Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast

Latest Episodes:

**145: Understanding Your Role with Carmin Adams** Mar 26, 2018
Show notes

Carmin Adams is an 11 year veteran and currently a third teacher at Belmont Central Elementary in Gaston County Schools right here in North Carolina. She is a graduate of Gaston County Schools and Belmont Abbey College! She is a proud mother of a beautiful sixteen year old and loves traveling!
The main factor that influenced Carmin to become a teacher was the opportunity to interact with students and to impact them positively. Prior to teaching in the classroom, she served as a Computer Lab Specialist which provided the opportunity to work with all elementary grade levels, and assist in building technology based lessons for their curriculum. In addition to teaching over 350 students weekly on technology skills; Carmin collaborated and planned with all grade level teachers on how to incorporate and teach integrated technology lessons. She also served as Teacher Assistant of the Year during that time.
She has served in several leadership positions, including: Benchmark Writing Team, Curriculum Revision Team for Elementary, MTSS Chair, Lead Teacher for 3rd Grade Summer Reading Program -Summer School, NCDPI Focus Teacher Group for Gaston County, Math Curriculum Revision Team, County Grading Practice Committee, Pinnacle Leader and also currently serves as a member of the Gaston County Teacher Induction Program for Success Committee. This committee serves teacher their first three years in the profession.
Carmin is a highly motivated, outgoing and a creative individual who believes in accomplishing goals and objectives. She has learned to manage her time, work as a team and how to face new challenges. She believes in teaching others as well as learning with others. She believes if we give a child information, he may know it for a test. But if we teach a child the joy of learning, he will learn for life! She strives to empower students to take ownership over their learning!
Update- Just announced… Carmin received Teacher of the Year for the entire Gaston County School District!! Congrats Carmin
Quotables
You have to be able to handle [feedback]
Keep an open mind and adapt to change
Teaching is complicated
Empathize with your students
Understand your role in your students’ lives
Say focused on why you started
A mentor promotes growth to develop you as a teacher

Carmin’s Stamp of Approval
Technology/Pinnacle Program
Teacher Induction Program for Success [TIPS]
Education Week- This Week in Education

Connect with Carmin
Email: caadams@gaston.k12.nc.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/carminadams

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

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https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2
Why?
This helps my show remain active in order to continue to help other educators remain empowered in a career that has a long lasting effect on our future.
How?
Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
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144: The Danger in Instructional Shortcuts Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

Students learn in a variety of ways which means their behavior while learning is very different too. Often times, we teachers make assumptions based on face value of who is paying attention, who is working hard, who is confused, etc. It’s important that we push past these facades and dig in to what is really going on behind the learning behaviors of our students. Tune in for tips on how to get accurate feedback on student learning needs!

Quotables:

Assumptions are fuzzy and inaccurate
Don’t come to a conclusion based on false evidence
My assumption gave me a false takeaway
We have to be careful to not take student behavior at face value
Assumptions are short cuts that lead to dead ends

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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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
Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
Click ‘Send’

143: Be A Sponge Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

The first few years as a teacher in a classroom can be overwhelming trying to learn all of the ropes. But, how a teacher spends this time period is critical to the longevity of their career. Tune in to hear tips and tricks (as well as fabulous resources) for how to be a sponge as a new teacher so that you can be more effective faster!

Quotables

You can take bits and pieces of their strategy to sew together your own
I was open to learning, but I put a system in place so that I could process and apply it at a later date without passing the opportunity up
You can’t go implement EVERY idea you receive
Strike while the iron is hot

Gretchen’s Stamp of Approval

Podcasts
- edupodcastnetwork.com
- Elite Edupreneurs by Rachel of Bright Futures Counseling
- Learning Leader by Ryan Hawk
Social Media
- Facebook- New Teacher Support Group [see below]
- IG hashtag- #teachersfollowteachers
Books
- “The First Days of School” by Harry Wong
- “Teach Like a Champion” by Doug Lemov
- “Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College” by Gretchen Bridgers
Blogs
- The Organized Classroom by Charity Preston
- Bloglovin’
Conferences

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

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
Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

142: Praise Isn’t Just a Professional Thing Mar 05, 2018

Show notes

Acknowledging the talents and contributions of others shouldn’t be limited to something only done in our professional lives. We have to pour into each other in all aspects of our lives. Tune in to hear how I incorporate building relationships through empowering others in my everyday life and how you can do it too!

Quotables

What a waste for that thought to remain just a thought. It does nothing for my progress as a person to think nice things about other people and not tell them.
You never know when it’s your last day. So you might as well go make someone’s day while you can!
You don’t have to be someone’s mentor, evaluator or leader to give them feedback.
Giving freely of your thoughts is an act of kindness that could save lives

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/lJKNn

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

141: Lead Your Own March! Feb 26, 2018

Show notes

Teaching is overwhelming and teachers often put themselves last in self-care. This leads to burn out and a short career. Advocating for your needs can be hard and well, awkward. But by reflecting on what you need, requesting what you need, and requiring what you need you’ll be able to lead your own march! Tune in to hear 4 actionable steps to ensure you advocate for your needs just as successfully as you do for your students.

Quotables

“Just like you advocate for the needs of your students, advocate for yourself. Reflect what you need. Request what you need. Require what you need.” – Gretchen of Always A Lesson
No one gets left behind- not on our watch, not in our classroom
If you focus so much on student needs that you neglect what you need as a teacher and as a person, you are going to lose your effect on your students
Respect the folks you work with because everyone has something to contribute
Once I knew WHAT [I needed], I [had] to figure out WHO could help and HOW they could help
Advocating for your needs ensures great teachers stay in the profession

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/lJKNn

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

140: Teacher Basics with Kayse Morris Feb 19, 2018

Show notes

Kayse Morris is a teacher by day and a curriculum designer by night. She develops quality resources for teachers grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. She has a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education, a Masters in Instructional Technology and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. She has a passion for life and thinks that beauty lies within the simple things. Her philosophy is that ‘Simplicity is where the magic happens.’ Kayse thrives on student relationships and rigorous instruction. Her catch phrase is: “Let’s teach on less, love a little more, and change the world one child at a time. It’s time to bring teaching back to the basics.” Kayse has had the privilege of working with Amazon during this back to school season as a LIVE television host on Amazon Live. In addition, she also worked with Georgia Public Television and the Georgia Department of Education.

Quotables

That’s what we do as teachers, we mold and just do it!
Delegate- give duties and responsibilities to students
Let go a little bit
Love makes the teacher the best they can be
If a teacher has great classroom management, then they can teach more
Kids don’t get to be kids enough
This too shall pass
We can get buried in the emotional stress of being a teacher and the drama that goes on in a school building
Don’t get caught up in what the classroom looks like
The answer is… YES!
My goals got bigger and my dreams got bigger
It’s always good to have plans A, B, C, and D
Life should be easy

Kayse’s Stamp of Approval

Foldables
Interactive Notebooks
“My Time/ Your Time” Clip System
Mentors- Shelly Rees and Jen Jones

Connect with Kayse

Website: http://www.kaysemorris.com
TpT Store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Kayse-Morris
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachingonless
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaysemorristeachingonless
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kaysemorris1
Email: kaysemorris@gmail.com

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

Search for my show in iTunes or Stitcher.
Click on ‘Ratings and Reviews.’
Under ‘Customer Reviews,’ click on “Write a Review.”
Sign in with your iTunes or Stitcher log-in info
Leave a Rating: Tap the greyed out stars (5 being the best)
Leave a Review: Type in a Title and Description of your thoughts on my podcast
Click ‘Send’

139: You Are Your Own Lifeline Feb 12, 2018

Show notes

Sometimes there’s no other option but to rely on ourselves, dig in our heels, and do the hard work. Developing your teacher craft is no different in that your determination to become greater must outweigh your need to be told what to do. Tune in to hear how to be your own lifeline in becoming your best.

Quotables

“I need to get better at teaching. I want to be better for my students, parents, school… I’m so impatient to get there, but I’m determined to get there.” – Jordan Potrzeba
The most reliable option you have on your journey to greatness is yourself
In life we have to complete hurdles before new levels of opportunity arise
Mind over matter

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

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
Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

138: What Does this Look Like in My Classroom? Feb 05, 2018

Show notes

There is always something “new” being asked of teachers. It can be quite overwhelming to implement every change while still maintaining your own style in the classroom. Tune in to hear how teacher leaders can help bridge the gap between requirements and teacher freedom.

Quotables

What matters is that teachers feel like they can meet the requirements AND still do their own thing.
I haven’t figured out how to make this work for me.
Your biggest impact comes from your relationship with teachers.
I hope everyone out there has a leader in their professional life who cares so much that they are willing to sit next to you while you struggle, working through the mess, and celebrating with you as you succeed.

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/lJKNn

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

137: Quality Engagement is a Dance Jan 29, 2018

Show notes

Engagement can be a tricky aspect of any instructor’s lesson plan delivery. Ensuring students have high engagement with the content being taught requires a dance between student and teacher. Empowering students with ownership and accountability in the classroom is one way to ensure quality engagement in every lesson. Tune in to hear how to get started!

Quotables

Now is the time to ramp up the student ownership because they don’t need you as much
Don’t waste another minute putting on a show
You’re the guide on the side now
Start small, but be consistent
The more you get them to be in the driver’s seat, the greater the likelihood they will remain the head leader on their learning journey
You control the pace, momentum and the flow

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

How?

136: Edu-Consumption Overload Jan 22, 2018

Show notes

Information is at our fingertips these days, but that isn’t necessarily a good thing. It becomes too easy to over-consume information, leading to anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. Avoid the edu-consumption overload by following three simple steps outlined in this podcast episode.

Quotables

The moment you go a mile wide and an inch deep in any facet of your life, you lose your effectiveness and sanity
Your brain and body need balance
When you consume too much information, your brain cannot sift through it to use it
Your kids need to see that there’s power in making choices that are best for ourselves and it might not always be the popular choice, but it’s what is right for our own development and self-improvement

Past Podcast Episode Mentioned

Don’t let FOMO Steal Your Magic

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1872455209751203

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

http://eepurl.com/lJKNn

Connect with Gretchen

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

Leave a Rating and Review:

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

Why?

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

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Always A Lesson’s Empowering Educators Podcast

Quotables

Carmin’s Stamp of Approval

Connect with Carmin

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Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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Gretchen’s Stamp of Approval

Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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Kayse’s Stamp of Approval

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Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

Join the Always A Lesson Newsletter

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Join the New Teacher Support Facebook Group

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Quotables

TpT Product Mentioned in the Episode

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Past Podcast Episode Mentioned

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