Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Tune in as we celebrate a year on the Always A Lesson’s Empowering Educators Podcast! We rewind to how it all began from a little ‘ol blog to now a world wide podcast, discuss my favorite parts of my journey this past year as a podcaster, share noteworthy milestones achieved, and celebrate your Top 5 Favorite Empowering Educators Podcast episodes thus far! A BIG *Thank You* to you loyal listeners who make this podcast what it is- we are changing the world one kiddo at a time :)   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&ls=1 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’    

Our jobs as educators is to create a better future. We do that by teaching children content, life skills and uncovering their potential. Often times we miss opportunities to deposit potential into the future because we fail to help children see beyond their circumstances so that they can change their mindset and surroundings. This episode is going to light a fire under you so that you no longer miss an opportunity to bless a child with the opportunity to see beyond their circumstances into their potential. Quotables * “It all Is how you speak to a child and how you deposit pos words in them to give them the strength to change their environment to change the way they think.” * How do you just invent different circumstances? * Kids are capable. Undeniably capable. They are born with the ability to think, to be successful, to be good human beings. They are also born into situations and circumstances that they can’t control. * Teachers are the gateway. They bridge the gap from the current circumstance to the potential of the future. * Its on us as educators to plant seeds of success in our kiddos’ heads * Every child deserves a quality education and the opportunity to succeed. * They self sabotaged the opportunity because they didn’t upgrade their thinking to match their scenario. 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&ls=1 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’  

Our jobs as educators is to create a better future. We do that by teaching children content, life skills and uncovering their potential. Often times we miss opportunities to deposit potential into the future because we fail to help children see beyond their circumstances so that they can change their mindset and surroundings. This episode is going to light a fire under you so that you no longer miss an opportunity to bless a child with the opportunity to see beyond their circumstances into their potential. Quotables “It all Is how you speak to a child and how you deposit pos words in them to give them the strength to change their environment to change the way they think.” How do you just invent different circumstances? Kids are capable. Undeniably capable. They are born with the ability to think, to be successful, to be good human beings. They are also born into situations and circumstances that they can’t control. Teachers are the gateway. They bridge the gap from the current circumstance to the potential of the future. Its on us as educators to plant seeds of success in our kiddos’ heads Every child deserves a quality education and the opportunity to succeed. They self sabotaged the opportunity because they didn’t upgrade their thinking to match their scenario. 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&ls=1 Why? This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.   How? Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast  Click ‘Send’  

Students aren’t as successful as they could be because we don’t give them the opportunity to take ahold of the reigns and be the driving force in their own education. Don’t keep a lesson a secret, share the format, and all the nitty gritty details to keep kiddos on the right track and focused on the skills they are required to demonstrate throughout a learning experience.   Quotables * Why are WE doing all the work? * Why are we designing the experience and then in charge of all the work getting to the destination? * Kids have got to be in the driver’s seat * They need all the tools to be successful and that means knowing the plan * Kids need more ownership and accountability in this generation and to prepare for levels of education and career   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&ls=1 Why? This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.   How? * Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher. * Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’ * Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.” * Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info * Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best) * Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast  * Click ‘Send’  

Students aren’t as successful as they could be because we don’t give them the opportunity to take ahold of the reigns and be the driving force in their own education. Don’t keep a lesson a secret, share the format, and all the nitty gritty details to keep kiddos on the right track and focused on the skills they are required to demonstrate throughout a learning experience.   Quotables Why are WE doing all the work? Why are we designing the experience and then in charge of all the work getting to the destination? Kids have got to be in the driver’s seat They need all the tools to be successful and that means knowing the plan Kids need more ownership and accountability in this generation and to prepare for levels of education and career   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&ls=1 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’  

Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified teacher. Her twelve years of classroom experience include teaching English language arts in middle school and preparing pre-service teachers at the college level. In 2013 she started her blog, Cult of Pedagogy, where she shares effective teaching practices, curates top-notch educational resources, explores how race and culture intersect with education, and studies the effective use of technology in the classroom. She is the author of The Teacher’s Guide to Tech, co-author of Hacking Education: 10 Quick Fixes for Every School, and the host of The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast. Quotables * The Oprah of Education * Be consciously respectful of others' experiences * Validate thinking behind mistakes * Mix high value information with my own personal take on things * No one should get their hands slapped for doing things the "old way," because the "old way" was just a few years ago * Regular, systematic feedback * You have to find people to spend your time with who are the kinds of teachers you want to be .... you will become like the people you surround yourself with * Find a mentor- someone who I look up to, who has knowledge i dont have, and is willing to give me a little guidance every once in a while * [Teaching], its such a difficult job; its not meant to be easy, and people don't go into it because its easy, but I want to thank teachers * Remember to stop and pay attention Jennifer's Stamp of Approval * Feedly- a feed reader for blogs and websites (simiar to Bloglovin) * The Marshall Memo- monthly digest of summaries of most significant educational research (monthly subscription) Connect with Jennifer * http://www.cultofpedagogy.com * Twitter: @cultofpedagogy * Instagram: @cultofpedagogy * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cult-of-Pedagogy-688223247861467/   Join elite educators everywhere in snagging tips, tricks and freebies right to your inbox every month! Become #empowered with the Always A Lesson newsletter: 

Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified teacher. Her twelve years of classroom experience include teaching English language arts in middle school and preparing pre-service teachers at the college level. In 2013 she started her blog, Cult of Pedagogy, where she shares effective teaching practices, curates top-notch educational resources, explores how race and culture intersect with education, and studies the effective use of technology in the classroom. She is the author of The Teacher’s Guide to Tech, co-author of Hacking Education: 10 Quick Fixes for Every School, and the host of The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast. Quotables The Oprah of Education Be consciously respectful of others' experiences Validate thinking behind mistakes Mix high value information with my own personal take on things No one should get their hands slapped for doing things the "old way," because the "old way" was just a few years ago Regular, systematic feedback You have to find people to spend your time with who are the kinds of teachers you want to be .... you will become like the people you surround yourself with Find a mentor- someone who I look up to, who has knowledge i dont have, and is willing to give me a little guidance every once in a while [Teaching], its such a difficult job; its not meant to be easy, and people don't go into it because its easy, but I want to thank teachers Remember to stop and pay attention Jennifer's Stamp of Approval Feedly- a feed reader for blogs and websites (simiar to Bloglovin) The Marshall Memo- monthly digest of summaries of most significant educational research (monthly subscription) Connect with Jennifer http://www.cultofpedagogy.com Twitter: @cultofpedagogy Instagram: @cultofpedagogy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cult-of-Pedagogy-688223247861467/   Join elite educators everywhere in snagging tips, tricks and freebies right to your inbox every month! Become #empowered with the Always A Lesson newsletter: https://alwaysalesson.leadpages.co/newslettersignup/   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&ls=1 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’

Too often we ask kids “what are you doing?” instead of “what are you learning?” Because of that we as educators focus on designing lessons around tasks and compliance instead of learning content through impactful ways. We are doing a disservice by our current state of mind. Tune in to hear how we can change that today!   Quotables * Why was I so focused on the outcome instead of the process? * We have got to refocus and recalibrate our brains to focus on getting kids grappling with material to really learn it. * Stop asking WHAT ARE YOU DOING and ask WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING * Stop being mainstream * Every decision we make in the classroom puts our kids at risk or sets them up for success.   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&ls=1 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’    

Too often we ask kids “what are you doing?” instead of “what are you learning?” Because of that we as educators focus on designing lessons around tasks and compliance instead of learning content through impactful ways. We are doing a disservice by our current state of mind. Tune in to hear how we can change that today!   Quotables Why was I so focused on the outcome instead of the process? We have got to refocus and recalibrate our brains to focus on getting kids grappling with material to really learn it. Stop asking WHAT ARE YOU DOING and ask WHAT ARE YOU LEARNING Stop being mainstream Every decision we make in the classroom puts our kids at risk or sets them up for success.   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&ls=1 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 summer is a great time to unwind and rejuvenate! But, beware of the summer trap of regression- yes, it happens to teachers too! If you don’t take time to learn new skills and try new things you too will lose your spark as a teacher. You must reach your own potential to help your kiddos do the same. Tune in to hear how you can still have a relaxing summer but turn your talent up a notch! Quotables * We owe it to ourselves and our kids to continue to get better at our craft * Use the summer break to get better * Part of being a great teacher is connecting with kids 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&ls=1 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 summer is a great time to unwind and rejuvenate! But, beware of the summer trap of regression- yes, it happens to teachers too! If you don’t take time to learn new skills and try new things you too will lose your spark as a teacher. You must reach your own potential to help your kiddos do the same. Tune in to hear how you can still have a relaxing summer but turn your talent up a notch! Quotables We owe it to ourselves and our kids to continue to get better at our craft Use the summer break to get better Part of being a great teacher is connecting with kids 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&ls=1 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’      

To be a great teacher requires a multi-tasking ability unlike any other. Each student has their own learning needs and with the heavy demands on districts today, a teacher can easily feel like they are herding cats or putting on a three ring circus. However, there’s a simple secret to survival- its called classroom management. The more effective a teacher can become at managing a class helps free up mental space to teach engaging lessons while the rest of the class operates on auto pilot. Tune in to hear the nuts and bolts of effective classroom management. Quotables * Every movement needs a system with a purpose- What and How * What's the safest,most efficient way to get from pt A to pt B? * Where students are idle that’s where behavior crops up * Get a timer! * Check for understanding is by far a game changer in my management Gretchen's Stamp of Approval * Teach Like a Champion 2.0 by Doug Lemov 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&ls=1 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’      

To be a great teacher requires a multi-tasking ability unlike any other. Each student has their own learning needs and with the heavy demands on districts today, a teacher can easily feel like they are herding cats or putting on a three ring circus. However, there’s a simple secret to survival- its called classroom management. The more effective a teacher can become at managing a class helps free up mental space to teach engaging lessons while the rest of the class operates on auto pilot. Tune in to hear the nuts and bolts of effective classroom management. Quotables Every movement needs a system with a purpose- What and How What's the safest,most efficient way to get from pt A to pt B? Where students are idle that’s where behavior crops up Get a timer! Check for understanding is by far a game changer in my management Gretchen's Stamp of Approval Teach Like a Champion 2.0 by Doug Lemov 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&ls=1 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’      

I didn’t know the difference between group work and collaboration, but not knowing was having a detrimental effect on my students. Educators, we have got to create opportunities for rich discussion and collaboration by replacing standard group work tendencies. This podcast episode shares some of my personal journey as a teacher but was inspired by a question I received from a successful teacher on how to know the difference between asking students to do group work versus having them truly collaborate. Quotables * I couldn’t be everywhere, but had to provide systems and structures for students to follow so I didn’t have to be there * Everyone had a role to play and everyone had to play the role for the group to be successful * They can’t do it if you don’t model it, expect it, share it, celebrate it and repeat it daily, hourly, every minute * Be clear on the goal and ensure there is a system of accountability * Stop the group work and start the collaboration * It takes planning, it takes thorough design with clear objectives * Just like anything new, it takes time to create a new habit for yourself and your students 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&ls=1 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’  

I didn’t know the difference between group work and collaboration, but not knowing was having a detrimental effect on my students. Educators, we have got to create opportunities for rich discussion and collaboration by replacing standard group work tendencies. This podcast episode shares some of my personal journey as a teacher but was inspired by a question I received from a successful teacher on how to know the difference between asking students to do group work versus having them truly collaborate. Quotables I couldn’t be everywhere, but had to provide systems and structures for students to follow so I didn’t have to be there Everyone had a role to play and everyone had to play the role for the group to be successful They can’t do it if you don’t model it, expect it, share it, celebrate it and repeat it daily, hourly, every minute Be clear on the goal and ensure there is a system of accountability Stop the group work and start the collaboration It takes planning, it takes thorough design with clear objectives Just like anything new, it takes time to create a new habit for yourself and your students 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&ls=1 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’