The Empowered Educator Show | Building Systems That Create Success for School Principals

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Cheryl Wells Collins is an experienced educator and leader with over 40 years of service in under-resourced communities. She began her teaching career under Marva Collins at Westside Preparatory School, eventually moving into administrative roles. Cheryl has been recognized as the ELCA Principal of the Year and a National Distinguished Principal. As the CEO of a non-profit, she leads programs that provide quality, affordable education to Chicago's most vulnerable children. Cheryl is passionate about leadership development, believing that the best leaders emerge from within by focusing on personal growth first.

She lives in Oak Park with her husband of 37 years, Eric, and is the proud mother of two successful adult children. Cheryl also offers coaching services for those dedicated to becoming impactful leaders from the inside out.

• Mentorship is key for leadership, offering guidance and support.
• Overcoming fear is crucial for growth and innovation.
• Fear is learned; failure builds resilience.
• Leadership means learning from mistakes and collaboration.
• True leadership empowers others and drives progress.

Connect with Cheryl:
Email: [email protected]

Cheryl's Thrive Tribe News

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Loaded Tea Shop

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Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Cheryl Wells Collins is an experienced educator and leader with over 40 years of service in under-resourced communities. She began her teaching career under Marva Collins at Westside Preparatory School, eventually moving into administrative roles. Cheryl has been recognized as the ELCA Principal of the Year and a National Distinguished Principal. As the CEO of a non-profit, she leads programs that provide quality, affordable education to Chicago's most vulnerable children. Cheryl is passionate about leadership development, believing that the best leaders emerge from within by focusing on personal growth first.

She lives in Oak Park with her husband of 37 years, Eric, and is the proud mother of two successful adult children. Cheryl also offers coaching services for those dedicated to becoming impactful leaders from the inside out.

Highlights:

• Cheryl's journey from educator to coach and consultant.
• The significance of transformation in personal and professional growth.
• How to embrace new opportunities to develop leadership skills.
• Cheryl's upcoming book on leadership from a Black woman's perspective.
• The evolving nature of purpose and passion over time.

Connect with Cheryl:
Email: [email protected]

Cheryl's Thrive Tribe News

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Hey, Empowered Educators! Welcome to a very special episode—our 100th episode! 🎉 I can hardly believe it, and I’m so grateful to have each of you along for this journey. It’s been an incredible ride, full of lessons, growth, and so many opportunities to connect with amazing educators like you. Today, I want to celebrate this milestone by reflecting on what it truly takes to get here. It didn’t happen overnight—it took perseverance, showing up week after week, and embracing a leadership mindset that focuses on slow but steady progress. So, let’s dive in and talk about how this journey mirrors the path of leadership and why persistence is the key to achieving big goals.

Grab your copy of Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success.  Join the FREE Empowered Educator community to find your copy of Chapters 1 &2. 

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the importance of reflective practice for school leaders. We’ll explore how taking the time to evaluate your experiences can lead to better decisions, improved outcomes, and a more positive school environment. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to incorporate reflection into your daily routine, so you can be the impactful leader you aspire to be. Join us as we discuss:

• Why reflective practice is essential for effective leadership
• Simple ways to weave reflection into your busy schedule
• Actionable steps to ensure your reflections lead to growth
• Real-life examples of how reflective practice can transform your leadership style

"Reflection is the lamp that guides the leader through the dark corridors of uncertainty; it sheds light on our experiences, helping us to navigate the complexities of education with clarity and purpose." – Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Why is data important and how is it used to drive instruction? In this episode, I talk about types of data, why data is important, and more. Using data to drive instructional improvement is not just about the numbers; it’s about enhancing the educational experience for both students and teachers. 

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I dive into the important topic of staying motivated when faced with challenges. As educators, we all know how tough things can get, but I believe that resilience is key to our growth and effectiveness as leaders.

I’ll share some practical strategies that have worked for me and others, like setting clear goals, committing to lifelong learning, and building a supportive network. My hope is that this episode inspires you to embrace a growth mindset and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Join me as we explore ways to overcome obstacles and stay motivated on this rewarding journey in education!

Hey friend. I'm Mel, a dedicated educator, ambitious entrepreneur, coffee, and Jesus Lover.  When it was time for me to explore new horizons beyond the classroom, I was completely certain that God was guiding me toward a greater and more fulfilling purpose,

And now, my mission is to empower you to dig deep and know what options are available when you're ready to transition from teacher to leader, you're ready to retire and pursue that second career,  or you're ready for the challenge of starting your own educational consultancy.

Imagine, working in a career that sets your soul and deepest passions on fire. If you're ready to make that change and pursue a different path in your educational career, then you're in the right place.

Friend, let me show you how to make a change in your life and pursue your true passions with a position that you love while using your God-given gifts and talents to persevere toward your personal and professional goals.


Empowered Educator Skool Community
I just started this awesome group. I'm going to be charging for it soon but I'm inviting the first few members in FREE FOR LIFE as "founding members". If you want to join and grow with other educators, you can find it here: www.skool.com/empowered-educator-007.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

• Understanding Burnout: Learn the formal definition of occupational burnout and how it manifests in educational leadership.
• Building Your Presence: Discover how personal and professional presence can mitigate burnout and enhance your leadership effectiveness.
• Practical Tools for Prevention: Dr. Fisher shares strategies to recognize and prevent burnout before it derails your career.

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel Vandevort sits down with Dan Rigby, a public high school PE teacher and former wrestling coach from Delaware. Dan shares his journey from aspiring state trooper to passionate educator and business owner. Together, they delve into the crucial role of discipline and the concept of "practicing perfect" in both education and personal growth. Whether you're teaching high schoolers, coaching athletes, or striving for personal excellence, this episode offers valuable insights into building effective habits and systems for success.

Connect with Dan
Win The Day Planner

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Mel Vandevort as she engages with Shakira Releford, an associate professor and non-profit executive, in a compelling discussion on SEL and Special Education leadership. From navigating the complexities of educational roles to advocating for comprehensive SEL programs, discover actionable insights to enhance student support and educator effectiveness. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or passionate about education, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on fostering inclusive learning environments.

Hello Empowered Educator

• Are you ready to move into a leadership position?
• Do you have passion and interests that you want to pursue, but feel like you don’t know how to take that next step?
• Maybe you want to start your own coaching or consulting agency? 

I'm Mel and I help educators define their career path through courageous mindset, knowing your options, and getting prepared for your career transition.

• I will show you how to level up your leadership skills
• Share your expertise in a new way
• Create impact on a larger scale
• And put your leadership in motion

As an educator for over 20 years. I started to feel underutilized and like I had more to give. I knew when the time had come for me to leave the classroom and effect change on a larger level. Now I am ready to help you determine where your talents and skills mesh with your passions and interests, put your leadership in motion and move into the next phase of your educational career journey.

Let me help you define your career path by having the right mindset, knowing your options, and getting prepared for that next leadership position. 

So, power up and put your leadership in motion. 

Connect with Shakira:
Connecting Youth Achievement Center & Consulting
Facebook
LinkedIn
Shakira Releford

This episode includes a referral for Upside—a free app that gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. I use it myself and have been saving that extra cash for a vacation. If you want to try it, download Upside and use promo code MELINDA35278 to earn and extra $17 on your first purchase.

Support the show

Loaded Tea Shop

Million Podcasts List

Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.

Calling All Educators! 

I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

• I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
• I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

Join here: Empowered Educator Community

Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

email: [email protected]