Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Students learn in a variety of ways which means their behavior while learning is very different too. Often times, we teachers make assumptions based on face value of who is paying attention, who is working hard, who is confused, etc. It’s important that we push past these facades and dig in to what is really going on behind the learning behaviors of our students. Tune in for tips on how to get accurate feedback on student learning needs! Quotables: Assumptions are fuzzy and inaccurate Don’t come to a conclusion based on false evidence My assumption gave me a false takeaway We have to be careful to not take student behavior at face value Assumptions are short cuts that lead to dead ends Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The first few years as a teacher in a classroom can be overwhelming trying to learn all of the ropes. But, how a teacher spends this time period is critical to the longevity of their career. Tune in to hear tips and tricks (as well as fabulous resources) for how to be a sponge as a new teacher so that you can be more effective faster! Quotables You can take bits and pieces of their strategy to sew together your own I was open to learning, but I put a system in place so that I could process and apply it at a later date without passing the opportunity up You can’t go implement EVERY idea you receive Strike while the iron is hot Gretchen’s Stamp of Approval Podcasts edupodcastnetwork.com Elite Edupreneurs by Rachel of Bright Futures Counseling Learning Leader by Ryan Hawk Social Media Facebook- New Teacher Support Group [see below] IG hashtag- #teachersfollowteachers Books “The First Days of School” by Harry Wong “Teach Like a Champion” by Doug Lemov “Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College” by Gretchen Bridgers Blogs The Organized Classroom by Charity Preston Bloglovin’ Conferences Get Your Teach On Teach Your Heart Out Happy Go Teach Ron Clark Academy Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Acknowledging the talents and contributions of others shouldn’t be limited to something only done in our professional lives. We have to pour into each other in all aspects of our lives. Tune in to hear how I incorporate building relationships through empowering others in my everyday life and how you can do it too! Quotables What a waste for that thought to remain just a thought. It does nothing for my progress as a person to think nice things about other people and not tell them. You never know when it’s your last day. So you might as well go make someone’s day while you can! You don’t have to be someone’s mentor, evaluator or leader to give them feedback. Giving freely of your thoughts is an act of kindness that could save lives Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Teaching is overwhelming and teachers often put themselves last in self-care. This leads to burn out and a short career. Advocating for your needs can be hard and well, awkward. But by reflecting on what you need, requesting what you need, and requiring what you need you’ll be able to lead your own march! Tune in to hear 4 actionable steps to ensure you advocate for your needs just as successfully as you do for your students. Quotables “Just like you advocate for the needs of your students, advocate for yourself. Reflect what you need. Request what you need. Require what you need.” – Gretchen of Always A Lesson No one gets left behind- not on our watch, not in our classroom If you focus so much on student needs that you neglect what you need as a teacher and as a person, you are going to lose your effect on your students Respect the folks you work with because everyone has something to contribute Once I knew WHAT [I needed], I [had] to figure out WHO could help and HOW they could help Advocating for your needs ensures great teachers stay in the profession Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Kayse Morris is a teacher by day and a curriculum designer by night. She develops quality resources for teachers grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. She has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Instructional Technology and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for life and thinks that beauty lies within the simple things. Her philosophy is that ‘Simplicity is where the magic happens.’ Kayse thrives on student relationships and rigorous instruction. Her catch phrase is: “Let’s teach on less, love a little more, and change the world one child at a time. It’s time to bring teaching back to the basics.” Kayse has had the privilege of working with Amazon during this back to school season as a LIVE television host on Amazon Live. In addition, she also worked with Georgia Public Television and the Georgia Department of Education.QuotablesThat’s what we do as teachers, we mold and just do it!Delegate- give duties and responsibilities to studentsLet go a little bitLove makes the teacher the best they can beIf a teacher has great classroom management, then they can teach moreKids don’t get to be kids enoughThis too shall passWe can get buried in the emotional stress of being a teacher and the drama that goes on in a school buildingDon’t get caught up in what the classroom looks likeThe answer is… YES!My goals got bigger and my dreams got biggerIt’s always good to have plans A, B, C, and DLife should be easyKayse’s Stamp of ApprovalFoldablesInteractive Notebooks“My Time/ Your Time” Clip SystemMentors- Shelly Rees and Jen JonesConnect with KayseWebsite: http://www.kaysemorris.com TpT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kayse-MorrisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingonlessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaysemorristeachingonlessYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kaysemorris1Email: [email protected] with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Sometimes there’s no other option but to rely on ourselves, dig in our heels, and do the hard work. Developing your teacher craft is no different in that your determination to become greater must outweigh your need to be told what to do. Tune in to hear how to be your own lifeline in becoming your best. Quotables “I need to get better at teaching. I want to be better for my students, parents, school… I’m so impatient to get there, but I’m determined to get there.” – Jordan Potrzeba The most reliable option you have on your journey to greatness is yourself In life we have to complete hurdles before new levels of opportunity arise Mind over matter Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

There is always something “new” being asked of teachers. It can be quite overwhelming to implement every change while still maintaining your own style in the classroom. Tune in to hear how teacher leaders can help bridge the gap between requirements and teacher freedom. Quotables What matters is that teachers feel like they can meet the requirements AND still do their own thing. I haven’t figured out how to make this work for me. Your biggest impact comes from your relationship with teachers. I hope everyone out there has a leader in their professional life who cares so much that they are willing to sit next to you while you struggle, working through the mess, and celebrating with you as you succeed. Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Engagement can be a tricky aspect of any instructor’s lesson plan delivery. Ensuring students have high engagement with the content being taught requires a dance between student and teacher. Empowering students with ownership and accountability in the classroom is one way to ensure quality engagement in every lesson. Tune in to hear how to get started! Quotables Now is the time to ramp up the student ownership because they don’t need you as much Don’t waste another minute putting on a show You’re the guide on the side now Start small, but be consistent The more you get them to be in the driver’s seat, the greater the likelihood they will remain the head leader on their learning journey You control the pace, momentum and the flow TpT Product Mentioned in the Episode Increasing Student Ownership in the Classroom Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Information is at our fingertips these days, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing. It becomes too easy to over-consume information, leading to anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. Avoid the edu-consumption overload by following three simple steps outlined in this podcast episode. Quotables The moment you go a mile wide and an inch deep in any facet of your life, you lose your effectiveness and sanity Your brain and body need balance When you consume too much information, your brain cannot sift through it to use it Your kids need to see that there’s power in making choices that are best for ourselves and it might not always be the popular choice, but it’s what is right for our own development and self-improvement Past Podcast Episode Mentioned Don’t let FOMO Steal Your Magic Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Suzanne Cresswell is an occupational and physical therapist who has worked with unique learners for over three decades. Suzanne works to educate and provide proven solutions and strategies to those that parent, instruct and work with unique learners. By creating an understanding of unique learners and their learning behavior, she helps parents, teachers and the students themselves find the ability in learning disability.QuotablesThe heart is the brain behind the brainMovement is necessary for cognitionAsk “How So?”To educate you have to be slightly better than dry and boringTipIncorporate movement breaks into the learning dayConnect with SuzanneWebsite: UniqueLearnerSolutions.comEmail: [email protected]: Unique Learner Solutions: Discover the Ability in Learning Disability Free ebook: uniquelearnersolutions.com/ebookConnect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

To truly become GREAT at something, it requires intention, practice, reflection, and time. Effective educators are no different. Tune in to hear 8 tips for how new teachers can transform their novice abilities into accomplished, effective talent. Quotables Your hard work doesn’t always produce favorable results “You have to go slow to go fast” Effective teachers blossom in the most unusual of places The process is the most important part Get your head and your heart right and then put your ideas into action You can’t get better if you don’t stop to think about how things are going You want long-term greatness, not just a moment in the sun Gretchen’s Stamp of Approval “You are special today” red plate Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Don’t wait to step up to the plate and lead those around you just because you don’t have a title. The best leaders don’t have leadership titles because leadership is something you are, not something you do. Tune in to hear strategies for how to overcome obstacles that those who lead without a title face so that you can be your best while helping those around you become their best. Quotables “Bring the deer back to the camp” “Step up to the plate” We had to work for it and working can’t happen if you stay stuck and still Leadership is action; it’s deliberate decisions; it’s in your mindset and in your muscles. Leaders are givers. Leaders are learners. Leaders are helpers. Leaders are doers. Don’t wait to be asked. Don’t wait until you have the paycheck. Don’t wait until you have the time. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Using a countdown in the classroom can be extremely effective. However, teachers innocently misuse countdowns during instruction. Tune in to hear tips on WHEN and WHEN NOT to use a countdown in the classroom so that student learning is maximized. Quotables Countdowns create urgency and keep the focus on behavior management so that we can get down to learning The best teachers empower kiddos to take charge of the momentum of class Countdowns should be used sparingly or they lose their effectiveness Going to school for kids is their job Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Differentiation is the latest buzz in education, but the reality of what it looks like in the classroom has yet to be solidified. Many new teachers struggle with providing personalized learning experiences to their students not because they do not understand what differentiation is, rather it’s the logistical, organizational part of differentiation that leaves them stuck. Tune in to hear what you can do today to begin differentiating instruction for your students! Quotables Write everything in pencil Differentiation really just means whatever you are doing to help students learn, make sure it’s applicable to where they are as a learner Differentiation isn’t something we do for a short period throughout the day; it’s a mindset we have in reaching our kids. It’s personalizing the experience so that kids can be successful Learning is messy and a constant problem to be solved Gretchen’s Tip Content- WHAT you teach the kids Process- HOW you teach the kids Product- HOW the kids demonstrate their learning Join the Facebook Group Elementary New Teacher Group (Group 1872455209751203) Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

 Corey Knight has extensive experience in the classroom with technology. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in secondary education, he became a classroom teacher at an urban middle school in Indiana. After two years, he began working on my post graduate degree which he earned from Ball State University in Educational Technology and Curriculum.He was immediately offered a job to be a tech coach for the district he worked at, but he kindly rejected the offer in order to stay in the classroom and continue working with students. He has a real experience with students and applying iPad technology in the classroom. While working in the classroom, he found that there was a need for teachers to learn how to apply technology in their classrooms in a meaningful way. The development of Classroom Tech Made Simple is the direct result of that need being met.Corey continues to teach in the classroom today and enjoys working with students and teachers alike to help make the classroom a fun, challenging, and rigorous environment for learning.QuotablesExperience is the best teacherFind your own pathBe flexibleSee a teachable moment and capitalize on itMake it relevant to studentsDon’t be afraid to fail… it’s only a bad thing if you don’t learn anything from that failureCelebrate small successes“Every master starts as a disaster”When we get complacent in education, our teaching is lackingReferenced Blog PostCode Switching in the ClassroomCorey’s Tech Stamp of ApprovalQuizletShowbieGoogle ClassroomAdobe SparkConnect with CoreyWebsite: https://www.classroomtechmadesimple.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/classroomtechmadesimple/Twitter: @coreyleeknightSkype: coreyleeknightEmail: [email protected] with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

When life gets tough, we need the right people by our side to help us get through it. But in order for those right people to be there we have to do our part and invest in those relationships, regardless of how bad or busy our lives are. Tune in to hear 4 steps to keeping healthy relationships in motion. Quotables Sometimes those friendships are just as necessary in our life as food and water Choose your circle of influence wisely You can’t expect people to show up for you if you have been putting them on the backburner Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Teachers face some tough obstacles on their journey in the classroom. But those circumstances don’t define who they are as a person or a professional. Tune in to hear 4 steps for how you can write your story so that it has the impact and ending that you dream of. Quotables “Circumstances don’t make your life interesting. You make your life interesting. Write your story.” AMB Do not let your circumstances take you down, turn you around or worse… eject you out of the game. Your circumstance does not define you, you define you. You have to become clear with what has happened and what is currently happening before you can even imagine a healthy path forward. You can control what decisions you make and what behaviors you exhibit. I didn’t want secrets. I wanted recipes for success. Referenced Podcast Episode Bonus Edition- Interview with Nicole Turner Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Classroom management can be tricky when we react to student behavior instead of setting up procedures. Oftentimes, we let the heat of the moment control our brain and we end up making decisions that hinder student learning. Tune in to hear two scenarios of classroom management struggles where tips are shared so that the problem and solution go together like a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich! Quotables One of the major reasons why teachers struggle with classroom management has little to do with their content knowledge or their passion to teach. It all comes down to clarity. Quiet is not the same as silent Your wording choice has a huge impact on the result of your classroom behaviors It’s not about winning a war of who’s right and who’s most responsible. It’s about helping kids. All day every day. If your solution is hindering learning, you are the problem Every decision we make impacts kids We have to design our learning space and vibe so it encourages students to show up and apply themselves Students need to love learning but more importantly they need to BE ABLE to love learning Gretchen’s Stamp of Approval “What to Do” Technique by Doug Lemov featured in Teach Like a Champion Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The work-life balance struggle is never more real than when you realize there’s more parts than just work and life that you need to balance. Life itself consists of numerous titles (mom, wife, daughter, friend, etc) that are getting put on the back burner. Tune in to hear 3 tips you can implement today to make time for all these different parts of you. Quotables Sometimes I feel like my identity is being lost in all this pulling back There are other parts of me that are getting neglected I have to say ‘yes’ in the future, but ‘no’ right now You can’t just keep life moving and disregarding these other aspects because they are more important than you might realize Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Bill Cecil is a recently retired, 31-year veteran teacher for the Waverly Community Schools in Lansing, MI. Bill believes every teacher is a leader with a team to lead, and he has created a program called “Best Year Ever!” that provides teachers with a clear vision, blueprint, and proven strategies to create a positive, safe, and productive learning environment where individuals strive for personal best while working together to achieve team goals.Bill graduated with honors from Western Michigan University. While attending Western, Bill earned four varsity letters playing on the men’s soccer team and discovered his love of teaching while coaching youth soccer camps for the Broncos. Not only did Bill discover teaching through soccer, he learned the potential power a group of individuals have when they work together with a shared purpose or set of goals. He has incorporated those same teambuilding strategies into his own teaching with great success.Bill was chosen Michigan Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004. Bill spent that year on sabbatical working for the Michigan Department of Education setting an ambitious goal to meet with as many educators, legislators, community members, and teachers in training as possible to help spread an “epidemic of hope and determination” throughout the state of Michigan that now is still a great time to be involved in education.In the Spring of 2013, Bill traveled to China as a member of a small delegation of professional educators and policymakers from Michigan to explore ways our two countries can work together in the future to enhance educational opportunities. The seven day trip included stops in Beijing, Jilin, and Xi’an.Bill continues to speak at various colleges and universities sharing ideas and strategies from the book he has written called Best Year Ever! Winning Strategies to Thrive in Today’s Classroom and coaches new teacher– one-on-one and in small groups– on classroom management, team building (building relationships), and leadership. Bill has also created a free video series on his website (bestyearever.net) called the “B.Y.E. Top 100” which is a collection of one hundred short videos (each under 5 min.) that focus on leadership, team building, and classroom management.QuotablesThere are times I am on the ropes like a boxer, absorbing blows thinking how much more of this can I take? I feel like I was knocked down.Re-focus on your “why”Come in with a positive attitude and look for things to get excited aboutMake the fire brighterThe power of team- something larger than ourselvesTake a life-lesson bird walkDon’t be glibThink of yourself as an artistEnthusiasm is contagiousDon’t let fear hold you backI don’t hang around nay-sayers; it’s like second hand smokeBill’s Stamp of Approval‘Option B’ by Sheryl Sandberg‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek‘Growth Mindset’ by Carol DweckConnect with BillWebsite: bestyearever.netLinked-In: Bill CecilEmail: [email protected] with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The teaching profession is not all rainbows. There are trying times and when teachers do not receive support from their leaders in how to navigate these rougher waters, the rainbows not only disappear but so do the teachers. We cannot risk losing more great teachers to other professions. Tune in to learn 4 steps in how to support teachers in efforts to retain this passionate talent. Quotables We as teacher leaders need to prioritize retention of our best and brightest teachers or we might lose them forever. Grab your net and save these teachers from overwhelm. It’s like swimming in the ocean and being handed a life jacket and a boogie board and someone swimming next to you encouraging you on your journey. Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Educators are not islands; we work with numerous people all day. There are times where relationships aren’t harmonious and it’s up to us educators to repair these connections so that the partnership can flourish and so can students. Tune in to hear how to repair a broken relationship with colleagues. Quotables You NEVER know what people are going through as they sit before you or even work alongside you You can’t UNDO anything, but you can repair it Put the work in ahead of time- this is what I call “preventive relationship care” You have to prioritize being human over doing work All relationships have bumps in the road It doesn’t mean you can’t work with people who are not just like you; it means you need a great deal of cushion to support the relationship. If you don’t call out the small stuff, you won’t call out the big stuff Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

A lot of frustrated educators can alleviate their pain by learning to love the detours and obstacles that come their way. This often means embracing options other than their current one, and making the most of those options. Tune in to hear how Option B can be just as amazing as Option A in your professional life when you learn how to work it just right! Quotables It’s your reality now and you have to deal with it Sometimes its your plan A for a season or a moment Allow the plan to work itself Dominoes have to fall in a particular order and, more importantly, a specific time frame Plan B isn’t so bad and most often my plan B becomes my best plan A scenario It might not look like what you want, but it might be the best thing for you It might not be what you want right now, but it might be the cut through road to where you cannot wait to be “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”- John Lennon Plan within reason, but don’t put blinders on to what is happening around you Stamp of Approval Option B by Sheryl Sandburg Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

You can’t live out your potential and bless others if you are not living out your WHY. A future guest inspired me to help you avoid being “glib” because that doesn’t benefit you or those you serve. So tune in to hear what you can do today to put yourself on the right track to living a more purpose-filled life as an educator! Quotables When you pour everything you have into something you do, it shows If we all could just turn up the dial when its comes to being a learner and find more joy in the process we might just end up painting that masterpiece after all. Why did you become an educator? Why do you remain an educator? What is part of your fabric from which you operate? Don’t just go through the motions. Find out what lights a fire under you and go do that There’s a season for everything That’s not my thing and I’m okay with it Stamp of Approval Start With Why by Simon Sinek Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT is a former educator turned Career Transition and Job Search Coach. She is an expert on teacher burnout, teacher stress, and general stress management techniques for those who are experiencing the pain and heartache of teacher burnout—a specific form of burnout that differs to some degree from the job burnout of other professionals. Kitty provides one-on-one and group coaching specifically for teachers who are ready to break free of the stifling confines of today’s classroom. With her assistance, her clients explore their career alternatives, learn effective job search strategies, and ultimately change their career path for a new, more satisfying direction.One of Kitty’s strengths is that she understands teachers and their burnout first-hand. From 2008-2012, after a 33-year career as a teacher and elementary school library media specialist, Kitty served as President of the Virginia Education Association, Virginia’s largest teacher association, serving over 55,000 members across the Commonwealth. During the time she served in that role, she traveled all over the state and she talked with hundreds of teachers about the teaching conditions they were facing. Since leaving the VEA and starting her coaching enterprise, she has talked with dozens of individuals who are seeking to make a change in their career because of their own burnout, boredom, or disillusionment.As an expert on teacher burnout, Kitty also offers workshops for teacher groups and school divisions on stress management techniques that teachers can use in an effort to ward off symptoms of burnout.QuotablesKitty’s Stamp of ApprovalConnect with KittyConnect with GretchenLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in 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’

As a teacher leader it’s so easy to just make decisions without thinking through the ramifications. Long-run leadership describes someone who is forward thinking and makes sacrifices for the good of the group so that down the line everyone benefits. Tune in to hear how you can become a long-run leader in no time! Quotables Don’t be that person who puts your own needs before others When you take your extra energy and pour it back into the group you serve you are elevating the success of everyone Take your eyes off your feet and start looking in the distance In those singular moments you are establishing your leadership style, but more importantly you are establishing your leadership strength You are here to help people not to advance yourself Hold out for the long term benefit Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Sometimes we are in a career where something is missing. We aren’t quite sure what that something is or what to do about it. This episode will walk you through 5 passion statements to get you moving in the right direction so that your talent will be best showcased and utilized to bless others! Grab your freebie here: Quotables Nothing beats work ethic Just because you are great doesn’t mean you don’t need help We all make choices daily and those choices can right the ship with the right support One of the legs on your stool is loose and you better fix it before it falls off Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Quotables Social media glamorizes education Do the basics extremely well “Big things often have small beginnings.” – Unknown Practice the little things The more you hurry, the longer it will take Require yourself to be consistent It’s not a forever point, it’s a starting point Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

As teacher leaders we need to create the culture in the school where balance is acceptable and encouraged. Without a healthy teacher, a classroom can never reach its fully potential. Tune in to hear two steps teacher leaders can take today to ensure teachers and students are physically, mentally and emotionally safe. You are ‘The Safe Keeper!” Quotables Find you a tribe at school where you can truly be yourself The great thing about educators is our relationships are not bound by location If it’s known, appreciated and available, teachers will start healing a little more each day because of the support within the school We need to treat the whole teacher, making sure their essential needs are met so they can do their #1 job…teach Those relationships those spaces will catapult their mental health so that they can be physically healthy for kids Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Dede Faltot Rittman graduated from Edinboro University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary English and attended the University of Pittsburgh for post-graduate credits. After two years at Penn Hills, she began teaching English and Theater in the North Allegheny School District, a position she held for thirty-five years. For thirty-two of those years, Dede worked with underachieving students and those with special needs.Known as “the Bunny Teacher,” Dede affectionately called her students her “bunnies,” and one year for her birthday, two of her English classes bought her a real rabbit, Binky Rittman. Dede used bunny stamps and stickers for rewards and incentives, and when students were at home sick and requested homework, Dede wrote each one a personal note, adding a bunny stamp and a lollipop!An avid golfer, Dede coached both Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys Golf at North Allegheny.Dede always thought she would teach for forty years, but when her husband and best friend, Scott, was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer in December 2009, she retired to care for him in the final stages of his illness. Scott died in 2012.After retiring, Dede began her own company, Rittman Publishing, LLC, which places an emphasis on teaching the three C’s: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity, whether working with student teachers, special needs students in theater, or those who need one-on-one tutoring. She authored ‘Student Teaching- The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher’ and ‘Grady Gets Glasses,’ her first children’s book.QuotablesThe best thing that ever happened was inclusion.Teachers set the example.Empathy can be taught.Devotion is really important.Sometimes we don’t want to face what’s going on in our lives and we blame it on our jobs.The more I gave of myself, the more rewards I received.Teacher leaders, your attitude will set the tone for the school climate.No one was ever late to my class because they felt safe and loved.Connect with DedeWebsite- dederittman.com Blog- http://bunnyteacher.blogspot.comEmail – [email protected] for Teachers- https://www.wordassociation.com/selfhelp%20book%20page/studentteaching.htmlBook for Children- gradygetsglasses.comSocial MediaFacebook: www.facebook.com/rittmanrulesTwitter: @dederittmanLinkedin: Dede Faltot RittmanInstagram: dede_rittmanGoogle+: Dede RittmanTumblr: The Bunny TeacherDede’s Stamp of ApprovalField Trip ZoomForest of the Rain ProductionsConnect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in 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’

Sometimes we feel as though we need to be the expert in everything and start pretending we have the knowledge and skills required to do it all. The fact is, it’s a sham. We are pretending and the ones who get hurt the most are the children. Tune in to hear how to stop being a pretender and empower yourself to be better without fear, embarrassment or worse, losing your job. Quotables [Teachers’] daily choices affect kids the most Every moment is precious and we cant waste time thinking we will figure it out Own your cards The culture is so that we educators embrace what we don’t know energetically as we connect on a mission with other educators who are experts in those areas We as educators have to do what we ask of our kids and keep seeking knowledge where we can If your ego gets in the way your own learning suffers Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

“What do you want to accomplish this year and how can I help you get there?” is a powerful question from a teacher leader to someone that they lead. Act like Publisher’s Clearing House and go knock on your colleagues’ doors during this back to school season and make their dreams come true. Tune in to hear how you can do just that! Quotables Step one of relating to people is being in physical proximity to them We are only as strong as our weakest link If I am going to lead you, I need to know you I had to be willing to start it. From there, the team had to be willing to receive it. And then we all had to be willing to continue it. When they are motivated, focused and feel supported, they’ll move mountains. Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Grading is only as good as the effectiveness of instruction leading up to it. A grade on an assessment that doesn’t match the learning leading up to it is worthless, demeaning and dysfunctional. Tune in to hear three steps you can take now to ensure you teach hard enough, long enough and deep enough for students to be successful and prepared on their learning journey. The photo below from my trip to Colorado is discussed in the episode: Quotables I don’t give grades, students earn them Objectify learning Put more time into planning than in to execution so that execution is flawless, rigorous, and done with fidelity across the board If its easy, we aren’t pushing ourselves or our students hard enough We cannot allow our peers to lower the bar only for our kids to fail later Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

If you are in education, you are in the people business. In order to have a successful school year, students and teachers need to feel supported. By building capacity, you are investing in people, and that has a high return on investment. Tune in to hear how teacher leaders can empower classroom teachers to attain their own dreams while also meeting school requirements. Quotables Teachers focus on kids. Leaders focus on teachers who focus on kids You may not be in an administrative role but that doesn’t mean your influence has a ceiling You propel change and build momentum from within You are on the same team Teacher leaders know their teachers on the deepest of levels because your ear is so close to the street Make people your #1 goal When its close to your heart, you’ll take care of it Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Phyl Macomber is an award-winning national speaker, author, inclusion specialist, and curriculum strategist. As President of Make A Difference, Inc., Phyl has consulted with and trained thousands of teaching staff. She’s been a guest on several radio shows to discuss simplifying instruction for students of all abilities. Her partnership with Leave No Girl Behind International is training young people in key leadership principles globally. Phyl has created a 4-step simple system called the PACT for how to teach anything to anyone – in a way that students of any ability learn faster and deeper – and, teachers succeed in reaching and teaching ALL students while meeting the standards. Phyl’s first book, The Power of T.H.E. P.A.C.T., is being referred to as “the simple, evidence-based solution for differentiated instruction and meaningful inclusion.”QuotablesFocus on samenessIn everyone’s hearts, all means allInclusion has become hidden curriculumRemember your “why”Move from thinking about performance to an understanding of itIn order to solve real problems, you need to spend a significant amount of time in the environment that the problems existTrust your gutResponsibility is a giftFocus on solutions to get through lifeWork smarter not harderMake the biggest impactPhyl’s Stamp of Approval3-3 Exercise : 3 things I feel I did well to make a difference/ 3 things to tweak or shape the next time to better serveiPACT AppTwitter NetworkingMastermind Groups for “Vital 3”Connect with PhylWebsite: https://aboutthepact.com/Twitter: @AllAboutTHEPACTConnect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’ 

The summer is upon us and teachers are busy relaxing… nope, teachers are busy preparing for a successful school year. This busyness is translating into going overboard in their preparation- especially due to Pinterest/Instagram photos of classroom set ups and inner workings in other classrooms around the world. Tune in to hear how to deal with the pressure of keeping up and making decisions that solely have an impact on student achievement. Quotables “I feel badly for new teachers coming into this career thinking that everybody needs to do this.” – Original Poster “Just because you have a pretty room doesn’t mean kids are learning.” – Laura “My kids need me and to know I care about them.” – Caitlin “I am anti teachers feeling inadequate because of the cute posts and perfect pics and causing themselves sleepless nights and empty pockets trying to keep up.” – Celeste ‘We somehow begin to feel inadequate if our room isn’t picture perfect.” – Dawn “Everything within reason is my life motto.” – Gretchen Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Teachers enjoy decorating their classroom, but making over a classroom with stuff does not improve student achievement or instructional effectiveness. Tune in to hear about 3 characteristics that make over a classroom – and one of them is not classroom décor! Quotables Making your classroom an effective, enjoyable space without the investment of classroom décor is the number one transformative decision you can make during your career First you dream it up and then you enforce it What you let slide, they get away with It’s not personal, just protocol A leader is not someone who tells others what to do, but someone who helps others do what needs to be done You are as effective as what you plan Rationales go a long way Your intentionality in environment and leadership carries into instruction Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Summer break is upon us. Educators spend this time away from the classroom in a variety of ways, and no one way is better than the other. However, we are often quick to share advice on how someone should spend their time and this isn’t often what is best for that particular individual. Tune in to hear how to listen to your summer intuition (regardless of what others are saying) so that you can be your best for your kids in the fall. Quotables Wait until they invite you into the dialogue (keep your mouth shut) For the sake of the relationship, its out of respect for one another to watch for the cues It’s about what your mind and body need Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Students come to us in their roughest state. Its up to us educators to cultivate a mindset and environment that polishes students into their potential. Tune in to hear three action steps to ensure every student reaches their best self under your leadership in the classroom. Quotables As educators we are the tools to chip away the immaturity and insecurity and shape students to become responsible citizens. Every moment you think positivity and possibilities, you create the foundation for such things to take place in your presence Every kid you come into contact with is part of who you become and you are part of who they become. I hope your roster is full of kids that need you and kids that you need. Every kid needs you, they just need you differently. Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Justin Ashley is an award-winning teacher, motivational speaker, author, and public education advocate from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he began teaching in 2007. He is also a highly sought-after speaker for professional development. He has been an inspirational keynote presenter for thousands of current and future teachers, creating an atmosphere that bounces back and forth between rapt silence and raucous laughter. In 2013, he became the only teacher ever to win both North Carolina History Teacher of the Year and North Carolina Social Studies Teacher of the Year in the same year.He currently is pushing to the forefront of the conversation of work-life balance and low teacher retention: While he was winning as a teacher, the rest of his life careened out of his control, ultimately landing him in rehab for an addiction to pain killers. His self-discovery process and road to recovery led him to research ways to combat burnout and reignite his passion for teaching, a journey he shares with readers in his book The Balanced Teacher Path.QuotablesDon’t give up on a really good lesson that was executed in a bad wayYour happiness is not singular, its pluralBeing passionate as a teacher is a reflection of being passionate as a personDon’t step on the same land mineFail forwardIf I don’t own the problem, then I can’t own the decisionReignite your passion outside the classroom and you’ll reignite your passion inside the classroomJustin’s Stamp of ApprovalSymbaloo – social bookmarking systemConnect with JustinBook: The Balanced Teacher PathTwitter: @justinfashleyNews Article: Charlotte ObserverConnect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersGoogle+: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeLeave a Rating and Review:https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It’s easy to slow down when you get close to the end. But, elite educators don’t slow down, they ramp it up. Tune in to hear how to keep your energy tank on full throttle so that you can provide engaging, rigorous instruction up until the last minute of the school year. Quotables You can’t be amazing ¾ of the way. Kids deserve a quality education and not just on Tuesdays or in September or at 8 am. They deserve engaging, top notch instruction on Fridays at 3 pm in June. Its called character and work ethic. We gotta do better and be better. Forget the busy work, get to work. Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The environment that we work in can help or hinder us. In fact, we have more to do with our environment than we may initially think. Tune in to hear how you might contribute or contaminate your own working environment and how you can correct yourself when you go off course! Quotables Contributors are magnets Just because it wasn’t helpful or exciting for me didn’t mean it wasn’t exactly what they needed and that would ultimately benefit our team in the end Action Steps Tip 1- Take a mental note Tip 2- Put up bumpers Tip 3- Prevent the triggers Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Oftentimes educators bring emotional baggage to work that doesn’t belong and isn’t healthy for teacher effectiveness and student achievement. It’s important to check that baggage and then unpack it so that all negative emotions are dealt with, leaving space for happiness and contentment in teaching. Tune in to hear the simple four step solution to unpacking your baggage so that you can become your best for your kids! Quotables Whether our emotional baggage is work related or not it comes with us to work You cant outrun your own baggage-It goes with you EVERYWHERE. Suggested Method STEP 1: Take stock of what’s in the bags STEP 2: Unload the heaviest items first STEP 3: See it for what it is STEP 4: Hang it up or put it away Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It’s easy to miss out on the amazing developments in our life and career when our eyes are pressed forward to the horizon rather than keeping our feet in the boat. Tune in to hear how you can still set long term goals but enjoy the journey along the way! Quotables There’s no point in holding out until the destination before stopping to smell the roses. Please don’t keep setting goals and setting goals and setting goals without ever really enjoying life Miserable accomplished people are boring and unrealistic. No one wants a friend who is amazing at their job but sucks at real life. Don’t become so obsessed with getting better that you stop living You can’t be a great you tomorrow, if you aren’t a great you today Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Dr. Fredericks is an educator and international business professional with more than 30 years of management experience and academic achievements in the United States, Europe and China. His professional education career began as an elementary school teacher in the Fort Apache section of the South Bronx, New York. In addition to his teaching duties during regular school hours, he also created and ran all of the after school programs. In addition to his work during the day, he attended the Graduate School of the New School for Social Research where he received a Master’s Degree in Political Science. He was then recruited to help run an urban education graduate program at Indiana University where he also pursued and received a doctorate in Education. Dr. Fredericks then joined the Graduate Faculty of the Bank Street College of Education where he was the Chairman of the History, Principles and Philosophy Department and Professor of Ethics and Educational Philosophy. During his tenure at Bank Street, he also consulted with the government of Venezuela in creating the curriculum for the state run universities.During this phase of his career, Dr. Fredericks enrolled in an MBA program at New York University and received an MBA in Finance, at which time he was recruited by IBM, where he began a long and varied career in business, eventually spanning industries ranging from technology to Hollywood film making to internet start-ups to advertising. Of note, he worked in Paris as the head of Financial Planning and Analysis for IBM Headquarters responsible for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Additionally, after IBM, he helped start and operate Digital Domain which became the largest digital visual effects studio in the world and received Oscar awards, Grammy awards and nominations  for work on movies including Titanic, music videos and television commercials. He then proceeded to lead a variety of companies as the Chief Executive Officer and was an Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Finance at New York University at which point he was recruited to, in a sense, return to his roots in the field of Education by the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation.Dr. Fredericks has been particularly effective in engaging financial, technical, and marketing organizations to conceptualize and achieve complex business parameters both strategically and tactically. He has delivered speeches and made presentations around the world on a variety of topics including an invitation by the Chinese Ministry of Trade to address business and educational leaders on the potential for the Chinese film making industry to both train and eventually compete on a world class basis. This presentation resulted in Dr. Fredericks being named to the Board of the Center for Creative Media at the City University of Hong Kong. He also, during his tenure as CEO at TNS Media Intelligence, authored a book titled, StraDegy, Advertising in the Digital Age which was extremely well received as it argued that unless industries engaged in, and adapted to, emerging digital technologies, they would find themselves falling further and further behind their new competitors who wholly embraced the digital age.The Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF) has, under Dr. Fredericks’ direction as Executive Director, become the largest provider of after school activities spanning sports, arts and academics in the United States. It provides these activities in the schools, Kindergarten through High School, to over 25,000 students annually. Dr. Fredericks was asked to join SASF in order to professionalize and grow the organization. He very successfully achieved this and it currently employs over 4000 paid staff annually and has revenue of over $40M. In addition to his duties at SASF, he also serves on the Board of Advisors of the School of Education at Indiana University and has consulted with educators and academic researchers at Indiana University, Harvard University, University of Connecticut and Johns Hopkins University.Finally, it should be noted that Dr. Fredericks has achieved the following distinctions: named Man of the Year at Indiana University; President of his Fraternity, Delta Upsilon; elected to lifetime membership in the Indiana University Foundation; 2nd Lt. U.S. Army; named to Top 100 BtoB Marketers by BtoB Magazine (2005/2006/2007); author of articles on the Future of Advertising, Educational Policy and Values Education; and solicited for a variety of Keynote Speeches and Media appearances.QuotablesYou can’t run away from the public school systemIf you are going to be a teacher, you need to know what your subject matter isCan everybody become a teacher?Not everybody is charismaticIf its a bad experience, its almost impossible to eraseWe cant assume we are solving one problemAs an educator, there is never and end gameBuzz Words & ConceptsRisk takingThinking outside the boxExcellence gapsDream with your eyes wide openConnect with Dr. Fr

Good teachers know there is always room for improvement in their practice. But, choosing the right areas to improve can be more difficult than expected. Tune in to hear how to make small tweaks with a large impact in your classroom and beyond! Quotables Its unrealistic for me to expect myself to change so many things about my instructional practice and still remain effective It has to be the RIGHT pebble Catapult student learning in one easy tweak Simplicity is best We need to work smarter Techniques Mentioned Ask 3 Before Me No Opt Out (Teach Like a Champion) Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Teaching is a calling, a career choice made by many. However, many teachers are getting discouraged quickly and exiting the profession without living out their passion. Tune in to hear how to answer the call without getting distracted by all the extraneous noise that comes along with the teaching territory. Inspiring Quote: “It doesn’t matter if the public doesn’t support you. It doesn’t matter if the policy makers don’t support you. What really matters is that you were called to teach. Your classroom is your second home and your students are a big part of your heart.” -TheWriteStuff_TpT Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

The end of the year doesn’t have to be dreaded by students and teachers alike. It can be positive and loads of fun with the right perspective. As adults we can unknowingly convey our attitudes to young minds, exposing them to stress they don’t need to be privy to yet. Tune in to hear what frustrated, overworked educators can do to protect their students from experiencing adult stressors. Quotables Protect your students from your adult stressors We are appointed to breathe life into our future If are so consumed with just surviving we aren’t inspiring them to new heights- we are putting a ceiling on their growth They will rise if you rise Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Effective leaders balance being in control and being a friend to those they lead. Teachers can struggle with managing their classrooms and helping students reach academic success. Tune in to learn how effective teachers lead from the side so that they can build relationships that last with their kids but also maintain order in the classroom. Quotables We gotta learn our own version of leading from the side Relationships are everything in education You can always tone things down but its almost impossible to stiffen up down the road Don’t be a dictator and don’t be a friend Leadership takes time to develop Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? 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. How? Search for my show in 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’

Joann is an educator of over 20 years. She began her career as a TA at an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee. She was drawn to special education and worked with boys in the juvenile system as well as medically fragile students. Joann has experience at the middle school level in a self-contained life skills classroom, as well as both an inclusion K-5 and preschool classroom. She received her principal and superintendent certification while being a behavior instructional coach for her school district in charge of completing AYP analysis. Quickly after, she moved to an AP role at an elementary school before moving to Austin, Texas for her current role working for Region 13 Education Service Center as a Special Education Specialist supervising first year teacher interns and providing PD. Each day, she asks herself “How have you inspired potential today?” and every day, she can answer that question with evidence and confidence that she has made a positive impact no matter how big or small.QuotablesAll teachers need supportBecoming a great teacher didn’t happen overnightA great teacher is someone who cares that every student every day learns and grows and feels like a real human being- you’re teaching the whole child!Constantly remind your students and teach them and review your classrooms rules, procedures and expectationsStudents crave structure. Teachers crave support.Connect with JoannEmail: [email protected]: @region13Website:http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/http://www4.esc13.net/http://kids.esc13.net/Connect with GretchenEmail: [email protected]: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek  Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers  Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College  Leave a Rating and Reviewhttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2Why?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.How?Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’