Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

It’s not all rainbows and butterflies in a classroom or school building. Sometimes the negativity can spread like wild fire and deteriorate a class or school culture. Tune in to hear how to initiate a positive culture, rebuild a culture when it’s broken, and turn around a negative culture. Not only will teachers learn tips for the classroom and teacher leaders for the school, but a secret trick is shared for how to maintain a positive culture once it is established. Quotables A positive culture is something that can feel like takes FOREVER to establish and can go away almost immediately Establishing a positive culture is a long game strategy, not a quick fix You aren’t above them, you are them. Students don’t expect perfection in the classroom, but they expect you to have their backs and to never give up on them. You are leaders in your classroom and school building for a reason, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have room to grow Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: Take less than 10 seconds to fill out this google form to cast your vote for favorite episode and favorite aspect of the show! Grab a Slot on my Calendar Let's chat about your currents and develop a plan. Click below: * https://square.site/book/FE6G600ZF0PPD/always-a-lesson Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 * Search for my show 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’  

In order for us educators to make the impact we desire and were meant for, we have to invest in ourselves in a way that allows that inner gift to make its way outward. Tune in to hear 3 steps on how to unlock your potential by investing in yourself. (You’ll also get to hear personal stories of how I have done this in business and life.) Quotables * The mundane daily work is where the rubber meets the road. Its where we shine up and show out * I choose my direction. I choose my attitude and vision. * You don’t need to rely on things to be a great teacher * I want you to free yourselves from the thoughts that make you stay stuck * Put yourself in first place * There’s something waiting for you and you have to be ready to accept it into your life * I want you to up your game and live your dream * It was my greatest asset disguised as my weakest point needing changing * You are meant for more than what you’re giving and being right here right now Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: If you have a favorite Empowering Educators episode, email me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com to cast your vote! Enter the Amazon GC contest: All you have to do is leave a rating and review on iTunes, screenshot it, and email that to me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com. I’ll be picking a winner in September! Grab a Slot on my Calendar * https://square.site/book/FE6G600ZF0PPD/always-a-lesson Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 * Search for my show 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 tiny humans is more than lesson plans with standards and objectives. Teaching is a way to help guide a young person along their learning path so that they discover their inner skills and talents, use their school knowledge to propel those gifts, and then go out into the world to leave their mark. As educators, how are we helping students discover how they want to inspire the world? Tune in to hear my teaching confession and action tips you can implement right now to do better for every kid in front of you. Quotables * If you aren’t living your DREAM, how can you help kids discover and live out their own? * The best thing we can do is model for our kids what we want them to do. * It’s your job to help them discover what fire burns within them and help guide them to get a job that can help them leave their imprint on this world. * I promise to do better so every kid knows it's okay to not fit the mold, that the skills you learn in school can and will help you hone that craft, to support friends or foes who dream differently, and to go after your heart's desires with gusto! * It wasn’t until I started coaching other teachers that I noticed holes in my own practice * But beyond that belief we have to act this out * Being a teacher is more than the obvious…It’s helping kids realize what makes them special and helping them bring it to fruition. Topics Mentioned in the Episode: * "Tiny Human Whisperer" T-Shirt * Connect with Nick Tokman- https://nicktokman.com Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: If you have a favorite Empowering Educators episode, email me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com to cast your vote! Enter the Amazon GC contest: All you have to do is leave a rating and review on iTunes, screenshot it, and email that to me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com. I’ll be picking a winner in September! Join the New(er) Teacher Mentorship Program * https://alwaysalesson.teachable.com/p/new-er-teacher-mentorship-program/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting eff...

Nick Tokman, also known as “Sunshine” on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, empowers others to overcome all of the distractions and obstacles that get in the way of owning who they are so they achieve THEIR definition of success. An engaging and animated professional speaker, he directs his audiences to focus their attention on what’s important for them in their lives so they reach their highest potential.Nick has been seen on the show for the past four seasons entertaining more than one million viewers each week. He is recognized for his constant, upbeat attitude, his unwavering focus on achieving his goals, and his determination in the face of adversity. Nick’s grandfather introduced him to Deadliest Catch for the first time at a point in his life where he felt unfulfilled. After seeing the show, Nick decided he HAD to go crab fishing! Although his family did not want him pursuing a career in one of the most dangerous professions, he realized this was HIS life; he had to live it for himself. Four years later after embarking on his journey, after persevering through a series of setbacks and failures, including hospitalization, running out of money and battling homelessness, Nick landed on the very show that inspired him to venture to Alaska. As a cast member of the Emmy-Winning show, he battled some of the harshest working conditions known to man, including 30-35 foot rogue waves, freezing temperatures, extreme physical labor and 20-hour work days. Nick has proven himself physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of overcoming arduous obstacles. Nick is a member of the National Speakers Association. He has made presentations from people in a classroom setting, to a hall filled with 17,000 people. His audiences nationwide range from students in elementary school, junior high, senior high, college and university to corporate professionals. Quotables * When a person really desires something all the universe conspires to help that person realize their dream * Things can happen if you stay persistent and focus on what you are * You love to do something so much that you can't stop doing it * I always questioned my self-worth that I neglected what I wanted * Everyone is from a dysfunctional family- we do the best we can with what we learn * If you don't fit in, it's okay. Eventually you will find your tribe. * What do you want to do with your life? * You have to do what is best for yourself * Are you the captain of your life or is it others around you? * Tune out the outside voices and tune in to your own * Do your thing regardless of the obstacles in front of you Nick's Stamp of Approval * Book- The Alchemist Connect with Nick * Website:  https://nicktokman.com * Facebook: NickSunshineTokman * Twitter and Instagram: Nick Tokman * Email: nick@nicktokman.com * Hire Nick to come speak at your school: https://nicktokman.com/grades-4-12/ * Materials: * Survey

We often overly consume and under-implement. I call this practice “knowledge hoarding” and it isn’t helpful in getting us to reach our goals or potential. We need to implement what we are learning instead of overloading our brains with knowledge time and time again. Tune in to hear 5 tips to making sense of our knowledge hoarding in our mind and in our physical spaces so that we can take action plus gain 3 tips to develop new habit cycles to avoid knowledge hoarding. Quotables * We have created a new problem where you have all the knowledge and zero application, making the time suck for getting that knowledge an absolute waste * You’re not as great as you should be for someone who has all of that knowledge at their fingertips * [Knowledge] hoarding is unhealthy and counterproductive * You are not on vacation with time to waste. You are a person on a mission. You are bettering yourself so that you can better serve your students. Don’t let a single thing derail you on your mission. * We are serious about upping our game so that we have a longer lasting impact on generations of kids that will become our future leaders. We take care of [our students] because one day they will take care of us. Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: If you have a favorite Empowering Educators episode, email me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com to cast your vote! Enter the Amazon GC contest: All you have to do is leave a rating and review on iTunes, screenshot it, and email that to me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com. I’ll be picking a winner in September! Join the New(er) Teacher Mentorship Program * https://alwaysalesson.teachable.com/p/new-er-teacher-mentorship-program/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 * Search for my show 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)

No matter how much experience we have as educators, there are moments in our career where we have no answers. Our heads are banging against the wall and our brains are overworked trying to figure out solutions to the obstacles we are facing without any relief in sight. Luckily, our experiences help us recognize these obstacles faster in the future and overtime we figure out a system for working through hard times to find answers. Tune in to hear a 4 part system that continues to work for me to find clarity in my edu-situations. Quotables * Sometimes I feel like I can’t help anyone if I’m trying to help everyone. * My past experiences told me that when I am in the weeds, if I look at the facts, it becomes clear. * Data doesn’t lie. * I admire mentors who roll up their sleeves and help someone else do their work. * Like most life lessons, you come out on the other side a better person. * Don’t underestimate little solutions you uncover. * Not every problem is solved with a magic wand and immediate relief. * Expect moments of pause. Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: If you have a favorite Empowering Educators episode, email me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com to cast your vote! Enter the Amazon GC contest: All you have to do is leave a rating and review on iTunes, screenshot it, and email that to me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com. I’ll be picking a winner in September! Join the New(er) Teacher Mentorship Program * https://alwaysalesson.teachable.com/p/new-er-teacher-mentorship-program/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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’  

New teachers struggle to hone in on the most important factors to ensure a strong start and finish to their very first school year due to all the distractions of shiny objects on social media. Tune in to hear 5 secrets to success that help any new teacher achieve veteran status in no time. You’ll unlock the strategies to lay a strong foundation while upping your technique and finesse game. Quotables * Its simple. But it is also simply overlooked. * That is what makes teachers great… they get past the barriers kids put up, and they use that in as a way to convey expectations encouragement and content. * Getting clear on what you envision your space to look, feel and sound like well before that first day will help you make it a reality. * Boundaries are a way of letting kids know that you are willing to give some rope but they don’t get to be in control of the lasso. * [Kids] might not outwardly thank you for setting boundaries but it lets them know you love and care for them bc you are making their learning space safe and their learning opportunities fair and fun. * That trust and relationship cannot grow if you do not water it with follow through. * You will give them healthy boundaries that allow them to stretch but never to fall. * How you start and how you guide throughout the year will have a huge impact on how far kids get under your tutelage. Participate in the 200th Episode Fun Option 1: If you have enjoyed the podcast, leave me a quick audio comment telling me what your favorite thing about the Empowering Educators podcast is. Don’t forget to say your name and where you’re from so I can give you the proper shout out. You can use Voxer (my handle is gschultek). You can also use a voice recorder app on your phone and email it to me: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Option 2: If you have a favorite Empowering Educators episode, email me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com to cast your vote! Enter the Amazon GC contest: All you have to do is leave a rating and review on iTunes, screenshot it, and email that to me at gretchen@alwaysalesson.com. I’ll be picking a winner in September! Join the New(er) Teacher Mentorship Program * https://alwaysalesson.teachable.com/p/new-er-teacher-mentorship-program/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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.

There is no question whether or not teachers want to make an impact in their classrooms. But oftentimes there are two factors that come into play that could make or break that very first day of school for both teachers and students. Tune in to hear what those are and how to prepare so that day 1 is a winner for everyone! Quotables * A lot of teachers and students are excited to head back to school, but for some it brings anxiety and overwhelm. Step back and meet them where they are.Tweet This * just want you to know their name, love and support them unconditionally and pull out their best qualities and gifts so they can begin to see their future."] * How you start day 1 limits or enhances your impact.Tweet This * Protect your students from experiencing adult stressors.Tweet This * Stay present and positive in what you see for yourself and that will become what students see for themselves.Tweet This * The more we equip others with the tools that helped us overcome, the better off we all will be down the road.Tweet This * You cannot have an impact if you aren’t present.Tweet This *

Jahkari “JT” Taylor was born to be a Purpose Pusher.  His life’s work demonstrates his passion for cultivating, motivating, and inspiring people from all walks of life. Yet, JT's life story may not fit the mold of an ideal Purpose Pusher.  When he was just a child he went from living in a 1987 Ford Fairmont, to a packed homeless shelter.  Then, after his mother applied for Section 8 housing, they soon relocated to a tough neighborhood in the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake, Virginia.  He attended Title 1 schools as a struggling student who failed to realize his academic potential.  Yet, in spite of the adversities he encountered as a youth, JT emerged out of an impoverished, single-parent upbringing with a desire to push others into their divine purpose in life.  JT is now a transformational educator who has three earned degrees (magna cum laude) and he is the 2017 City-wide Teacher of the Year for Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia.  JT is also the founder of Purpose Pushers LLC which is a hybrid educational consulting company that couples research-based professional development with motivational speaking. He has written 5 books and presented at numerous K-12 schools, colleges/universities, and professional conferences across the East coast. Quotables * I was present, but not available for learning. * Cumulative Effect: I needed to hear the same message multiple different ways from many different people before it began to click. * We know that educators wear so many hats, you have to be multi faceted. you have to be organized, analytical, understand curriculum framework and alignment, so many things you need. above everything else I think you need to have the right heart. i think you can learn strategies, techniques, so many things when you go into teacher prep programs but the one thing you cant learn is to be empathetic and have a heart for kids and love kids genuinely, authentically and want to be present to help them. Above all, educators who i consider teacher with a purpose are those who are understanding, empathetic, compassionate, resilient..to me they manifest character traits of good decent people opposed to those who we would consider book smart or have a good handle on curriculum and instruction. * Teachers want to feel supported and have a sense of encouragement. * Always be mindful of the reason why you entered the field of education. * You need to approach every day like you're on assignment. * What's not scheduled will not get accomplished. * Their success is my success. * It's the teacher that creates the bridge to help [students] move from disengaged to highly engaged. * This pedagogy stuff won't work if you don't build a relationship with kids. * An uninspired teacher cannot be expected to inspire teachers. JT's Stamp of Approval * Pedro Noguera (equity leader) * Baruti Kafele (motivational principal) * Hamish Brewer (inspirational, unconventional leader) * "Teaching with Poverty in Mind" by Eric Jensen Connect with JT (Purpose Pushers LLC) * Website: www.purposepushers.com * Email: jtwithapurpose@gmail.com

Instructional coaching and teacher leadership are essential for moving the needle in student achievement and teacher proficiency. But the way coaches are leading teachers ends up landing flat because they are either pushing too hard or pulling too far. The secret to great teacher leadership is being a guide on the side- not pushing or pulling too much. Tune in to hear 3 steps to ensure you pass the ownership baton to teachers so that the improvement is long term. Quotables * When we make decisions under pressure, on a short time frame, we lack the intention and insight necessary for that decision to ever truly become effective. * Great Teachers don’t equal great leaders. * We gotta stop panicking and jumping on the latest bandwagon. * Because growth pain is ordinary and expected and the pain makes the results that much more worth it. * It might be faster to push or pull, but it’s never effective. * [Teachers] are invested in the process when they know you are invested in them as people. * Transparency and being human is what connects us all. Links Mentioned in the Episode: * Coaching Summit link: https://bit.ly/2VzcnIR * Coaching Links: * coaching plan- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Instructional-Coaching-Developing-a-Coaching-Plan-4237551 * coaching duties- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Instructional-Coaching-Coach-Duties-Pie-Chart-2567708 * holding coaches accountable- https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Instructional-Coaching-Coach-Performance-Evaluation-Rubric-2567694 Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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’    

Overwhelm can get the best of us. In fact, too many teachers are leaving the profession due to their plates being full for far too long. When you learn how to recognize overwhelm before it overcomes you, you can begin to hack away at your schedule so that you conserve energy and happiness for what matters most- teaching. Tune in to hear 5 tips and get access to an amazing opportunity for teachers struggling to beat the overwhelm. Quotables * Reflection and evaluation are powerful tools we often overlook because we think we don’t have time. * You can only carry so much folks. It doesn’t mean you are less of a person or teacher because you have to dump the non-essentials. * Skim the fat and oil the machine. * It’s a temporary shut-down to conserve your time and energy. Join the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club * https://40htw.com/join/ * Type in 'gretchen@alwaysalesson.com' as your referral Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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 you can be so tuned in that you don’t realize your candle is burning out. For teachers, summer is a great time to unplug by becoming a learner in something new. You have permission to fill your cup in another passion so that you can be great at your main passion as an educator. Tune in to learn how to best utilize your summer break so that you are a lifelong learner but also a well-rested, rejuvenated teacher Quotables * Don’t feel bad about needing a break. Everyone has their limit and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad teacher or that you can’t hack a life-long career as an educator. * It is time to switch gears so your body can rest, your mind can declutter and your spirit can get ignited again. * Be a better teacher through … a creative outlet to unplug. * Experts can do other things… and new teachers are no exception. * Become a well-rounded human because that serves your kids best. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * Blog: Always A Lesson * Facebook: Always A Lesson * Twitter: @gschultek * Instagram: Always.A.Lesson * Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers * Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers * Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn't Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 * Why? This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future. * How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

It’s time we take what is working in our own classrooms and share it with other educators so that they can replicate our success. To truly amplify our impact in our classroom, school buildings, and community we need to figure out where we excel and make it accessible to others so that they can repeat our success. Follow the four-step proven method shared in this episode to amplify your impact by increasing teacher proficiency and student achievement in the classroom. Quotables: * Why do we have to contain our impact? * If we are able to find success in the classroom, we should be able to take that success and multiply it in a way so that more students can be positively impacted. * No child should be at an advantage or disadvantage depending on what teacher they are assigned. * If one teacher is doing great, we must dissect that success and replicate it so all students can benefit. * When we better ourselves, we better others. * If we want to have an impact, we have to think beyond ourselves. To amplify our impact, we have to act beyond ourselves. * Educators have each other’s backs. * Let’s not waste another moment being a lesser version of ourselves. Sign Up for the Teacher Leader Summit * https://bit.ly/2VzcnlR Previous Podcast Episode Mentioned: * Ep 133: You Don't Need a Title to Lead  Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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’

Kim is a veteran educator of 17 years, currently a 7th-grade English teacher, Beginning Teacher Mentor, Educational Technology Specialist, and technology and standards-based coach throughout her district. She also has a Leading Edge Blended Learning certificate and is a Level 2 Google Certified Educator. During her career, she's taught band, choir, AVID, Study Skills, and all levels of English Language Arts (ELA), including special education, English Learners, accelerated, and students with disabilities with a co-teacher. She has a unique set of experiences that allow her to meet her students and teaching mentees where they’re at, illuminate their unique value to the world, and create strong and lasting relationships. Kim says, "I absolutely LOVE teaching 7th grade as well as coaching new teachers. Both groups have needs that are unique to that time in their life. They’re dealing with crazy and overwhelming transitions and their future success greatly depends on the love and support they receive at that time." Quotables * Be introspective and look at what we are doing well * Use what you are good at in a positive way * Be quick to apologize * "How can I help you so that you can be your best?" * You can be teaching's biggest cheerleader, but that doesn't mean it's going to make you a successful educator * Be self-reflective and have a burning desire to improve and learn for the sake of the kids * Be honest with yourself * Your life in the classroom is going to be vastly easier and enjoyable if you are a likable teacher who genuinely connects with their students * We have to stop making excuses for ourselves * Use your time off to reset Kim's Stamp of Approval * Education Podcast Network * Chris Nesi from House of EdTech * Gary Vaynerchuk * Twitter Thought Leaders: David Geurin, George Couros, Alice Keeler, Pernille Ripp, Connect with Kim * Blog: https://www.mrslepre.com  * Podcast: https://teachersneedteachers.com * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimlepre * Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrslepre * Facebook Group: Teachers Need Teachers * Facebook Page: Lepre's Learning Log

The term “teacher leader” encompasses so many jobs in and around a school building. Learning how to lead others can be tricky and confusing. But when you understand the variety of leadership styles that are out there and you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, you are able to create your own style of leadership. Tune in to hear four common leadership types as well as the cost and benefits of each so that you can get to work developing your own style to lead others. Quotables: * I didn’t differentiate my style based on who I was leading, and I think that held me back from being more effective sooner. * That is what is tricky about leadership- it’s not what works for you, it’s what works for them. You are now developing other people, so you need to read your audience. * I can’t be left out in the deep ocean figuring out how to swim on my own * No one ever outgrows a coach because the support changes based on your needs. * Be kind to yourself as you are honing your craft because you’re not going to be perfect Previous Podcast Episode Mentioned * Interview with Nicole Turner Shop AAL Swag * https://alwaysalesson.com/product-category/swag/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter * http://eepurl.com/lJKNn Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group * https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203 Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * 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’