Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Connections are so important in education. They are what brings us together and allows us learn from one another. Join us as we listen in on the importance of making connections outside of our comfort zone, and how much those connections can help us through our work. With Ariella Racco's new program CoLab, it allows collaboration to be that much easier! Quotables *All quotes are from the interviewee. "It's okay to not know what you're doing. Ask for help and put yourself into spaces that are really unfamiliar." "Make connections to the world around you." "Put yourself in rooms and spaces with other passionate people and don't limit yourself to just other educators."   About Ariella Racco Ariella Racco has been a middle school teacher in Canada and Spain for the past 6 years. After experiencing and seeing the challenges teachers face each day, as well as just how critical the issue of teacher burnout, retention and engagement have become, she set out to build a solution for teachers. CoLab is a collaboration platform just for teachers with tools that boost productivity, foster community, and democratize access to high-quality resources. Ariella Racco is dedicated to not only improving individual teacher experiences; but transforming the entire education ecosystem. By empowering educators in their role, she believes they are positively impacting student outcomes on a global scale. Connect with Ariella Racco https://www.colab.education/ https://www.instagram.com/colab.ed/ www.linkedin.com/in/ariella-racco/ 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...

There's so much that goes on behind-the-scenes when teaching and leading. It can be hard to find time to complete those tasks (let alone do them well). Join Gretchen as she shares her experiences with time management and streamlining administrative tasks. She gives practical tangible next steps that can help you achieve your goals in getting things done. Quotables "Developing systems and then refining them, overtime, is gonna put time back on the clock and that allows you to focus on what matters most." “Start small.” “Plan ahead. Prioritize well, and protect your time for what matters most.”     Episode Links David Allen’s Getting Things Done: 5 Steps to a more productive life (https://gettingthingsdone.com/) https://www.thetogethergroup.com/ The Together Teacher book The Together Leader book 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...

Have you ever heard of time blocking? Listen in as Gretchen explains what it is, how she uses it, and the tips and tricks that may work for you. Quotables "You don’t want to overbook yourself because even though we’re planning every minute of every day you don’t want to tire yourself out." "Over estimate your pacing so you end up with extra time instead of rushing to finish or getting stressed out." “Time blocking is your key to freedom."   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’

Are you in need of more self-care? Listen in as Gretchen talks about her self-care routines, tips, and tricks that might be able to help with just that. Quotables "Don't wait (to use self-care tactics) until you're facing burnout." "It's okay to take a break and fill your time with something unrelated to your role." "No matter how you decide to engage in self-care, it's an activity that disengages us from the stress of the job."     Previous Work-Life Balance Series Episodes 324: Reality of Work-Life Balance 326: Supportive School 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’  

Are you wondering how to make your school culture better? This episode is for you! Tune in as Gretchen shares a practical story about her experience with a supportive school culture, and the tips and tricks she uses to make it that much better. Quotables "We as the educators had the choice for how we worked, and where. Just the flexibility made all the difference in finding enjoyment and slowing, or avoiding, the burnout that was coming." "The lesson here is the school environment plays a major role in the work-life balance of the people working within its walls." "The leader sets the expectation and the tone for how to navigate the ins and out of teaching so that we aren't just a great teacher for a single year, but for many years." Work Life Balance Series Previous Episodes Episode 324: Reality of a Work-Life Balance 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’

Join us as we dive into the important of building trust and relationships with students, and how much of a difference small conversations can make. With Ashley Bendiksen's expertise in supporting at-risk youth, she has touched many lives of students and adults. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "Foster every opportunity for conversation for dialogue remind them that you’re there and hopefully they will turn to you. Should they ever need support." “School staff plays such a unique and powerful role in the lives of students because of their proximity." "Foster every opportunity for conversation for dialogue remind them that you’re there and hopefully they will turn to you. Should they ever need support." About Ashley Bendiksen Ashley Bendiksen is an acclaimed speaker, Top Youth Speaker, award-winning activist, and survivor turned subject matter expert in domestic and sexual violence, child and family abuse, adolescent mental health, and supporting at-risk youth. Year-round, Ashley specializes in reaching both students and the adults who serve them. Ashley is also the founder of the Blue Hearts Project, a global storytelling platform for survivors, as well as co-founder of Island Youth Coaching which provides support to at-risk youth as well as consulting and training for youth-serving organizations. Earning her degree in Administration of Justice from Salve Regina University, Ashley graduated, remarkably, as Valedictorian seven years after dropping out with a failing GPA due to abuse. Connect with Ashley Bendiksen www.ashleybendiksen.com  www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybendiksen www.twitter.com/ashleybendiksen www.instagram.com/ashleybendiksen 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: a...

Have you ever felt like your work-life balance just isn't enough? This episode is for you! Tune in as Gretchen shares a practical story about the reality of her work-life balance, and the tips and tricks she uses to make it that much easier. Quotables "Balance means we're doing enough of work, and enough of life that we actually feel both sides receive time spent equally." "Prevention is EVERYTHING!" "Sometimes the pendulum swings on one side a bit, but the good news it's not gonna stay that way forever so stay focused on that end goal, and push through when you're out of balance and then recoup as necessary after." 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’

Join us as we dive into the importance of understanding student language and how beneficial it can be in the classroom with Michael Grande. With his expertise in coaching, he has touched the lives of many educators across the world. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "I finally found someone who taught me how I wanted to be taught and found my learning language which is what interested me. If we could do that with our students, we'd have a whole new universe." "I work with them [students]. I talk to them, not at them." "Every single time something comes to me, I never say no. I think about it and say where is the opportunity? Not the obstacle. Where is the opportunity?" About Michael Grande After spending time in Rwanda teaching music Teachers how to become Coaches, Michael quickly learned that Coaching is not cultural, rather it is universal. After the Minister of Education of Rwanda agreed to incorporate Michael’s Coaching techniques and strategies, he felt it was time to share his methods of Coaching with others. In September 2023 Michael released his self-published book; From Teacher to Coach (And why you would NEVER want to be a Teacher). Connect with Michael Grande http://TheGrandeMan.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 podcast Click ‘Send’

Join us as we go all in with Dr. Jim Van Allan, President of The Energy Bus for Schools. With experience in creating a positive school culture using his framework, Dr. Van Allan's insights have impacted the lives of leaders and educators across the nation.   Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "All in is what comes to mind...That's what I've seen that inspires me... The ability for these schools to go all in and truly commit to being a positive campus." You can love people by communicating effectively with them...by doing more one on one meetings." "I believe in that...I believe in putting in the work to make sure it's [PD] specific and relevant to the people sitting there because if it's not, they will not listen or they will not get a lot out of it." About Dr. Jim: Dr. Jim Van Allan is President of The Energy Bus for Schools. He runs The Energy Bus for Schools program which gives schools the blueprint and framework to create a positive school culture. He coaches school leaders and superintendents on mindset, teamwork, communication, and culture-building. Additionally, Jim speaks to schools and districts across the country with keynotes, trainings, workshops, and student assemblies. He is the co-author of the book, The Energy Bus for Schools, with Jon Gordon. Jim is also a Professor of Communication Studies and Lead Speech Instructor with Keiser University, which is based in Florida. He teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Business Communication. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Florida Atlantic University. He also earned his Ph.D in Education Leadership from Keiser University. Jim studied the impact of an early version of The Energy Bus for Schools program on a model school in Ohio. Much of his research centered around the impact of sustainable professional development for schools. He lives in Palm City, Florida, with his wife and three children, Brady, Brenden, and Brinley. Connect with Dr. Jim:  Follow him on all social media @JimVanAllan Email him: Jim@JonGordon.com The Energy Bus for Schools Book The Energy Bus for Schools Program

Join us as we immerse in Vicki Davis's journey as an educator, author, and host.  With over 20+ years of experience in education, specializing in technology and her vast understanding of artificial intelligence, Vicki has touched the life of many students and educators throughout her career. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "I would never say every single teacher has to embrace technology, but we have to embrace children. We have to embrace the nobility of teaching and we do have to embrace learning." "All that our kids are going to know is massive change...So we need to educate ourselves about how we can learn." "You have to relate to educate." About Vicki: Vicki Davis is a classroom teacher, book publisher, mom, author of the Cool Cat Teacher Blog, and host of the 10 Minute Teacher Podcast. With over 20+ years in education, Vicki has received many acknowledgments which include top education influencer awards, and a feature in USA Today. However, the award closest to her heart is being named STAR Teacher at her school and district this past school year. Over the years her blog has grown into a vibrant community of over 6000 posts, and her podcast has been recognized as a top podcast in education. Each post and episode is a fresh chapter in her shared adventure in education and technology. When the school bell rings, you can find Vicki juggling roles as an IT Director, Computer Science and Digital Technology teacher. Her classroom more than just a space; it’s a dynamic, fun learning community that extends beyond school walls, as they share and engage with the world. Vicki’s family includes her husband, three unique children, two of whom learn differently, (she never says the word “disability”), two dogs, and yes – Cheeto! Vicki’s varied educational journeys of her children ignite her drive to inspire every learner, celebrating their individuality. Vicki enjoys celebrating Cool Classrooms, explore Cool Apps and Technology, and share Cool Teaching Tips. When she is not immersed in a film project, assisting teachers, or fending off gnats in my hometown of Camilla, Georgia, she loves to spread her wings. Over the years, Vicki has conducted over 100 workshops, keynotes, and spotlight sessions globally, often with her students in tow! Connect with Vicki: Fb: https://www.facebook.com/coolcatteacher IG: https://www.instagram.com/coolcatteacher/ Website: https://www.coolcatteacher.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: 

Join us as we untangle the inspirational journey of Matthew Ebert, a powerhouse in education and expert in school leadership. With over twenty years of education experience, Matthew's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee "People are not robots. The investment in the adults... the operationalizing of this idea of care pays off in the long run even if it's messy." It’s [winning] laughter. It’s joy. It’s people being happy to come to work, and kids being happy going to school. "Winning [in education] is a long term strategy that comes from taking care of each other." About Matthew: Matthew Ebert is a human-centered leader with 20+ years of experience in education, primarily focused on school leadership in urban settings. Matthew’s consulting is grounded in his experiences as a teacher, director of academic innovation, academy leader, and a decade of successful leadership as a public charter school principal. Throughout his leadership tenure, Matthew has developed teams that exceed expectations, consistently achieving strong results. He is committed to cultivating healthy work and learning environments in which individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. In addition to helping team members consistently attain their personal and professional goals, Matthew has facilitated dramatic and consistent growth in student achievement in both Baltimore and Boston, in metrics focused on academic achievement and school climate. Matthew’s leadership is based in the idea that we are all here to take care of one another. Connect with Matthew: www.linkedin.com/in/matthewebert1982 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebert-educational-consulting IG: eberteducationalconsulting X: eberteducation Published Works: EdWeek Creating A Culture Of Care Telling An Excellent Teacher It's Time To Leave

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we delve into proven teacher support strategies that can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Quotables: "Every classroom deserves a teacher who is growing in capacity so that students have the opportunity to become an even better version of themselves. " "It's no longer enough to have a conversation about goals and dreams or to only check in on a colleague randomly when you have time. You've got to execute a support strategy consistently and with urgency." "When things are working, we diagnose that magic so we can replicate it. " Join the Teacher Leader Mastermind Enroll in the current cohort here 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’

Ryan Pelkey is an educator/speaker/writer and advocate of teacher mental health. With 25 years in education he has seen most, done most and been a part of some amazing schools and taught over 10,000 students. As a current administrator, he is active in restorative practices, instructional leadership and bringing the best out of his teachers, students and other stakeholders. Listen to Episode 280 which is when we first interviewed Ryan in 2022! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  "I want other people to know that it's okay to want more out of your career, or want more out of your life...and to be able to step up and step out is what it's all about..." "A lot of times the focus is on the kids. The focus is on our students, and it should be...but if you treat your teachers well, you're gonna create those environments where the kids are gonna want to be there..." "...I know my staff. I know my community and I know my kids and I've really adapted and grown as a leader and a person because of the people I'm surrounded with..." About Ryan Pelkey Ryan is writing a new book called "...Just- The Dirtiest 4 letter word in a Growth Mindset" which is soon to be published on Amazon. His previous book The Boy Who Lost His Ears was a best seller on Amazon for students in grades 3-5. This SEL story shows the importance of listening skills and do we really need ears to hear/listen? Feel free to zoom him into your classrooms as a Pop Up Author! He has spoken at educational conferences from Virginia to Australia and Malaysia, hoping to make connections to help people anyway, anyhow and anywhere. Teachers need to be first in schools! He lives in Northern Virginia with his family and 2 amazing dogs. A big Yankee Fan, Eagles Fan and Carolina Basketball Fan. Find him on X and Instagram @mr_pelkey View Ryan's LinkedIn profile, too! 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...

Dive into insightful conversations with Michael and Nita Creekmore, seasoned educators with over 35 years of combined experience. Join them as they explore the importance of relationships in education, drawing from Michael's counseling background and Nita's instructional coaching expertise. Get practical tips, personal anecdotes, and wisdom from their book, Every Connection Matters.Tune in for actionable strategies, balancing career and family life, and fostering meaningful connections in and out of the classroom. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  “When you’re building relationships, you have to build trust, and the more you build trust, the more you can...get into [the] why. What is the root behind this?” "...compartmentalize! That's one of the necessary tools to avoid burnout..." ”That’s one of the by-products of having the biggest hearts...we take a lot of stuff home.” About Michael & Nita Michael and NIta Creekmore are a married couple both with more than 35 years combined in the field of children and education. Micheal has been in the field of professional counseling for about 16+ years and in school counseling for 5+ years. Nita has been in education for 19+ years. She has been an Instructional Coach for 5+ years and facilitates learning experiences with other educators. Nita and Michael have 4 children and a pup. Together they have Creekmore Conversations in which they facilitate learning experiences around the importance building, maintaining and restoring relationships in education. Together they wrote, Every Connection Matters: Building, Maintaining and Restoring Relationships Inside the Classroom and Out. They have very productive life inside and outside of education. They love what they do. They love having a large family. And, they also believe that having a healthy balance of it all is so important. Listen to Episode 218 which is when we first interviewed Nita in 2020! 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.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we discuss how to enhance student learning. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Quotables: "Each district and school operates so differently and especially as to how they use a teacher leader, aim for, and their name for the role..." "I teach the Triple A Method: aim, action, and achieve..." "Most important is the evidence...how do you know that you're moving forward?" "If you support the growth of teachers, you are a teacher leader and you can participate!" Join the Teacher Leader Mastermind Enroll in the current cohort here 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’

Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of Angela Watson, a powerhouse in education and expert in the incorporation of AI in the classroom. With over a decade of classroom experience, Angela's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  [When we think about AI, we ask] “How is this going to help me streamline my workload? It’s not going to do everything, but how can I make it really useful and how can I do it in an ethical manner?” "The trick to getting really good results from AI is to know how to give it good prompts." ”Productivity is something we all have to experiment with!” About Angela: Angela Watson is a National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has 11 years of classroom experience and over a decade of experience as an instructional coach. Angela created this website as a young teacher in 2003 to share practical classroom ideas and help other educators build a positive mindset so they can truly enjoy their work. It was originally called “Ms. Powell’s Management Ideas for Teachers” until 2008, when it was renamed “The Cornerstone for Teachers” after her first book. Rebranded in November 2021 to Truth for Teachers, the site now impacts over 8 million educators annually. Angela’s ideas have been featured in thousands of magazine articles, newsletters, and internet resources, and utilized in teacher preparation and support programs throughout the nation. She has authored numerous printable curriculum resources, online courses, and six books. Her newest book is the second edition of “Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching,” which was released in November 2022. She is perhaps best known for her free Truth for Teachers podcast, which provides bi-weekly encouragement for educators and consistently ranks in the top K-12 podcasts in the world. Angela’s professional development on productivity is being used in over 45,000 schools through the 40 Hour Workweek program. First designed for teachers and then expanded to instructional coaches and administrators, 40 Hour helps educators become more intentional with their personal, contractual, and instructional time so they can focus on what really matters. Angela’s mission is to help teachers live a more purposeful and conscious life. Through her mentorship, countless teachers have learned to take charge of their time and energy so they can prevent burnout and stay in the profession they love for years to come. Listen to Episode 155 which is when we first interviewed Angela in 2018! Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter Join here and grab a freebie! Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: 

Don't miss this enlightening episode with Gretchen as she delves into the realm of tech integration in education. Discover invaluable tips for effectively assessing the level of student engagement versus mere compliance when utilizing tech tools in the classroom.In this episode, Gretchen shares practical planning strategies and essential considerations to enhance your instructional practices and ensure that lessons are accessible to all students, regardless of their learning styles or abilities.Unlock the power of technology to foster genuine student engagement and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. Tune in now for expert insights that will revolutionize your teaching approach and empower you to create inclusive and impactful lessons!As highlighted in this episode, Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Dive into this invaluable resource for a wealth of additional insights on increasing student engagement and fostering academic success! Quotables“We couldn’t finish the Engagement Series without touching on technology, because a lot of what folks think engagement is includes some sort of tech activity or game...”"...really it's less about check the box, I used tech today, and more about when I use tech it makes all the difference in student understanding."”We can’t assume that every tool is going to produce the same high levels of engagement.”Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave 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=2Search 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 infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Naomi Hall, also known as The Recovering Educator, as she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of being an educator. Naomi reminds us that while the teaching profession can be stressful, there are numerous factors within our control that can positively impact our well-being.In this episode, Naomi offers practical strategies for managing stress and reclaiming control over various aspects of our professional and personal lives. Discover how to effectively address the stressors inherent in education and cultivate a healthier, more balanced approach to teaching.Tune in to empower yourself with tools and techniques to navigate the demands of the teaching profession with resilience and grace. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Naomi's expertise and embark on a journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment in your career!Quotables*All quotables are from the interviewee It’s that recognition of; there are external stressors and there are internal stressors...and I have to work on the internal stressors and mindsets that contributed to my burnout.I'm not the only educator struggling with burnout. I'm not alone in this.”I don’t know who I am without students, lessons...without a classroom.”About NaomiNaomi has spent years learning how to manage stress, prevent burnout, and make a comeback from burnout...and now she's teaching others. She offers realistic stress management techniques that are important to your effectiveness and happiness in your classroom. She works to help educators be their best and provide the support you need. Learn more about Naomi atMy goal has never been to leave education. It has been to help educators be their best and provide the support school districts forget to give you.Learn more about her at https://www.therecoveringeducator.com/Connect with Naomi:Instagram and Facebook: naomihallfiteducatorEmail: therecoveringeducator@gmail.comYouTube: The Recovering EducatorJoin the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: 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.

Let's talk TRANSFORMATION with Gretchen as she explores the art of leveraging student engagement through the integration of student voice. Uncover actionable tips and straightforward techniques that empower you to immediately enhance classroom dynamics and amplify student participation. Tune in now to discover the keys to unlocking greater engagement and fostering a dynamic learning environment!In this episode, Gretchen shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of student involvement in the learning process. Learn how to amplify student voices effectively and create an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels heard and valued.As highlighted in this discussion, Gretchen's latest book, Always a Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success, is now available on Amazon. Dive into this invaluable resource for a wealth of additional insights on increasing student engagement and fostering academic success!Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that promises to revolutionize your teaching approach and inspire meaningful connections with your students. Tune in now and embark on a journey towards greater student empowerment!QuotablesIf we don't nail engagement, then we've really let students down...we've really minimized their future success because we're limiting the amount of knowledge and skills they can acquire.Student voice is gonna look different for each of your students, depending on what their needs are.There were so many tiny ways throughout the day that students could exercise their voices.Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave 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=2Search 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 infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’

Dive into an enlightening conversation with Gretchen as she unveils the keys to effective differentiation and personalized learning for optimal student engagement. Learn how to refine your teaching methods by eliminating inefficiencies and prioritizing strategies that deeply connect with your students. Tune in now to unlock powerful insights and transform your approach to teaching!In this episode, Gretchen unveils the concept of "Swiss Cheese Understanding" and its profound implications for educational planning. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will revolutionize the way you structure your teaching methods!Don't miss out on this transformative episode that promises to enhance your teaching toolkit and empower your students. Tune in now and embark on a journey towards more effective and impactful teaching strategies!QuotablesEvery level of what I'm gonna call "The House of Learning" is build with the support necessary so that new learning above it can actually stick.It's not that kids can't understand on their grade level. They need to work with the material long enough to make sense of it....the point is...they understand where they're going and why they need to have these skills..."Join the Always A Lesson NewsletterJoin here and grab a freebie!Connect with GretchenEmail: gretchen@alwaysalesson.comBlog: Always A LessonFacebook: Always A LessonTwitter: @gschultekInstagram: Always.A.LessonLinkedin: Gretchen Schultek BridgersBook: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in CollegePre-Order: Always a LessonLeave 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=2Search 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 infoLeave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcastClick ‘Send’