Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

In this episode, we dive into how educators can intentionally reset their classroom culture at the start of the school year. Whether you’re teaching brand-new students or welcoming back familiar faces, the first weeks are the perfect time to establish the norms, routines, and relationships that will shape the months ahead. We’ll discuss practical strategies to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where every student feels seen and supported. Quotables "The one thing that made me a really strong teacher, wasn't that I knew how to build culture, it was that I knew how to sustain culture." "Prioritize routines, procedures, and expectations that are the most important." "Be comfortable with the reset."       Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/your-way License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. LaKimbre Brown, an experienced educational leader and advocate for equity in schools, to explore the ever-changing landscape of education. Dr. Brown shares her insights on how schools are evolving to meet the diverse needs of today’s students, from shifting curriculums to addressing representation in both classrooms and leadership. We discuss what it means to truly serve “different students with different needs,” how curriculum must adapt to be more inclusive and relevant, and why having educators and materials that reflect the identities of all students matters more than ever. Dr. Brown brings real-world examples, deep wisdom, and a clear call to action for educators, leaders, and communities alike. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or school leader, this episode will challenge you to rethink what equitable and responsive education should look like in today’s world. Quotables ** Quotes are from the interviewee ** "If you want to have systemic change at district level you need to really think about coherence and how all the systems work together." "I believe in the child or student sitting in front of me and I believe they can do this hard thing." “Representation matters.” About Dr. LaKimbre Brown Dr. LaKimbre Brown is Chief Program Officer at Leading Educators and has more than 22 years of experience as an educator. As Chief of Schools for Lorain City Schools, she led 12 of 15 schools to state assessment gains and tripled access to high-quality Pre-K. Previously, she coached principals at dual-language campuses as Instructional Superintendent at DC Public Schools. Connect with Dr. LaKimbre Brown http://www.leadingeducators.org Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. 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....

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with school psychologist Kay Kelly to explore her unique journey within the educational system and how she’s thinking outside the box to create real-world opportunities for students. Kay shares stories from her experiences in various school settings and how those shaped her passion for integrating mental health support with practical, hands-on learning. This episode is a powerful look at the intersection of mental health, education, and innovation, and how one educator is helping schools create opportunities that last far beyond the classroom. Quotables **All quotes are from the interviewee** "I think connecting with kids... It does feel different, but in some ways you still do the same things we want to have genuine connections with them, actively listen... I think theres a lot to hear in their lived experience." "The foundations haven't really changed that much, but the way we engaged with them might be a little different." "There's a lot of benefit in having those virtual communities where you can be a sounding board and provide those resources." About Kay Kelly Kay Kelly is a dedicated and experienced School Psychologist with a proven track record in educational settings. Her expertise spans diagnostic assessment, counseling, intervention, and advocacy, and she is passionate about supporting students across all levels and settings. She is skilled in crisis response, collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with educational regulations to improve student outcomes. As a life-long learner, Kay Kelly emphasizes a solution-focused approach, working within a problem-solving framework to support students’ emotional and academic development. Over the years, she's had the opportunity to lead and contribute to several impactful initiatives, including collaborating with the University of Kansas to help develop Multi-Tier Systems of Support and securing grants for innovative programs, such as a self-sustaining, student-run car detailing service at the high school where she worked. This program provided students in the life skills program with hands-on, real-world experience. Kay Kelly remains committed to creating positive, lasting impacts on students, families, and educators through her current position with eLuma, a tele school-based company that provides access to high quality mental health providers. Contact Kay Kelly: kkelly@elumatherapy.com

In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of literacy and its life-changing impact with renowned literacy advocate, educator, and CEO Pam Allyn. Pam shares powerful insights into why reading is not just a fundamental skill, but a gateway to equity, empowerment, and lifelong success. Quotables ** All quotes are from the interviewee ** "I really want the world to be a better place for children and young adults to be able to be comfortable learning to read and write." "Reading a story to a child isn’t just something you do on the side...It’s actually something that can be central to who I am as an educator. " "Reading is breathing in and writing is breathing out." About Pam Allyn Pam Allyn is the founder and CEO of Dewey, a groundbreaking learning platform designed to support the wellbeing of families and caregivers at the powerful intersection of home, work, and learning. A lifelong educator, curriculum developer, and literacy advocate — and a proud grandparent — Pam has dedicated her career to helping young children learn to read and develop a lasting love for reading and writing. Through Dewey, she’s on a mission to make learning joyful and accessible by introducing playful, engaging tools that ease the fear and anxiety often associated with school. Since its launch, Dewey has positively impacted over 100,000 children, offering a wide range of educational products for parents, caregivers, and educators in both English and Spanish, with more languages on the way. Connect with Pam Allyn https://www.deweycommunity.com https://pamallyn.com/ https://medium.com/@pam_90412 https://www.instagram.com/deweycommunity/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen ...

In this powerful episode, Superintendent Dr. Brandi Kelly joins us to share the story behind her transformative system of H.O.P.E. She breaks down what H.O.P.E. stands for, how it came to be, and how it’s changing the way educators and leaders approach their work in schools and communities. Dr. Kelly dives into the importance of strong, uplifting relationships—connecting with the right people who challenge and support you—as a foundation for authentic leadership. She also shares how her system not only supports teachers and leaders, but also empowers students to rise and thrive. Whether you're in education or leadership in any form, this conversation will leave you with practical tools, heartfelt encouragement, and a renewed sense of purpose. Quotables "We need community and we need to lift each other up." "My mission is just to help those leaders and educators create systems that support thriving communities rooted in my system of H.O.P.E." "Change starts from the inside out." About Dr. Brandi Kelly Dr. Brandi Kelly is an accomplished author, speaker, and consultant with over 20 years of experience dedicated to empowering leaders to inspire growth, drive positive change, and cultivate environments where success thrives. Known for her passion and purpose, Dr. Kelly believes in the transformational power of hope—and the courage it takes to lead with it. Dr. Kelly’s mission is simple yet powerful: to spark hope in every individual and organization she serves. Through her signature System of H.O.P.E., she equips others to foster strong leadership, build supportive cultures, and achieve sustainable, hope-driven success. Resources from this Episode www.sparkhopeedu.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”

In this episode, we sit down with educational leader Pablo Munoz to explore the heart of effective teaching and leadership. Pablo emphasizes that loving children is the foundation of successful teaching, sharing how genuine care and connection pave the way for impactful learning. He dives into what true educational leadership looks like—leading with purpose, integrity, and a deep belief in student potential. Throughout the conversation, Pablo reflects on how great teaching isn’t just about strategy, but about showing up with compassion, commitment, and the drive to help every child thrive. Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned leader, this episode offers powerful reminders of why we teach and how love and leadership go hand-in-hand for lasting success. Quotables **All quotes are from the interviewee** "You really have to be intentional when you start moving up to get into schools." "Task predicts performance." "The most important part about a leader is that your actions actually match your written and spoken words." About Pablo Munoz Pablo Muñoz is the managing director of Muñoz & Company, an educational and leadership consulting organization. He is a leadership coach, teacher, trainer, and speaker with the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team; the author of The Leader’s Algorithm; and the host and producer of Latino Leaders podcast. Pablo has 30 years of public education experience as a teacher and administrator, including 16 years as a superintendent of schools. He was recognized as the 2008 Union County School Superintendent of the Year by the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey and named as one of the George Lucas Educational Foundation’s 2008 Daring Dozen – a prestigious group of twelve educators “who are reshaping the future of education.” Pablo graduated from Yale University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Ivy League pitching honors. A lifelong athlete and sports fan, he has coached baseball at all levels from little league to professional, having been a minor league pitching coach with the Chicago Cubs. After Yale, Pablo continued his education at Teachers College, Columbia University where he earned a Master of Arts in educational administration in 1996. Resources from this episode: https://www.themunozcompany.com/ linkedin.com/in/pablo-muñoz-b30b2ab1 https://www.themunozcompany.com/the-leaders-algorithm https://www.themunozcompany.com/latino-leaders-podcast Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join a...

Let's celebrate together as Always a Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast turns 10! Tune in on this live recording in celebration of all things over the past ten years. Throughout the episode, Gretchen talks past and present about the experience, the fun, and the amazing educators she's been able to meet along the way. Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’

Step into the world of STEM when you listen to this weeks episode! Learn all about the benefits, different tips to take back to your own classroom, and how you can get involved yourself. Quotables ** All quotes are by the interviewee ** “A setback is when you learn from the mistake and you continue on.” “Find role models and mentors.” “We need to be more collaborative together as teaching teams.”       About Nichole Austion Nichole Austion, MBA, has over 20 years of marketing success and has served as VP of public affairs for the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) since 2022. She leads government affairs, fostering relationships with federal and state entities. Nichole holds a B.S. in computer science and engineering from Howard University and an MBA from Texas McCombs (1995). An active member of the National Black MBA Association, she was named Innovator of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Ministry in 2024. A passionate STEM advocate, she published Miles and the Math Monsters in 2024, a children’s book designed to make math fun and accessible. Resources from the Episode www.nms.org www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-austion/ www.nicholeaustionbooks.com/ National Math and Science Initiative website: nms.org Nichole's email: naustion@nms.org Nichole's author website: Nicholeaustionbooks.com Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: 

Often times teachers want to do what is comfortable for them, but what if the best way to help your students was to step out of your comfort zone and teach differently? Listen in as Robert Barnett tells his story about how he shifted his teaching style and stepped out of the norm for his students. Quotables ** All quotes are by the interviewee ** "Learning should feel good. Students should build self esteem to build confidence when they learn something new." "Every child deserves an excellent education no matter who they are or what their background is. " “The more I got away from this sort of one lesson at a time approach, the more I just appreciated the incredible diversity of talent, interest, and potential that students bring to class. ” About Robert Barnett Robert Barnett co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project, which has empowered 80,000+ educators in 180+ countries to meet every learner’s needs. Before that he taught math, computer science, English, social studies, and law, from the middle-school to university levels, at public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Learners Can Succeed and he hopes his children will learn in Modern Classrooms someday! Resources from this episode: 1.meeteverylearnersneeds.org 2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-s-barnett/ 3. book 4. Book giveaway : https://meln-form.paperform.co/?podcast=aal

Have you ever needed more clarity? Have you ever wondered what more clarity looked like in schools? Listen in as Casey Watts speaks on exactly that and gives insider tips on how to make your school successful in this practice. Quotables ** All quotes are by the interviewee ** "Show up for yourself the way you want to show up." "Pause, listen, question, and avoid making assumptions." "Clarity precedes capacity every single time."   About Casey Watts Casey Watts has spent 20 years in education—teaching, coaching, and leading—watching talented educators get stuck in silos, overwhelmed by initiatives, and frustrated by collaboration that felt more like chaos than progress. She knows the real problem isn’t a lack of effort or expertise. It’s a lack of clarity. Through her Clarity Cycle Framework, Casey helps instructional leaders cut through the noise, align their teams, and turn collaboration into something that actually works. Because without clarity, even the best teams stay stuck. Now, as the founder of Casey Watts Coaching & Consulting, and host of The Catching Up with Casey Podcast, she’s on a mission to help school leaders stop spinning their wheels and start leading with purpose. Whether speaking, coaching, or leading workshops, Casey equips leaders with the tools to create the kind of teams that don’t just function—they thrive. Resources from this episode: https://www.catchingupwithcasey.com/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You...

Peer collaboration in education is so important and can bring so much growth to you as a professional. Listen in to this weeks episode as Gretchen dives deep into how peer collaboration can be beneficial, rewarding, and valuable. Quotables "It really builds a culture of collaboration when you can go watch a peer and build them up. " "You don’t know what someone can bring to the table, so don’t assume. " “Peer collaboration is a give and take among peers.”     Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/your-way License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL  

Are you a mentor? Are you a beginning teacher? Listen in as Gretchen speaks on the importance of a successful mentor and mentee partnership. This partnership is highly important for beginning teachers as they navigate the profession. Throughout this episode, Gretchen shares a story and gives quality tips to help things run smoothly. Quotables "When we can name what makes something successful, we can repeat it. " "We want to grow the mindset and the skill set of educators." “Implement the feedback you’re given. ”         Resources from this Episode: Blog Posts: §  https://alwaysalesson.com/characteristics-of-an-effective-teacher-mentor/ §  https://alwaysalesson.com/5-mistakes-a-teacher-mentor-makes/ §  https://alwaysalesson.com/tips-for-making-the-most-out-of-teacher-mentorship/ §  https://alwaysalesson.com/the-power-of-mentorship/ §  https://alwaysalesson.com/fire-your-mentor-hire-your-idol/ § 

School partnerships between parents, teachers, and administration are so important. Listen in as Christina Hidek tells her story about leading the PTO in her district, and how it turned her passion of helping others into the work she does today. Quotables *All quotes are from the interviewee* "Happy teachers make for happy kids which makes happy parents." "It's a funny little thing when your passion lines up with what you can do to help others." "If it doesn't work one time, that's not an excuse to not try again."     About Christina Hidek Christina Hidek is a recovering attorney turned Professional Organizer and certified PTO volunteer nerd. She founded PTO Answers 7 years ago to boost family engagement in schools and empower parents to improve their child’s educational experience and school community through PTA/PTO involvement. She’s been an active PTO leader for the past 14 years and hosts the vibrant 8000 plus member Super Star PTO Leaders Facebook Group. When she’s not volunteering, you can find her in her garden, listening to the latest Katherine Center audiobook or walking the family dogs. Connect with Christina Hidek Website: https://ptoanswers.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptoanswers PTO Super Star Leaders Facebook Group: https://ptoanswers.com/community Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ptoanswers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ptoanswers Freebie: PTO Family Engagement Opportunity Assessment: https://ptoanswers.com/principal/ Join the...

Coaching can be seen differently depending on your school and district, but it doesn't have to be negative. By working side by side, the coach and the teacher can turn into a successful partnership where growth happens all around. Listen in as Gretchen explains different steps, tips, and tricks to make an instructional coaching partnership in your own school.Quotables "We create the vision with where we’re wanting to go, so that all the behavior that follows matches that. " "The coaching partnership is a tremendous support tool when implemented as it is intended. " “The role of a coach is originally designed to support the growth of a teacher.”Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie!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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeGretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon.Leave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’Music from #Uppbeat:

Have you ever wondered if something in our schools should be celebrated more, less or not at all? Join in as Gretchen speaks about the importance of celebrations based on personal tangible performance, and tells personal stories from her own experiences.Quotables "We have to take that [best performance] into consideration and not just have a generic bar that everyone has to meet ." “That [best performance] looks different for everyone.” "We want to reward work ethic, but we also want to personalize what is considered best performance."Links from today's episode:Red Plate LinkJoin the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie!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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegeGretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon.Leave a Rating and Review:This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future.https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’Music from #Uppbeat:a...

You never know when chaos will strike, but it's always good to have a system in place. Listen in as Gretchen talks about her experience with chaos during holiday break and how she is prepared and ready when it strikes again. Quotables: "Things are going to happen. Chaos is going to come and sometimes it's for the better." "Recalibrate often and assess needs." "When you don't overuse your connections, people will move mountains."     Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/your-way License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL  

Join Gretchen as she speaks about the Crisis Response in Education and what you can do to make it better. Throughout the episode, Gretchen gives you resources and tangible action steps to make your school more prepared in a crisis situation. Quotables "We can't just prepare for crisis itself. We have to prepare for what happens after the crisis." "You don’t have to be a leader in the school to have a game plan and bring it to the table. " "Develop plans that are thorough enough to handle a lot of things."     Resources 332: Clear Communication: Effective com w/ Ss and Ps 207: From Crisis to Calm https://alwaysalesson.com/episodes/207-from-crisis-to-calm/ Office for victims of crime: https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/publications/bulletins/schoolcrisis/pg3.html Office for victims of crime 2:  https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/School-Crisis-Response-Initiative.pdf PBIS:   https://www.pbis.org/crisis-recovery NEA:   https://www.nea.org/sites/default/files/2020-07/NEA%20School%20Crisis%20Guide%202018.pdf Office of State Superintendent of Education: https://osse.dc.gov/page/responding-school-crisis Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Blog: 

Join us as we listen in to Miriam Plotinsky and all about her teaching perspective. Throughout this episode you will here how Miriam Plotinsky has used he knowledge in and out of the classroom in order to develop tips and tricks for teachers. Quotables *All quotes are from interviewee* " The collective expertise that we all share for whatever our advantage point is what can get us the result that we want if we just learned to embrace that." "If you hold yourself to this impossible standard you’re never going to be able to last in teaching." "Anything you do with consistency will work you just have to keep doing it." All about Miriam Plotinsky Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland and the author of several education books: Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom, Lead Like a Teacher: How to Elevate Expertise in Your School and Writing Their Future Selves: Instructional Strategies to Affirm Student Identity (W.W. Norton), as well as the forthcoming Small but Mighty: How Everyday Habits Add Up to More Manageable and Confident Teaching (ASCD). She is also a National Board-certified teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. Connect with Miriam Plotinsky @MirPloMCPS https://miriamplotinsky.com/ Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my

Join in on the conversation about Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills where Gretchen gives you a story, a lesson, and tangible next steps. In today's episode Gretchen speaks on how our world has changed with modern technology and how important it is to prepare our students to think critically for their future in the workplace. Quotables: "Stay above the robotic curve by developing high level thinking skills." "Staying relevant and flexible in your thinking is your superpower." "Make critical thinking part of your culture." Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’ Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/your-way License code: QD3TG5UIS0LHILEL

There's so much teachers can learn from one another. From how to engage students to how to enhance lessons, teachers can grow in their craft every day. Listen in as Gretchen tells a story and provides tips and tricks on the importance of collaboration among colleagues. Quotables "How well teachers collaborate has a direct impact on how well they teach and on how well students learn." "When teachers collaborate and support each other, it can create a positive and encouraging school culture." "We've got to grow our own skills."     Links for Today's Episode Time Management Episodes 328: Manage Your Time with Time Blocking 329: Manage Time By Streamlining Administrative Tasks 331: Collaborative Planning and Resource Sharing Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! 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 Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Gretchen’s latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Leave a Rating and Review: This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long-lasting effect on our future. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2 Search for my show on iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast Click ‘Send’