make you keep coming to work and keep trying and keep trying to figure it out. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests Heather Ann Michel Instagram: dr.michel_coaches https://smart.bio/dr.michel_coaches/ Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: 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’

257: Beat the Wave of Stress
The waves of stress seems to be inevitable, especially as an educator. Maybe the workload is unreasonable, or there are unrealistic expectations. How do we alter the role of stress so we can be productive and successful? This week I have a strategy to help us educators ride the wave rather than be consumed by it! Quotables Get ready to troubleshoot instead of going on an emotional roller coaster Educators that are successful right now are the ones that are flexible Expect the wave to hit - expect the problem Create a manageable workload Don't let stress steal your joy, or career 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’

256: Habits Over Resolutions
Though resolutions are fun and exciting to create, they very rarely last long. Habits on the other hand are formative and foundational in our daily lives. As we form habits in the classroom, we will start to have a greater impact on our teachers and students. In this week's episode, explore ways to create and follow through with habits! Quotables Make positive change. Show up on repeat to build the habit. What does it mean for us as we age and rely on them (younger generation)? I support coaches who support teachers who support students. Whatever your position is in education...take it seriously! Stamp of Approval: New Year's Resolutions Activities Bundle 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’

255: Teacher Evolution with Claude Larson
Claude Larson, a 25-year veteran of teaching in New Jersey public schools, who later decided to get out of her comfort zone and became an impactful entrepreneur in professional development and teen education. The innovative teaching methods in her books serve teachers who are seeking higher student engagement in the classroom and better student motivation in their lives. In the interview, she shares helpful advice for teachers in distress to stay connected and empowered. Tune in to learn about her journey of being an ever-evolving educator! Quotables “I knew if I was in a place where I really enjoyed what I doing, I was gonna have the most success.” “If you want to become the best educator that you are capable of becoming, you have to get out of your comfort zone and try different things…Because all of that helps shape your perspective.” “What teachers of excellence mean for me is that they are constantly changing, constantly evolving.” “When you set out to be an educator, it will be so impactful to every other aspect of your life.” “Once I build a better relationship with my students, I would get everything I planned with less distraction.” Stamp of Approval Seth Godin’s Blog & Podcasts: https://seths.blog/podcasts/ The Power of Choice: A Teen’s Guide to Personal Success: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Choice-Finding-Personal-Success/dp/1735725803 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Claude Instagram: @thepowerofchoiceforsuccess Website: ClaudeBLarsonLLC.com 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’

CH Bonus: Creating a Soft Impact with Teachers
At this time of the year, teachers are pretty worn out and it’s time for teacher leaders to take actions and make an impact! We invited multiple instructional coaches to talk about their ways to assist teachers in their professional development. One thing they all agree on, is that teachers need partnership instead of normal coaching cycles. They need a helping hand instead of pushing one. Tune in to this replay of an impactful clubhouse chat to find out more detailed methods to revitalize our teachers! Quotables Just let people know they are appreciated when they are pretty drained. A lot of times as teacher leaders, we feel like we have to be super strategic, but sometimes we just need to be human. Be relevant, be visible, and continue the work we are doing without being in their (students’ or teachers’) face. (A softer impact) doesn’t mean that we are weakening our impact, we are attacking from a new angle, a way that respects the stress and overwhelms. You’d hate to make a teacher think he/she had accomplished nothing at the end of the year. It’s time to re-establish your expectations. Sometimes we kind of jump from thing to thing, but a deep dive into what we do can be really helpful. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Guests: Jodi- TW: @jodimos Becky- Schoolhouse Mentoring FB Group, IG: Schoolhouse Mentoring 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’

254: Close Out Strong
Building momentum and excitement for what is coming next is something really important, whether you are a teacher or a leader. This "teaser method" Netflix uses to set up what is coming in the next episode or season to attract audiences to subscribe and tune in can be used in education too. Tune in to figure out how to use this method to build momentum and excitement. Quotables “As an educator, we want to make sure we do that for both the kids that serve and the adults.” “We want to close out the calendar year or the semester really strong by leading people into what is coming next year.” “Time is now to prepare your close out plan so that the teachers and the students are excited to come back and diving headfirst like no toes in the water.” “Praise people as they are learning” 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’

253: Speak So They Listen
We as educators talk all day long. We don't spend much time on our own speaking ability. It's time to focus on speaking effectively so your audience (students, teachers, parents, and community members) can hear you loud and clear. We want to evoke change and growth- not become talking heads. We have one voice and an amazing podium. Tune in to hear 10 tips to speak more effectively in your edu-role (plus, learn a fun acronym to level up your speaking game). Quotables Speak so your audience can hear you. Otherwise you're wasting everyone's time. I was prioritizing pacing over proficiency. What's the likelihood it will stick? Allowing folks to listen is an entryway..but we can't stop there. They will lean in and listen when you make it apply to them. Personalize your message... from their perspective, interest, and personality traits 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’

CH Bonus: Ditch the Overwhelm- Right Size PD for Teachers
This bonus episode that first aired on the Clubhouse app within the Instructional Coaching Club. This chat focused on creating prioritized, aligned PD options for teachers that ends in results instead of overwhelm. Tune in to this Clubhouse chat with co-host and literacy leader Lori Poole! Quotables What is our one cohesive goal? It's not one more thing, it's the one thing I don't have to add another plate- I already have a plate and am adding seasoning to it The way we have done PD in the past... is not translating to better practice in classrooms Wet their appetite before coming to to the learning session Giving voice and choice is one way to avoid overwhelm You don't have to be a leader in every single moment Provide small increments of learning so they can level up Stamp of Approval Winter Coaching Summit: https://www.sctacademy.com/a/19590/ijnqsvLG Voxer voice messaging app: voxer.com Zoom: https://zoom.us/ Join the Live Convo on Clubhouse Clubhouse.com Follow the "Instructional Coaching Club" Chats are Sundays at 8:00 pm EST Connect with Lori Twitter: @levelupliteracy Instagram: @levelupliteracy Email: [email protected] 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’

252: Know Your Options
Do you know how many opportunities are out there for teachers? The opportunities are unlimited! You'll find out something you don’t know- certifications, schools that are a better fit, and even more leadership options! I’m here to help teachers find missed opportunities and information while helping ideas and dreams become realistic. Quotables It’s hard to aspire to something you haven’t been exposed to Don’t fear losing good people at your school, fear losing them in your profession I want to be the lead of my own story Our opportunities are not only black and white Make it happen, do the work, chase the dream, try to step out 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’