In this episode, we meet JoAnne, a district supervisor in New Jersey who wears many hats. Originally, JoAnne set out to become a lawyer. However, after working in a refugee center in college, JoAnne became impassioned to become a teacher and champion for ESL bilingual students. She became a mentor, leader and instrument for change. JoAnne realized that she was (just) a piece of a bigger “machine” at work and that she needed to show up and do her part to keep the machine running. She couldn’t control the whole machine, just the piece or part that she was in that machine. JoAnne tells us that this creates real power and a sphere of influence that can make a difference. Also, in a moment of vulnerability, JoAnne shares how an accident left her with a traumatic brain injury and how she had to learn to talk, walk, read and write again. Nonetheless, she doesn’t linger there, but instead shares how this has changed her perspective on learning, how the brain works, communication, accommodations and the power of listening. She also has some great advice about how to best deal with parents, something all teachers could use right now, correct?  Enjoy and be sure to tuck those pearls of wisdom away in a safe place where you can find them again when you most need them. Thank you, JoAnne! You are a true inspiration to us all!

In this episode, you are going to meet many people…well, at least it will feel like that because this individual, Jennifer (author name, Ivy), is a multi-talented, accomplished educator that completely debunks the saying “those who can, do and those who can’t, teach”! Like all outstanding and effective teachers, Jennifer has many talents and passions that she shares from her heart to the hearts of her students and those around her. She lives her passion and like one of her favorite characters, the Little Prince, she helps us all see the world through our hearts. As a teacher in the classroom, Jennifer’s passion propelled her to go above and beyond for her students, even without being monetarily compensated because in her heart, she knew that the best and biggest compensation would always be the positive and lifelong impact she would have on her students and the connected relationships that would be with her forever…in her heart and theirs. Jennifer knew that she was planting seeds of love and passion in her students that would blossom and grow into so much more. Jennifer, like so many teachers, is living proof of the ancient proverb found in many cultures that states that a society grows great when we plant trees under which we know we will never sit in its shade. Thank you!  And be sure to explore some of Jennifer’s (Ivy’s) other talents and adventures as an award-winning author on www.jenniferivywalker.com  Pass it on!

In this episode, you will meet Tony, a middle school Mandarin teacher who once believed the most important thing he wanted to achieve in life was to pursue the “American dream” of success by going into business and eventually becoming a millionaire. He did pursue this dream, and was indeed successful. However, he felt unfulfilled and like he needed and wanted to do more. He discovered that money was not a true reward in life, but rather, that the greatest payback and reward that we can get is to make a difference in the life of a child and leave behind a legacy that will live on long after we are gone. Tony explores some deep philosophical questions for teachers…what is our why? and how do we honor those who have come before us and those who will come after us? and what is the true impact of a teacher? 

In this episode, which comes just as teachers finish up what has proven to be one of the MOST difficult years in their careers, we present this opportunity to rekindle their SPARK in teaching. Meet Mary, a teacher and visionary who, like most teachers, still has a big heart in the teaching game and want to do something to make a difference. So, what little and big things can teachers do to “spark their passion, pride and purpose for measurable improvement in the classroom and meaningful change in their own well-being”?  Mary has observed that, for various reasons, teachers “flat line”, “burn out” or “lose their spark”. She believes that teachers “spark the minds of children and fuel them for life,” which is the vision of her company S.P.A.R.K. = Striving Professional Aspiring to Revive K-12 education. How do we measure what really matters in education?  Check out what SPARK U has to offer in personalized professional development to help you re-ignite your spark and renew your teaching spirit.  

In this episode, we journey through the career and lessons of a very wise role model in education. Her name is Jana, and she shares with us how she “never” wanted to be a teacher like her mom. Well, the first lesson she learned was to “never say never” because she met a special needs child who touched her heart and lit up all the “teacher buttons”. We can’t even begin to share all the experiences and wisdom here, so you will just have to listen and be touched by her stories that demonstrate what really matters in education – empathy, grace, modeling and leadership. She gives personal examples, shares heartfelt and touching stories that will inspire and touch the teacher heart in all of us. She also ends with a famous quote by Dr. Seuss (her favorite), which sums up what roles we all play in education: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not!” Teachers care so much, and we need to tell them how much we appreciate them and what they do with a kind word, a note of gratitude, a shout out on social media, a kind gesture, and maybe just by asking “how may I help you and support you?”

If you are looking to change the school culture, your classroom culture and just make learning better for all, check out Jana’s company REAL at her website www.realleaderslearn.com  

In this episode, Nilda, an inspiring teacher in Puerto Rico, is a great example of what the Spirit of Teaching is all about. Listen to her story and her powerful metaphors that capture the true heart of teaching and the real value of teachers to our society and to the world. Her passion is contagious, her insights are inspiring and her heart is full of love, hope, positive encouragement and an undying dedication to a profession she feels is noble, honorable and undervalued in so many ways. If any teacher is looking for an uplifting, validating and loving conversation about their true value as a teacher and the difference they make every day in this world, THIS is the episode they will want to listen to over and over and over again (hopefully, despite the poor audio quality!)  Nilda and I had some technical difficulties with the recording that were not evident until after our conversation had finished. Please allow grace and forgiveness for the poor quality of the recording, which I felt I could not ask a teacher to do over because of the value of her time and the value of what she shared from her heart through very authentic, passionate words. Thank you for listening and for encouraging others to listen and subscribe. 

In this episode, we get to know Hannah, a multi-faceted and multi-talented educator and mental health professional. Hannah explains how she is a “third culture kid” as well as a product of a military family upbringing. She tells us how these experiences helped her to become highly sensitive and tune in to all the “other stuff” besides the academics in school that may be getting in the way of learning for students. During our powerful and insightful conversation, Hannah talks about how much both teachers and students struggle with anxiety and how their self-worth and identity are often tied to a grade, standard, evaluation or test score. She explains how a counselor, or better yet, mental health professional can be a resource and support to everyone both in school and beyond to help develop the whole child and not just the academic part. As a result, she has started a passion project of resources and support at www.bethinkgrow.com, a “modern wellness initiative that is changing the mental and behavioral health game”. Be sure to check it out! Finally, Hannah says that SEL is more than a worksheet or a PD packet or training module required of teachers by the district. She issues a strong plea for mental health support to “be done correctly and by mental health professionals”. Perhaps mental health professionals could even volunteer and provide community service in schools or become a Business Partner in Education to a school because, you know, it does “take a village”!

In this episode, we meet Diane, an educator and speech therapist who transitioned from the classroom to start her own company of consultants that has become a champion for children and inclusive education. CMDI – Consulting that Makes a Difference, “focuses on providing professional development that celebrates diversity, promotes the inclusion of all people and supports successful outcomes for school communities, administrators, teachers, parents and students.” But Diane says that it is more than “PD” as professional development. It is also about personal development, relationships, vulnerability and figuring things out. She also emphasizes how important it is in any relationship to be a good listener, to listen with your heart, to care for and support one another, to get along, and to be honest and speak up about your needs. The school community is like a family, and if things are not going well, the “kids” always know. So, Diane’s greatest hope for all teachers is that “they see their value and strengths on their own without waiting for others to point them out to them.” Amen! So, sit back and take note as we get real about what is REALly going on both inside and outside teachers’ worlds right now. Then, we invite you to think about what YOU can do to become a better listener for ALL teachers in order to be more supportive, caring, nurturing and loving. After all, we are all part of the human family!  

In this episode, I chat with my longtime friend and colleague, Pam. As teachers, we establish and develop deep connections and friendships with colleagues that last a lifetime. We learn from each other; we support each other; we share experiences and emotions; we cheer each other on; we lift each other up when we are down; we are there for one another…always! In this chat between friends, Pam and I take a trip down memory lane through her many, varied and rich experiences as a teacher, mentor, colleague, collaborator and friend. She shares with us how all these experiences have taught her lessons and given her insights, perspective and skills for adaptability, collegiality and better communication with others. Pam explains how all her experiences have helped her to engage effectively in both systems-focused and people-focused leadership. Listen and find out what her teachers tell her they need most right now. Our conversation is filled with words that begin with the letter “C” that are basic critical components needed in the “average” classroom. Listen, take notes and soak in all the connections between these two friends, colleagues and lifelong learners! 

In this very special episode, which I have saved for the magic number three (in double digits!) as well as for the beginning of a new year, you will hear the story of a former student of mine, Ethan, who has woven a red thread of loving and lasting memories through the tapestry of my teaching heart. Ethan’s story is not unlike the one that all teachers hope and wish for their students after they leave our classroom. His story is also a teacher’s dream come true and a good example of why we work so hard and care so much as teachers. Teaching has become so difficult that teachers are having a hard time remembering not only “who” they are, but also, “who” they are teaching. They are also struggling with “how” they really want to teach, and even more importantly, “why” they are teaching. Ethan’s story and his profound, insightful words of wisdom will help bring you back to the (apple) core of who you are as a teacher and what truly called your heart to dedicate its life so fully to this profession. I hope that through his story, you will be reminded of all of the students you have taught or are currently teaching, and that you will re-discover the real rewards of teaching. I also hope that it will re-kindle your passion for teaching so that you will follow your heart and remember the “why”. Passion = I PASS ON. What will you pass on to your students and to the future of humanity and the Greater Good? This one is a “must listen” for all teachers who want to re-kindle their spirit of teaching!