Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Programs don’t teach kids, teachers do. We have to protect teaching talent by empowering teachers to take the important pieces of a curriculum and spend more time personalizing their lessons with their passion, talent, and creativity so that students can receive a personalized learning experience to become their best. Tune in to hear how teacher leaders can empower teachers so that their talent leads the way in the classroom.QuotablesIt’s the responsibility of the teacher to take a program and bring it to life with their own talent and expertiseWe educators can’t be replaced by robots who just Charlie Brown at the front of the classroomWe have to apply ourselves, every day, just like we ask of our kids. Those are the tools within us utilizing the tools given to us to make an impactWithout us educators, a program is only a program, but with us it becomes learningAs a teacher leader your responsibility is to help teachers get through to students in the most efficient and effective wayBe the guide on the side and exercise patienceWe as teacher leaders have a job to do to empower teachers to remember their innate ability is most important in teaching kidsEach day of learning is a day to save a child. We make them more capable and confident than ever before and that allows them to go out into this world and become whatever it is they are meant to becomeBook recommendationLead Like a PIRATE: Make School Amazing for your Students and Staff by Shelley Burgess and Beth HoufJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

Teachers are busy people and oftentimes don’t realize that every interaction they have with a child shapes the self-concept of their students. Regardless of intention, what teachers THINK about a child can be expressed as an expectation that can damage or restore a child’s passion and potential. Tune in to hear solutions for how all teachers can ensure every interaction with students communicates sincere adoration and high expectations.QuotablesEvery interaction sends a messageSend the expectation that we are spending our time wiselyIt’s not that the other teacher is better than you, they just figured out how to jive with that kidEvery kid needs to know they have potential, end of storyNo matter what our kids want to be or do, we have to encourage them to chase itYou want kids to leave your classroom thinking, “My teacher always believed in me, even when I dreamed crazy”Book recommendation‘Better than Carrots or Sticks’ by Dominique Smith, Douglas Fisher and Nancy FreyJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

If you want to make a true impact on the teaching profession you need to adjust the way you lead others with a confidence that is silent but effective. Tune in to hear 5 tips on how the best teacher leaders personalize the learning experience of others to ensure they grow as professionals during their lifetime career as educators.Quotables:Let the learner do the leading[Leaders] don’t have much to say but in being silent they say so muchThe quietest person in the room is often the most knowledgeableI am here to do this important work WITH you, not tell you how to do it and leave you hangingI want your example to enter the room before your mouthGreat coaches shouldn’t be seenYou are best utilized behind the scenes personalizing the experience for every teacher, not talking about your golden days.Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

Leading a balanced professional and personal life is key to a long life of success and happiness. Tune in to hear how one unbalanced teacher took control of their life and enhanced all parts of it because of the big decision they were strong enough to make. Hear tips for new teachers, teachers in distress and transition and teacher leaders on how to win in life by being a balanced teacher.QuotablesNothing is foreverI can now step into my life and do it better because I took a time outI’m prepared for this unbalance. I know what I need so that I can perform my best during this hectic time. And I proactively schedule time to recoup.Don’t be afraid to make big movesGive yourself what you need so that you can go out and do betterThere’s no reward without the riskJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

Beckett Haight is a former student with special needs who went on to become a Special Educator. After getting expelled from 6th grade he had an IEP and special education services stemming from ADHD and Oppositional Defiance Disorder until graduating high school. This led him to becoming a volunteer in Special Needs classrooms in high school, then a Teacher Assistant for four years while in college, and he has been a Special Education teacher for the past 13 years in California, the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, Ethiopia and now Mexico. He is National Board Certified in Exceptional Needs, a Masters of Science in Special Education, and a Masters of Education Technology. He loves all aspects of Special Education, but has a particular passion for behavior support and post-secondary transition. He has been in the education game for 18 years and doesn’t see anything changing for the next 18. Quotables Be willing to take the time [to get to know your students] Give it 4 or 5 years to find your flow There needs to be a home-school connection for a student to be successful Beckett’s Stamp of Approval Tai Lopez on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGNLDywn8hgzqrC9Mlz_Pw Council for Exceptional Children Connect with Beckett Blog (Collections of a Special Educator): https://becketthaight.com/ Teacher Website: https://sites.google.com/site/collectionsofaspedukator/ Twitter: @BeckettHaight (https://twitter.com/BeckettHaight) 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 have a tremendous opportunity to shape students into their potential so that their future is as bright as possible. A lot of the focus for teaching children is on the curriculum component, when in reality students need even more than that to become their best. Tune in to hear 8 characteristics teachers can employ into their instruction on a daily basis so that students can reach their potential successfully.QuotablesIt’s important kids learn how to dream big enoughIt’s important kids learn how to represent their cause and their school with maturity and confidenceNo matter how hard it is, they have to dig deep and keep goingIn order to reach a goal, you have to manage your timeAccountability in and of itself is super important so students see how their decisions and effort affect their futureIt’s important to stop and review all you have done before setting up new goalsBoosterthon Fun Runhttps://boosterthon.com/“What Do You Think” Classroom Discussion Activityhttps://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-Do-You-Think-Group-Discussion-Activity-707604Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

New teachers often feel like they have to prove their ability to teach to students, parents, and colleagues. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. Just landing a job means you are qualified and capable. Learning that you don’t have to do it all in the classroom to showcase your control and ability is quite a freeing truth. Tune in to hear tips on how to pull back to gain control, sanity, and respect in the classroom.QuotablesStrong leaders in the classroom are not the ones on stage, running a tight ship and keeping a serious vibeThe most successfully run classrooms do not have a laundry list of rulesYou have to know what you want students to do every second, at every turn, for everythingKeep tasks that require your brilliance for yourself and delegate other tasks to kidsJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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 spring season in a school building can cause a lot of anxiety as testing begins and talk about changes for the upcoming school year surface. In order for a teacher to close out the current school year successfully (and with all of their sanity intact), they must avoid the rumor mill. Tune in to this episode to hear 5 tips for how to do just that!QuotablesIt’s a juggling act that ends up being so fluid nothing is ever finalLet the rumors go in one ear and out the otherYour kids don’t need to see you stress about what might or might not happen in the futureGround yourself in the truth about what you yourself can changeStay present – Stay saneReferenced Blog Post5 Mistakes to Avoid When Collaborating with ColleaguesJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

Leading others can be difficult, but with some guidance, teacher leaders can not only hone their own craft but build capacity in those that they lead. By using a cyclical process of asking questions and listening to the answers, teacher leaders can uncover potential obstacles those they lead are facing before helping a teacher implement a new skill. Tune in for tips and strategies to ask, listen and repeat!QuotablesUse the power of the people to make an impactListen undistractedHelp kiddos get to rigorous levels of understanding by questioning, not telling them how to get thereTo be knowledgeable doesn’t mean you are talkative Teach them to fish; don’t feed them fishA true leader learns alongside their teamThat is strong leadership- a leader leading without taking the reinsDon’t expect perfectionJoin the New Teacher Support Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203Join the Always A Lesson Newsletterhttp://eepurl.com/lJKNnConnect 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’

Carmin Adams is an 11 year veteran and currently a third teacher at Belmont Central Elementary in Gaston County Schools right here in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Gaston County Schools and Belmont Abbey College! She is a proud mother of a beautiful sixteen year old and loves traveling!The main factor that influenced Carmin to become a teacher was the opportunity to interact with students and to impact them positively. Prior to teaching in the classroom, she served as a Computer Lab Specialist which provided the opportunity to work with all elementary grade levels, and assist in building technology based lessons for their curriculum. In addition to teaching over 350 students weekly on technology skills; Carmin collaborated and planned with all grade level teachers on how to incorporate and teach integrated technology lessons. She also served as Teacher Assistant of the Year during that time. She has served in several leadership positions, including: Benchmark Writing Team, Curriculum Revision Team for Elementary, MTSS Chair, Lead Teacher for 3rd Grade Summer Reading Program -Summer School, NCDPI Focus Teacher Group for Gaston County, Math Curriculum Revision Team, County Grading Practice Committee, Pinnacle Leader and also currently serves as a member of the Gaston County Teacher Induction Program for Success Committee. This committee serves teacher their first three years in the profession.Carmin is a highly motivated, outgoing and a creative individual who believes in accomplishing goals and objectives. She has learned to manage her time, work as a team and how to face new challenges. She believes in teaching others as well as learning with others. She believes if we give a child information, he may know it for a test. But if we teach a child the joy of learning, he will learn for life! She strives to empower students to take ownership over their learning!Update- Just announced… Carmin received Teacher of the Year for the entire Gaston County School District!! Congrats Carmin QuotablesYou have to be able to handle [feedback]Keep an open mind and adapt to changeTeaching is complicatedEmpathize with your studentsUnderstand your role in your students’ livesSay focused on why you startedA mentor promotes growth to develop you as a teacherCarmin’s Stamp of ApprovalTechnology/Pinnacle ProgramTeacher Induction Program for Success [TIPS]Education Week- This Week in Education Connect with CarminEmail: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/carminadamsConnect 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’

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’