Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Teaching is a calling, a career choice made by many. However, many teachers are getting discouraged quickly and exiting the profession without living out their passion. Tune in to hear how to answer the call without getting distracted by all the extraneous noise that comes along with the teaching territory. Inspiring Quote: “It doesn’t matter if the public doesn’t support you. It doesn’t matter if the policy makers don’t support you. What really matters is that you were called to teach. Your classroom is your second home and your students are a big part of your heart.” -TheWriteStuff_TpT Connect with Gretchen Email: 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’

The end of the year doesn’t have to be dreaded by students and teachers alike. It can be positive and loads of fun with the right perspective. As adults we can unknowingly convey our attitudes to young minds, exposing them to stress they don’t need to be privy to yet. Tune in to hear what frustrated, overworked educators can do to protect their students from experiencing adult stressors. Quotables Protect your students from your adult stressors We are appointed to breathe life into our future If are so consumed with just surviving we aren’t inspiring them to new heights- we are putting a ceiling on their growth They will rise if you rise Connect with Gretchen Email: 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’

The end of the year doesn’t have to be dreaded by students and teachers alike. It can be positive and loads of fun with the right perspective. As adults we can unknowingly convey our attitudes to young minds, exposing them to stress they don’t need to be privy to yet. Tune in to hear what frustrated, overworked educators can do to protect their students from experiencing adult stressors. Quotables * Protect your students from your adult stressors * We are appointed to breathe life into our future * If are so consumed with just surviving we aren’t inspiring them to new heights- we are putting a ceiling on their growth * They will rise if you rise Connect with Gretchen Email: 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’

Effective leaders balance being in control and being a friend to those they lead. Teachers can struggle with managing their classrooms and helping students reach academic success. Tune in to learn how effective teachers lead from the side so that they can build relationships that last with their kids but also maintain order in the classroom. Quotables We gotta learn our own version of leading from the side Relationships are everything in education You can always tone things down but its almost impossible to stiffen up down the road Don’t be a dictator and don’t be a friend Leadership takes time to develop Connect with Gretchen Email: 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’

Effective leaders balance being in control and being a friend to those they lead. Teachers can struggle with managing their classrooms and helping students reach academic success. Tune in to learn how effective teachers lead from the side so that they can build relationships that last with their kids but also maintain order in the classroom. Quotables * We gotta learn our own version of leading from the side * Relationships are everything in education * You can always tone things down but its almost impossible to stiffen up down the road * Don’t be a dictator and don’t be a friend * Leadership takes time to develop Connect with Gretchen Email: 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’

Joann is an educator of over 20 years. She began her career as a TA at an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee. She was drawn to special education and worked with boys in the juvenile system as well as medically fragile students. Joann has experience at the middle school level in a self-contained life skills classroom, as well as both an inclusion K-5 and preschool classroom. She received her principal and superintendent certification while being a behavior instructional coach for her school district in charge of completing AYP analysis. Quickly after, she moved to an AP role at an elementary school before moving to Austin, Texas for her current role working for Region 13 Education Service Center as a Special Education Specialist supervising first year teacher interns and providing PD. Each day, she asks herself “How have you inspired potential today?” and every day, she can answer that question with evidence and confidence that she has made a positive impact no matter how big or small. Quotables All teachers need support Becoming a great teacher didn't happen overnight A great teacher is someone who cares that every student every day learns and grows and feels like a real human being- you're teaching the whole child! Constantly remind your students and teach them and review your classrooms rules, procedures and expectations Students crave structure. Teachers crave support. Connect with Joann Email: joann.brewer@esc13.texed.net Twitter: @region13 Website: http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/ http://www4.esc13.net/ http://kids.esc13.net/ Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Blog: Always A Lesson  Facebook: Always A Lesson  Twitter: @gschultek   Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers  Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers   Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn't Teach You in College    Leave a Rating and Review https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Why? This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future. How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast  Click ‘Send’

Joann is an educator of over 20 years. She began her career as a TA at an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee. She was drawn to special education and worked with boys in the juvenile system as well as medically fragile students. Joann has experience at the middle school level in a self-contained life skills classroom, as well as both an inclusion K-5 and preschool classroom. She received her principal and superintendent certification while being a behavior instructional coach for her school district in charge of completing AYP analysis. Quickly after, she moved to an AP role at an elementary school before moving to Austin, Texas for her current role working for Region 13 Education Service Center as a Special Education Specialist supervising first year teacher interns and providing PD. Each day, she asks herself “How have you inspired potential today?” and every day, she can answer that question with evidence and confidence that she has made a positive impact no matter how big or small. Quotables * All teachers need support * Becoming a great teacher didn't happen overnight * A great teacher is someone who cares that every student every day learns and grows and feels like a real human being- you're teaching the whole child! * Constantly remind your students and teach them and review your classrooms rules, procedures and expectations * Students crave structure. Teachers crave support. Connect with Joann * Email: joann.brewer@esc13.texed.net * Twitter: @region13 * Website: * http://www.theteachertoolkit.com/ * http://www4.esc13.net/ * http://kids.esc13.net/ Connect with Gretchen * Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com * Blog: Always A Lesson  * Facebook: Always A Lesson  * Twitter: @gschultek   * Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers  * Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers   * Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn't Teach You in College    Leave a Rating and 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 important to know how you as an individual need to be motivated in order to do your best so that you can a) locate the leader for you b) advocate for yourself. Tune in to hear how educators can succeed in the classroom by knowing their number 1 motivator and finding a leader, the shepherd, who can give it to them, the sheep, consistently. Quotables: I couldn’t understand how one year I was fantastic and the next year I was just average Depending who was leading me, I was the peak or I was the valley Its not the leader, it’s the leadership 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 important to know how you as an individual need to be motivated in order to do your best so that you can a) locate the leader for you b) advocate for yourself. Tune in to hear how educators can succeed in the classroom by knowing their number 1 motivator and finding a leader, the shepherd, who can give it to them, the sheep, consistently. Quotables: * I couldn’t understand how one year I was fantastic and the next year I was just average * Depending who was leading me, I was the peak or I was the valley * Its not the leader, it’s the leadership 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’

Teachers come in all shapes and sizes in terms of their style and personality. Some are loud and circulate the classroom constantly. Others are quiet and remain at the board to share their knowledge. The most important factor in a classroom is student learning and that is tied to teacher effectiveness. The truth is that teacher effectiveness doesn’t have to be cookie cutter. There are great teachers whose classrooms look and sound completely different. Tune in to hear how you can still be you AND be an effective teacher- even if its not by the current trends. Quotables Its so important to look beyond a checklist when looking at teachers and really look at the data of how kids are doing If we know that kids are learning in each room then all we have to do is tweak that teacher’s performance to be of optimal value in a way that fits their style rather than making them fit the box You don’t have to dress all in blue and wear a red hat to be a good teacher You can improve within your own style Your kids will learn best when you are your authentic self Listener Reviews: 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’

Teachers come in all shapes and sizes in terms of their style and personality. Some are loud and circulate the classroom constantly. Others are quiet and remain at the board to share their knowledge. The most important factor in a classroom is student learning and that is tied to teacher effectiveness. The truth is that teacher effectiveness doesn’t have to be cookie cutter. There are great teachers whose classrooms look and sound completely different. Tune in to hear how you can still be you AND be an effective teacher- even if its not by the current trends. Quotables * Its so important to look beyond a checklist when looking at teachers and really look at the data of how kids are doing * If we know that kids are learning in each room then all we have to do is tweak that teacher’s performance to be of optimal value in a way that fits their style rather than making them fit the box * You don’t have to dress all in blue and wear a red hat to be a good teacher * You can improve within your own style * Your kids will learn best when you are your authentic self Listener Reviews: 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’

The paper trap is a real thing in the world of education. Teachers often struggle with their mental health and the paper trap is one of the most popular reasons why. Tune in to hear strategies for how to unlock 5 typical paper traps all in a teacher’s day! 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’

The paper trap is a real thing in the world of education. Teachers often struggle with their mental health and the paper trap is one of the most popular reasons why. Tune in to hear strategies for how to unlock 5 typical paper traps all in a teacher’s day! 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’

Effective leaders are reflective in how the way they lead affects others. If you wouldn’t follow you, what makes you think others will? Tune in to hear how to self evaluate your leadership and make changes today that will have a positive impact tomorrow! Quotables I love leaders who have high expectations but sympathize I respect leaders who might not have done it before but are willing to roll up their sleeves, jump into the trenches with you and make it happen Whatever you ask of others be willing to do yourself Know what its like to be lead by yourself I cannot achieve my goals, if those I lead aren’t behind me 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’

Effective leaders are reflective in how the way they lead affects others. If you wouldn’t follow you, what makes you think others will? Tune in to hear how to self evaluate your leadership and make changes today that will have a positive impact tomorrow! Quotables * I love leaders who have high expectations but sympathize * I respect leaders who might not have done it before but are willing to roll up their sleeves, jump into the trenches with you and make it happen * Whatever you ask of others be willing to do yourself * Know what its like to be lead by yourself * I cannot achieve my goals, if those I lead aren’t behind me 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’