Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Latest Episodes:

242: Instructional Coaching with Chrissy Beltran Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

Chrissy Beltran is a resource creator and consultant for instructional coaches and elementary teachers in the area of literacy. With over 17 years of educational experience, Chrissy has worked with students and teachers in grades preK-8, serving them through downloadable resources, online courses, and in-person workshops. Her podcast, Buzzing with Ms. B: The Coaching Podcast shares strategies and ideas with instructional coaches who are working towards growing their schools. Tune in for this special bonus edition episode with Chrissy Beltran.

Quotables

Sometimes to give support, sometimes you have to pull back support.
What do we really believe? If we believe it, we need to see it in action in classrooms.
Great educators have purpose for their work and they know what their vision of successful students are going to be for each child.
If we can grow in reflection, we can change a teacher's thinking forever.
It's ok to change your mind. If you get new information, you need to modify your thinking based on new information.
You have to build a bridge from your brain to someone else's brain. Get out there and tell people to try it out.
Take the best practices that are being shared and reality that is happening on campuses and build the bridge between the two.
Sometimes you have to give students your faith because they don't have it themselves.
Teachers can come around and have a new day just like students. Give them the faith.

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241: Achieve Your Goals with Tiffany Wallace Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

Tiffany is an educator, entrepreneur and goal achievement coach. She helps ambitious, self-motivated women, entrepreneurs & leaders create + achieve meaningful goals without sacrificing their priorities. Tiffany has been leading people for 15+ years. She holds an Education Specialist Degree in Learning, teaching & Curriculum. She has done extensive research on reading fluency & completed her Specialist dissertation & research on what peer coaching looks like & sounds like. Through her research she founded a Collaborative Talk Sequence that empowers educators on an individual and group level to increase teacher motivation, joy, confidence, knowledge & own their unique leader within themselves that carries over into student achievement. For the past 6.5 years, Tiffany has used her education, leadership & coaching experience to empower women from all different backgrounds in work & life through entrepreneurship and growing their own turn-key business. Her Collaborative Talk Sequence allows each individual to step into their influence & is a framework for effective collaboration groups to happen on an education and business level. She believes when you are equipped with the right mindset, strategy, confidence and environment that allows for meaningful & purposeful growth to be ignited from each individual's unique strengths, priorities & beliefs - a ripple effect of impact happens. Tune in for this bonus edition episode with Tiffany Wallace.

Quotables

Collaborative talk structure is taking something to ignite learning, focusing on one thing and tying in a reflection.
Having time to actually talk is a key component so you have time to put things into action.
Anytime you are stuck or overwhelmed, take the time to stop and learn to keep yourself motivated.
Making teachers feel heard and seen and creating a community where people can learn and fail and keep going is important for a collaborative talk sequence.
Focusing is an element that makes teachers great. It transcends into every part of teaching.
If we can help teachers really see their beliefs, we can empower them to not be focused on all the things but to instead focus on the foundational things.
You have to have boundaries with your time and energy as a classroom teacher and mentor. Recognize within yourself that you need to stop and take a breather.
In our minds can make things seem overwhelming, but we have to stop and think about how long it will take to do something really well.
The power of asking questions and listening to the teachers you get to work with and understanding their values is so important to empower everyone at large.
Train yourself to see the light and good to increase your motivation and the energy you are bringing to your students.

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Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com
Blog: Always A Lesson
Facebook: Always A Lesson
Twitter: @gschultek
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Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

Connect with Tiffany

Website: www.trustbased.com
Instagram: @tiffanygwallace
Facebook: Tiffany G Wallace
Facebook Business: Tiffany Wallace
Email: tiffanygwallace@gmail.com

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240: Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall May 31, 2021

Show notes

Craig Randall is the author of Trust-Based Observations. His experience as a counselor, coach, teacher, and principal at schools in the US and overseas led him to develop and then write, Trust-Based Observations, a model of observation and evaluation focused on building trusting relationships that spark teacher risk-taking and innovation, and result in teaching and learning growth. Currently, Craig consults and trains schools on the model. Tune in to hear this bonus edition episode with Craig Randall!

Quotables

When you ask your opinion of their own teaching, you give them control and they are more willing to try and take risk.
The teachers that are the most amazing teachers have a differentiated relentlessness for each student they teach.
There is a talent within the building but you have to be willing to look at it from a different perspective.
Right now observations happen to us, trust based observations allow growth to happen with us.
Teachers are willing to show up as their best when principals are consistent.

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Links Mentioned

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

Connect with Craig

Twitter:@TrustbasedCraig
Email:craig@trustbased.com
Website:www.trustbased.com
Book:Trust Based Observations

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239: Look for the Roses May 17, 2021

Show notes

Have you ever gone through a hard season and felt like only bad things were happening to you? Sometimes a hard season causes us to attract negative thoughts. If you can get past the negative and find the roses, you will start to attract positivity in your life and in your career. Tune in to hear how the 3 R's can help you push through the negativity and get into a positive space!

Quotables

You've had hard seasons before but maybe you had your rose colored glasses on that distorted the view.
You have to practice to keep your muscles sharp.
As soon as a bad thought happens, do a seamless catch. Catch, rewire it and send it back.
It's ok to have ups and downs, but don't get stuck in a negative place where you bring negative upon yourself.
You are going to attract what you want based on your thoughts.
You deserve to thrive in your career and not be a martyr.
Look for the blessings, not the burdens.

Join the Simply Coaching Retreat

If you support and lead teachers, this virtual retreat is for you! July 12-14, 2021.
Simply Coaching Summit

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

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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

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

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Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
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238: Diagnose the Disconnect May 03, 2021

Show notes

We can't help people grow when we are expecting everyone to learn at the same rate or in the same way. In order to lead or teach effectively, we have to be able to get under the hood and diagnose the disconnect. We have to let everyone grow in a way that is meaningful to them and we have to provide the support they need to get better! Tune in to hear tips on how to help diagnose the disconnect you may be experiencing with those you lead.

Quotables

We need to water our initiatives with intention and follow through.
We can't just guess what we think is happening and apply a solution, we have to do case by case scenarios.
Look under the hood of your own instruction and leadership to diagnose the disconnect.
When we expect everyone to learn at the rate or in the same way we kill their potential.
When we are growing people's skillset sometimes we need more rounds of practice to get muscle memory.
When we know our people we can grow our people.

Episode Mentions

Join the Simply Coaching Summit

If you support and lead teachers, this virtual retreat is for you! July 12-14, 2021.
Simply Coaching Summit

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2

Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
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237: Building Capacity in Others Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

Quotables

Our single decision to provide an exquisite learning experience to students and teachers effects the trajectory of so many lives.
You have to be available and make an invitation in order to be personable and visible.
Students give you just as much as you give them. They are a participant.

Join the Simply Coaching Retreat

If you support and lead teachers, this virtual retreat is for you! March 19-21st, 2021!
Simply Coaching Retreat

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2

Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
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235: Relationship Building with Dustin Pearson Mar 22, 2021

Show notes

Dustin is a seven year educator in suburban Kansas City Missouri who teaches high school special education. Dustin is a devout believer and practitioner of relationship building with all stakeholders and uses differentiated instruction, PBL, Inquiry, and career based practices to prepare his students for post secondary success. Dustin is also a leader, writer, learner, and implements a holistic whole child approach that is based on reflection, mindfulness, and compassion. Dustin is completing his first novel on building effective co teaching teams and will begin his doctoral in Educational Leadership in the summer of 2021. Tune in for this special bonus edition episode which includes an interview with Dustin Pearson.

Quotables

Build relationships with all stakeholders. Build strong partnerships with partners and work together. Communicate all the time and have that consistent flow of communication.
90% of parent interactions are positive. They just want you to have a positive experience with their child.
I take what I do seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously. When I look at great teachers, I look at someone who really has passion for really helping our youth be better citizens for tomorrow. I look at someone who is a relationships builder with stakeholders. I look at someone who is a communicator. I look at someone who is innovative and takes chances. I look at somebody that has a growth mindset and someone who is striving to be better.
New Teachers- We are here to help and we are here to support you, guide you and to listen to you. Maintain the positive mindset and know that everyday is new day to grow and to have an impact. Reach out because there are so many educators that want to help you.
Distressed teachers- Know that you are not alone. What you are feeling is natural because you are human. Those feelings aren’t always going to be there. Be a little selfish and take care of you first. If you can’t or don’t take care of you, your students aren’t getting the best of you. Adopt mindfulness.
Stop thinking within the wall of your school or district. There is something out there for everyone if you are willing to look. Explore multiple outlets for growth.
If you set up the environment so that students can excel and teach each other you can step back for a moment and just watch it unfold.
Building Effective Co-Teaching Teams is a book Dustin is currently writing. It explains how Dustin has used them, what it is, sample lessons, different models, and educator spotlights from educators around the world. Coming soon!
As a mentor you need to ask why. Ask why did you do this? What is your goal? Give resources and strategies that are available.

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Links Mentioned

School of Thought Podcast with Gretchen

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

Connect with Dustin

Twitter: @dustinpearson2
Email: dpearson16@outlook.com
Website: https://weareoneteameducation.wordpress.com/
YouTube: We Are One Team
Check back soon for Dustin's Book!

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234: Why Your Mentorship Program isn’t Working Mar 08, 2021

Show notes

Is the mentorship program at your school not working? After years of experience, I find there are two main factors that make mentorship programs unsuccessful. This leads to less teacher success and more teachers leaving the field due to lack of support. This can all be easily changed with a mentorship program that provides teachers with ongoing support and keeps them invested in their career. Tune in to hear actionable steps that will help improvement your mentorship program!

Quotables

Why is your mentorship not working? It's not flexible and it's not personalized.
Create physical space for mentorship to happen. Space on the calendar and a location to meet.
We need to support teachers where they are. There needs to be an onboarding process.
Keep growing and accelerate the effectiveness of the staff as a whole.
Problem solve whatever obstacles your teachers are facing. Are the mentors still the right match?
Space, support and strategies are the key features to continue evolving your mentorship program.
Teachers that are supported will stay around even if it's the worst year ever when they feel heard and are invested.
When you feel like you have people on your team who are invested, you will work hard for them.

Join the Simply Coaching Retreat

If you support and lead teachers, this virtual retreat is for you! March 19-21st, 2021!
Simply Coaching Retreat

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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

Leave a Rating and Review:

This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2

Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
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233: Become a Standout Leader Feb 22, 2021

Show notes

Do you want to become a standout leader? When you are a standout leader, you effect the teachers you lead and their students. Over time, your effect is ongoing and makes a big impact. In this episode I outline how to become a standout leader that is admirable, effective and top notch. Tune for actionable steps for taking your leadership to the next level!

Quotables

A standout leader is admirable, effective and top notch. They are able to effect teachers and students.
We can not help others be great if we are not great ourselves.
Chase your own PD. There is always something you can learn.
Be a people watcher. When you are in public, look around at people. Who is listening? What makes people draws to others? These things can make you a better teacher and a better leader of others.
Twitter chats, clubhouse and social media are great resources. Get in there and comment, don't just scroll.
You can find people inside and outside of your industry to help you grow. What is it that makes these people great in their industry? How can you apply it to yourself?
If we aren't putting anything into practice, we aren't actually helping anyone. You have to execute. Use a journal and make it concrete.
Don't forget to get feedback from the people you lead. It is valuable and insightful.
Use a post it notes to have a visible reminder of your goals.

Join the Simply Coaching Retreat

If you support and lead teachers, this virtual retreat is for you! March 19-21st, 2021!
Simply Coaching Retreat

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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

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

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Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
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232: Do You Manage or Lead? Feb 08, 2021

Show notes

Did you know that could manage and lead at the same time? You don't have to be one or the other, in any one role or title. What you do have to do is ADJUST. You have to be flexible and adjust the way you lead and manage, depending on what those that you lead need at that time. Tune in to hear actionable steps to hone your management and leadership skills.

Quotables

When do you manage and when do you decide to be the CEO and the visionary?
You can be a manager and leader at the same time without changing your job, role or title.
If we only ever lead in one way we deflate the talent that is within our teachers.
Managing people is necessary when they are new to something or low preforming. It can also be debilitating if when people are creative or come in with high expectations and a good foundation.
You need both management and leadership to be successful. You need balance.
When you are leading some people don't want any bumpers (like a bowling alley) and some people absolutely do want bumpers. You have to decide who you are leading.
Set your processes for supporting teachers. Have goal setting meetings. Work one on one and ADJUST as you go.
Flexibility and how we show up to serve people demonstrates our strengths as leaders.
Categorize the people you lead. Who of those people needs more management verse a hands off coaching style.
Always evaluate your coaching style effectiveness. How can you model instead of tell? How can you push yourself to do more of what your teachers need vs what you were taught?
If you know what you need as a learner, don't be afraid to tell those that lead you.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Episode 133: You Don't Need a Title to Lead

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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

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

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Always A Lesson’s Empowering Educators Podcast

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