Unlock Your Teaching Potential

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Imagine a world where every child's unique learning style is not just recognized but celebrated.

That world is closer than you think! 

Join us today as we explore neurodiversity in education with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity expert. 

In this episode, you’ll discover how we can better teach and support neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt advocates for a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized learning experience.

You’ll also learn about inclusive education and how teachers and parents can work together for all students. We also talked about the importance of authenticity in teaching. 

Grab your headphones and join us in our mission to transform the education system– this chat is full of ideas for anyone wanting to help kids learn in their own way!

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
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Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Dr. Matt:

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.  He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher.  He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids.  Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).  Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016.  He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ 

Connect with Dr. Matt:

Website: www.theneurodiversitycollective.com

FB: www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial not just in our homes and workplaces, but also in our schools.

In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Huffman, a veteran transgender teacher and content creator. Flint is not only a figurehead in transgender advocacy but also an inspiring voice in education policy.

Flint shared his personal journey of transitioning in the public eye, both as an educator in front of hundreds of students and as an influential online presence. 

We spoke about the complexities of creating safe spaces in schools and inclusive education, the current challenges facing trans teachers and students, and the importance of advocacy and allyship in education.

Flint's insights on the current climate surrounding transgender issues in education are both enlightening and thought-provoking. 

Join us for this important conversation, where we learn, understand, and celebrate the courage it takes to foster inclusivity in our schools.

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Flint:

Flint (he/they) is a veteran transgender teacher and content creator with over a decade of experience in the classroom. In addition to working in policy and action in his community, he has more than 300,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, where he makes videos about trans life and history, education, and "general teenage weirdness.”

Connect with Flint:

IG: @justflintisfine

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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Ready to explore a holistic approach to movement and learning?

In today’s episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Carol McAmis, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method.

Carol shared her personal journey and the transformative power of Feldenkrais, a method that emphasizes body awareness and learning through movement.

We explored how this approach has revolutionized wellness worldwide and discussed the powerful connection between the body and mindset work

She emphasized the importance of slowing down and being present, and how flexible thinking can impact our learning process.

Join us for an episode that's sure to change the way you think about movement, learning, and the potential within us all.

Stay empowered,
Jen



Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Carol:

Carol McAmis earned the Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from the University of Kansas in 1974 and the Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Minor: Vocal Performance degree in 1972, University of Kansas. She became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher® in 1991. Prior to joining the faculty at Ithaca College, Carol taught at Manchester College in Indiana (1974-1979).

At Ithaca College, Carol taught Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, and Feldenkrais® for Musicians. For sixteen years, she was a core faculty member of IC’s seminal Healthy Musician Workshop, a major influence in establishing musician’s wellness programs in colleges and conservatories around the world. 

A trailblazer in understanding the living body as a musical instrument, Carol developed a holistic approach to vocal pedagogy, The MultiDimensional Singer, combining traditional vocal pedagogy with voice science, Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® lessons, and other cross-disciplinary modalities. The Ithaca College Feldenkrais for Musicians course that she developed in 1991 was one of the first offered for college credit in the nation. She has presented workshops both nationally and internationally, introducing the Feldenkrais Method® for such groups as The Feldenkrais Guild of North America®, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the New York State School Music Association, the University of Minnesota, and the Irish World Music Center in Limerick. She is the creator of “The Singer’s PlayBoxtm” an innovative approach to teaching and learning singing. 

Her students are active performers, working in many genres from the Metropolitan Opera to Broadway to the vocal jazz innovators, New York Voices to cabaret and world music.  Many of her students are successful public school and university teachers, and others are composers, conductors, and administrators. She is honored to have taught so many fine musicians at Ithaca College. 

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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Can you recall a moment when a story deeply resonated with you and made you feel seen and heard?

In today’s episode of Take Notes  we are joined by Michael Katz, a professional storyteller and educator. We dive into how storytelling can make a big difference in elementary education and help with mindfulness in schools.

Michael talks about his path to becoming a storyteller and shows us how telling stories can grab our attention and help us learn. This episode is full of great ideas for anyone who wants to use storytelling in education, with tips on making stories fun and interactive for kids. 

Curious to see how storytelling can transform learning? Listen in!

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Michael:

Michael Katz has been a profession storyteller for over 30 years, both as a performer and as a teacher of the craft.  The work he loves the most is in elementary schools, while his public performance have been at such illustrious locations as the openings of the L.A. Getty Center and the Disney Concert Hall.  HIs CD of stories "Far Away and Close to Home" was given a Parents Choice Silver Honor Award.  In the last 15 years he has also been teaching mindfulness in elementary schools, primarily with K-2 students.

Connect with Michael:

Website: www.storytellermichael.com

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

As an educator, putting yourself first isn't selfish – it's transformational. 

When you prioritize self-care, you become a better version of yourself for those around you. 

In today’s episode, join me and Jillian Seibel Pawlowski, as we dive deep into personal growth, coaching, and the power of transformation.

Jillian is a Trauma-Informed Certified Transformational Coach, who has joined our Empowered Educator team. 

Jillian and I delved into the transformative power of coaching. Unlike self-help books, coaching provides personalized guidance, helping you uncover blind spots and bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

We also discussed the benefits of mindfulness and how it can help you make empowered choices and shift priorities.

Remember, you have the power to make a positive impact, not just on your students, but on your own life as well. You deserve it!

Stay empowered,
Jen

Ps. Discover more about our upcoming workshop, "6 Truths to Return to Your Favorite Self" This workshop is designed to guide you back to your authentic self and provide tools for sustaining that transformation.

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Jillian:

Jillian is a trauma informed certified transformation coach. She specializes in radical self-love, metacognition, consciousness, and the unification of mind and body to help people transform the way they experience themselves and life. Her expertise provides a safe space for clients to grow towards expansive self-love and self-actualization. Her passion for personal and professional growth is the foundation for her calling: to make the world a kinder, more loving place. Take a look at this CLIP from Jillian's impact talk. (Watch the full talk HERE)

Connect with Jillian:

IG: @dreamworthylifecoach

Email: [email protected]

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Do you wonder if our education system might be overlooking crucial elements beyond academics, such as emotional and social readiness for real-world challenges?

In today's episode, we're joined by Dan Wolfe, an educator and Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. With over two decades of experience, Dan brings to life the transformative power of Social-Emotional learning (SEL). 

We delved into the challenges and triumphs of implementing SEL in schools, the resistance it faces, and its broader implications for both children and adults.

Dan discussed the importance of individual morals and values in becoming our best authentic selves. He emphasized that there are different paths to personal growth and that it's essential to respect and honor others' perspectives, even if they differ from our own.

He also introduced his book, Becoming the Change, which provides practical tools for personal growth in SEL.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us to understand how embracing SEL can bring about transformative changes in education and beyond.

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Dan:

Dan Wolfe has served in Pasco County, Florida for more than 20 years. During this time, he has held roles as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. He is currently an Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. He was selected as Pasco County’s District Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012 school year. He is a part of the district’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Committee that recently established Pre-K through Grade 12 SEL standards.

For the past two years Dan has written a blog called Becoming The Change (formerly Our Moral Compass) which focuses on a different quote each day and how we can best apply it towards becoming the change through our own moral compass and the five areas in SEL. 

During his spare time Dan enjoys spending his time reading, listening to podcasts, and going to Disney with his wife and daughter.

For more information on his book, blog, podcast, social media links and other podcast interviews please go to: https://becoming-the-change.com/8258-2/

Connect with Dan:

Website: becoming-the-change.com

Twitter: @ServLeadInspire  

LinkedIn: Dan Wolfe

Instagram:@serveleadinspirealways 

Facebook: Dan Wolfe

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Do you feel your success isn't enough? And as you keep chasing it, at the end of the day it still doesn't feel satisfying, right?

It’s time to redefine success, and today, I'm joined by a special guest, Stacey McFarland, a mindset coach and founder of Soul Studio. 

In our discussion, we explore the often overlooked truth that success is an internal journey.

Stacey shared her transformative journey of self-discovery, highlighting the pivotal role self-love and authenticity play in our lives. We're peeling back the layers on why recognizing our own worth is essential and how setting clear boundaries is an act of self-respect.

And, as we all strive to connect and support each other, we'll discuss the impact of simply holding space for others, understanding that sometimes, being present is more powerful than any advice we could offer.

Tune in as we unpack these insights and more, learning how to embrace the journey toward a fulfilling and authentically successful life.

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Stacey:

Stacey McFarland embodies the power of calm. Her own personal journey of growing, healing and connecting to her true self was the unstoppable force behind the career change to mindset coach and founder of Soul Studio. Her belief that Success is an inside job helps women to finally stop focusing and chasing external circumstances and tap into their souls to create success from a place of ease, peace, and compassion. 

Stacey was awarded, by the local Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year. This award was given to her in 2020 during the uncertain times of the pandemic shutdown. She has been praised for her ability to maintain an upbeat and positive attitude while pivoting her business in a new direction that not only helped her business survive, it thrived! 

Stacey is a sought-after Transformational Speaker and Mindset Coach. She is passionate about helping female leaders navigate their journey to achieving it all while stressing less. Her high level mindset coaching includes body regulation and is proven to work 100% of the time. Her clients have next level results in their business and personal lives.

Website: soulstudio.us

FB: Soul Studio 

Instagram: @soul_studio.us

LinkedIn: Stacey McFarland

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Feeling burned out from the classroom?

Remember that navigating burnout is an ongoing journey and not a quick fix. The good news? You can initiate positive change today.

On episode 2 of the Take Notes podcast, I sit down with Amber Harper, the brilliant mind behind Burned-In Teacher, and together we unpack the world of teacher burnout.

Amber shared her personal experience of burnout and how she turned her life around after a public breakdown. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and intentional change.

Discover her 8-step Burned-In process, a guide for teachers to address and conquer burnout.

Tune in and find out more practical advice and actionable steps to help you navigate and overcome burnout

Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Amber:

Amber Harper is a Kindergarten Teacher, author of Hacking Teacher Burnout, podcaster, and Teacher Burnout Coach. She gives struggling teachers a path to follow as they navigate their way out of burnout by helping them grow through their burnout and take their next best steps toward what they want from their career in education and in life. You can learn more about her and the services she offers at www.burnedinteacher.com.

Connect with Amber:

Website:https://www.burnedinteacher.com/

IG: @burnedinteacher

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Ever feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re doing this whole parenting thing right


You’re not alone, and in this episode, I dive into the real and raw moments of parenting with Parent Coach, Synthia Praglin.


We unpacked the layers of parent coaching, a journey where I learned it's not about changing our children but transforming the parent’s perspective and response to their child's behavior.


We dig deep into our own triggers, rooted in unmet needs and unprocessed experiences. Synthia’s wisdom unveils a haunting yet comforting truth: our children mirror our unhealed wounds.


We explored the power of seeing our kids beyond their behaviors. Every tantrum and smile reflects unmet needs and unexpressed emotions. In Synthia’s words, we’ll discover a world where compassion and understanding are the cornerstones of parenting.


Are you ready to step into this space of learning and growing together?


Stay empowered,
Jen

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:
Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree
Instagram: @jenrafferty_
Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

About Synthia:
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for working with children and families. Having grown up in a family system where “children were seen but not heard” I knew there had to be a better and healthier way to raise children. Having my own child reinforced this notion and from early on, I made a promise to raise my son in a way that was respectful, and from a place of curiosity, compassion and conscious awareness. Parent coaching gives you the opportunity to talk about your specific parenting challenges, all while navigating the developmental transitions in your child’s life. Through a lens of curiosity, rather than blame or judgment, we will look at the “why” of behavior and strive to understand what the behavior is telling us. With this clarity and understanding, we are better equipped to help our child through these difficult moments thereby strengthening the parent - child relationship. My philosophy is based in a Mindful/Conscious Parenting model that takes a relationship based view of parenting and emphasizes the importance of nurturing the connection between parent and child. My goal is to help you bring lightness, laughter, and love back into your home. To help joyfulness and tranquility find a place at the table. To teach you to forgive yourself when you are human and move forward. To feel in control and optimistic about the future, and your family.


Connect with Synthia:

IG: @imperfectparentingla
FB: Imperfect Parenting
Email: [email protected]

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Are you caught in the whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities, forgetting the fiery passion that once fueled your teaching journey? Do Sundays fill you with dread, and does the very thought of Monday morning send chills down your spine? 

It’s time to toss those feelings out the window!

Welcome to Season 3 of the Take Notes podcast, where you get to give yourself a  permission slip to disrupt the status quo, reclaim your agency, and step into a world where you get to make yourself the priority in order to show up as your best-self.

I’m your host Jen Rafferty - a former music teacher, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, mom of 2, and founder of Empowered Educator, and I’ve been where you are.

In this season, we’re not just talking about surviving; we’re diving deep into thriving!

We’re rewriting the educator’s narrative and tearing down the walls of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and that crippling guilt that has held you captive. It’s time to liberate yourself from the chains of conventional education and step into a world of empowerment and freedom. 

This is a space where your well-being is the core curriculum, where taking care of yourself isn’t just encouraged – it’s a requirement. Where your empowerment translates into the transformation of lives, creating a ripple effect that shapes future generations.

In these electrifying episodes, we’re moving from mere inspiration to tangible integration. Each conversation is a stepping stone to transform your practices, breathe life into your passion, and ignite the change to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. We’re about taking action and turning those “how’s” into now’s!

The transformation begins HERE and NOW. Say goodbye to the mundane, and hello to a world where you are unstoppable. Buckle up and get ready to explore territories unknown because, in this space, we are unearthing the extraordinary in every educator.

Are you ready to take the lead in your life? To not just be an educator, but a revolutionary and make transformational generational change? 

Let’s do this!

Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room