Unlock Your Teaching Potential

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How has your journey into education changed over time?

More importantly, how has this path changed YOU as a person and an educator?

Do you feel safe being vulnerable enough to reflect upon and express the truth of your experience?

As an educator, you don’t always feel as if you have the time to process your emotions, and oftentimes you push it down and just keep on moving. But, when you start to open up and tell your stories, not only do you heal yourself- but you create a safe space for others to share theirs. 

Welcome to episode 7 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with distinguished teacher, multidisciplinary theater artist, and educational consultant, Ayesis Clay.

She has flawlessly combined her extensive background in theater and education and founded Sculpted Clay Productions, LLC, where she uses keynote arts-infused residencies and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive spaces that are focused on social-emotional wellness, and creativity for both teachers and students.

Ayesis discusses the importance of giving yourself permission to play, and how to deal with the compassion fatigue, and teacher burnout many educators face. 

Today is all about re-energizing and reconnecting you with your “why” through art and vulnerability.

In its essence, this conversation is an illustration of the remarkable journey that happens when you allow yourself to heal and move through the process of becoming.

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

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About Ayesis Clay:

Ayesis Clay is a distinguished teacher, multidisciplinary theater artist, and educational consultant. She is a Featured Speaker and facilitator for the National Educational Theater Association and for SMART Technologies Teacher Summer Reboot Conference. She has developed curricula for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Prince George’s County Public Schools, as well as several educational theater companies across the nation.

Combining her extensive background in theater and education, Ayesis founded Sculpted Clay Productions LLC, where she uses keynotes, arts-infused residencies, and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive spaces that are focused on social-emotional wellness and creativity for both teachers and students. She continues to strive for an increased spotlight on teacher mental wellness by inspiring deeper conversations around creativity and humanity in education, as well as complex and important topics like compassion fatigue and burnout. 

Connect with Ayesis here:

Instagram: @sculptedclay
Facebook: Ayesis Clay
TikTok: @sculpted_clay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayesisclay/
Website: www.sculptedclayproductions.com

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

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How do you determine when you “deserve” the things that bring you joy in life?

What kind of person do you have to be? How many steps do you have to take? And, how many things do you have to do to prove your worth? 

What if I told you that you deserve rest and joy in your life simply because you exist?

There is no need to exchange burnout for deservedness. You can be everything you want to be, have a massive impact on the students and the communities you serve- AND take care of yourself at the same time.

Welcome to episode 6 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode,  I’m speaking with sought after success mentor for visionary women leaders, Tracy Litt. 

Tracy is a science and spirituality teacher, rapid transformational hypnotherapist (RTT TM), a best selling author, TEDx speaker, the founder of the LITT factor, and creator of Mind Magic. She is a powerhouse, and most importantly opens up the novel concept that we deserve nothing less than EVERYTHING we desire. 

We are talking about the paradigm shift from seeking validation, to wholeness and worth being your birthright. 

Today, you’re getting out of your own way and opening up your ability to receive unconditionally WITHOUT burnout. 

The concepts we discuss in this episode are a gift to us all! Let's go make it happen!

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

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About Tracy Litt:

Tracy Litt is a sought-after success mentor for visionary women leaders that are navigating huge paradigm shifts and elevating into the next level of themselves, so they can seamlessly generate the next level of their impact, wealth, and holistic success.  

Tracy is a science & spirituality teacher, rapid transformational hypnotherapist, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker. 

She is the Founder of The Litt Factor, and creator of Mind Magic ®, a proven methodology that marries metacognition and spirituality, neuroscience and quantum law to expand and elevate more quickly. 

Her work has served thousands of women across the globe and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, FastCompany, Thrive Global, Success 125 and Inc.com. Her book Worthy Human is a #1 best seller in Spiritual Growth and Mindset.

Can’t wait to connect with Tracy? Find her here:

The Litt Factor | Facebook

Instagram: @thelittfactor

Website: The Litt Factor | Personal Growth and Coaching Company
Tracy's TedX Talk

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

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What’s keeping you from achieving your health and fitness goals?

Is it mom guilt?

Do you think it’s selfish to invest in yourself?

Or, do you keep putting your health on the back burner because you don’t have the time for it?

The truth is, building generational health is as important, (if not more so) than many other things you’re prioritizing in your life. 

And, here’s the good news-  it can be simple and ENJOYABLE! 

Welcome to episode 5 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m sharing an anxiety reducing and eye opening conversation with CEO of MindStrong Fitness, Rachel Freiman.  

She’s a mindset training coach that is passionate about helping others unleash their strongest, most empowered selves through education.

Rachel has more than 15 years of classroom instruction experience,  as well as certifications in personal training, sports nutrition and behavior modification. She truly understands the incredible shift that happens in the classroom when teachers are fit, happy, and making time for themselves. 

Today is all about the important work of prioritizing your own well being and expanding the definition of what health means.

Rachel is teaching some capital T truths, and showing us that there is way more flexibility and joy in getting healthy and fit than the diet industry would have you believe!

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

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About Rachel Freiman
Rachel Freiman is the CEO of MindStrong Fitness, a lover of lifting heavy things up and down, and a coach passionate about helping others unleash their strongest, most empowered selves through education and mindset training. 
Rachel has more than fifteen years of classroom instruction and certifications in personal training, sports nutrition, and behavior modification. She is the author of the bestselling book Becoming MindStrong: The Truth About Health, Fitness, and the Bullsh*t That’s Holding You Back. 

Rachel developed MindStrong Fitness with an inside-out approach, to focus on both physical and mental attributes in building healthy, sustainable habits.

When she’s not in the gym, Rachel enjoys exploring the world, snuggling with her puppy, Charlie, eating, and thinking about the next time she'll be eating. 

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

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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What effect does a school principals’ approach to collaborative decision making have on teachers and students?

What is the role of creating invitations and agreements versus stringent expectations, constriction and restraint on teachers?

A collaborative leadership style is one that opens the door to conversations and viewpoints that foster an environment of inclusion and spark visionary outcomes. It allows for comfortable and safe buy in from teachers, and exponentially improves students’ experiences.

Welcome to episode 4 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with Sean Gaillard, an educator, administrator, author and podcaster who believes that all students are future world changers. As an experienced school leader he is currently principal of Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork.

We cover everything from our respective educators “origin stories”, the importance of reconnecting to mission and vision, and how there’s very little the Beatles can’t teach us all about perseverance, and dreaming BIG! 

This week is all about remembering our “why” in choosing to become educators, and what a difference feeling valued and included by school leadership makes in our noble profession. 

Let’s reconnect to the moments that changed our lives early on and inspired us to become educators WHILE addressing the very real and pressing issues we’re all facing today.

We can do both at the same time- it’s the only way forward.

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room 

About Sean Gaillard

Sean Gaillard is an educator, administrator, author, and podcaster who believes that all students are future world changers.  An experienced school leader, Gaillard is currently principal of the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork. In addition to keynoting and presenting at various conferences, Sean is the author of The Pepper Effect: Tap into the Magic of Creativity, Collaboration, and Innovation. He has contributed chapters to Evolving With Gratitude and Because of a Teacher, Volume 2. His various articles have appeared in “Education Week,” “Culture Sonar,” and PBS. He is the host of “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast.”  and the upcoming podcast, “The Album That Changed My Life.” In 2018, Sean was named the Lexington City Schools Principal of the Year. The following year, he was awarded the 2019 Wells Fargo Piedmont Triad Regional Principal of the Year and named a finalist for North Carolina Principal of the Year. Follow Sean on Twitter, Instagram, and Linktree. 

He is currently writing a book for Routledge titled “Profiles In Educational Courage.” 

Connect with Sean at:

Podcast: The Principal Liner Notes Podcast 

Instagram: @smgaillard

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!

Why does representation and diversity in the classroom matter?

How does it make an impact on how our students view themselves?

Our students need trusted adults who are available to answer questions about identity and therefore can make a difference in their lives in the long term.

Encouraging conversations about all sorts of intersections of identity in a safe and honest space promotes belonging. As educators, we have the ability to create the type of spaces that support young people to flourish and thrive.

Welcome to episode 3 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with Eric Williamson! He is a former conductor with the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and music teacher at PS 32 in Brooklyn. 

Eric has also joined the national facilitation team of the Human Rights Campaign - Welcoming Schools Program, the nation's largest bullying prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusive education initiative

We explore the effects of insufficient education available to teachers on handling this topic, and how self-reflection and personal development can be a catalyst for change.

Also, how a simple mindset shift can help us lean into conflict, and uncomfortable situations so these vital conversations can be had to better serve our students.

Today is all about inclusion and cultivating communities for belonging for our youth, and the difference having these conversations makes in students’ lives.

As educators, we get to foster safety for our students, even when it’s not easy.

Because feeling safe to be our most authentic selves is how we all grow and shine!

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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About Eric Williamson

Eric Williamson is Black Boy Joy! He has captured the hearts of many on international stages with his magnetic energy and light.  A former conductor with the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus and a music teacher at P.S. 32 in Brooklyn, he is no stranger to cultivating communities of belonging for LGBTQ youth. In 2021, he was featured in NY1 for teaching a lesson with NYC Chancellor Meisha Porter on personal pronouns to one of his 1st-grade classes. This led to several workshop opportunities to lead and facilitate conversations with parents and teachers on topics regarding race, anti-racism, sexuality, identity, and culturally responsive teaching. He recently joined the national facilitation team of the Human Rights Campaign Welcoming Schools program, the Nation's largest bullying prevention and LGBTQ+ inclusive education initiative. 

A native of Teaneck, NJ, Mr. Williamson received his B.A. in Music from the Pennsylvania State University and his M.A. in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

Connect with Eric here:

Website: www.ericwilliamson.org

IG: @EricWilliamsonTenor

FB: Eric Williamson

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

Get the book at: empowerededucator.com/book

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Does the simple act of sitting down to look at your finances stress you out?

Do you avoid tapping on your bank app because you tend to think ignorance is bliss?

When you think about money, do you shift directly into scarcity mindset, and feel your body contract?

As we uncover our stressors, one thing that comes up over and over again is money. And while it may not have to do directly with the stressors at school, money can cause feelings of anxiety and worry, which directly affects how we show up for our students.

Welcome back to Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this second episode, I’m chatting with Financial Literacy Coach Diana Greshtchuk. As the CEO of Fan Your Flame, she teaches financial literacy to clients utilizing her 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

We have an honest talk about what it takes to feel empowered in our actions and choices when it comes to money. We cover everything from the generational money stories that subconsciously guide us, to the disempowering beliefs that take control of our finances- and most importantly, how to heal and move forward.

Diana shares some trauma informed financial tips you may not have considered before, that I’m certain will change your perspective.

Today is all about creating curiosity around finances, financial planning for teachers and educators, changing the language we use when referring to it, and regulating your nervous system while not deluding yourself and perpetuating the problem.

You can figure this out! The tools are all here for you. 

When you use intention coupled with awareness you become unstoppable!

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

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About Diana Greshtchuk

Diana (She/Her) is the CEO of Fan Your Flame LLC, a financial literacy coach, and your best financial friend. She is passionately committed to guiding entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals to achieve a wide variety of financial goals. Diana utilizes pioneering methods rooted in practical financial concepts, business acumen, and mindset work to educate and empower her clients to achieve goals of financial independence, transformation, and abundance.

Diana is a Certified Master Mind Magic Practitioner™ and is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. By day, she is a VP of Fund Accounting & Finance at a private equity/venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, and holds an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in the State of California. She’s a seasoned investor, venture capitalist, and angel investor for aspiring female entrepreneurs with 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Diana gives back to the community by volunteering as a Board Member for the Point Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers promising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.

Website: www.fan-your-flame.com

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

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Have a question for the show? Text us here!

Do you feel depleted, overwhelmed, and burnt out from your job?

Are you so accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment, that stopping to take a breath seems laughable?

How long do you think you can go on this way- and have ANY quality of life?

It’s so easy to find yourself adopting and absorbing the cultural values of your work environment. The fact is, your health and well-being are just as important, if not more so, than your productive output. 

Welcome to season 2 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this first episode, I’m speaking with Rachel Teichberg. Besides being my sister, she is the head of Learning and Development at Veterinary Growth Partners.

In her role, she designs fun and engaging learning programs that make leaders feel less alone, give them the tools to excel in their roles, while creating beautiful moments of growth and awareness.

We discuss her journey from having to google “what is rest” (to figure out if she was doing it right), to teaching hundreds of people how to balance personal and professional boundaries through her work. 

Today is all about emotional intelligence in the workplace, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-awareness. Rachel’s experience is a profound example of the life-changing benefits of prioritizing yourself - and how it’s possible for you too!

Remember, the more we learn about ourselves, the bigger the impact we can make in the world!

Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room 

About Rachel Teichberg

Rachel is the head of learning and development at Veterinary Growth Partners. She works with teams to enhance their culture, boost team morale, and improve overall communication through conflict management and emotional intelligence training. Her goal is to design fun and engaging learning programs that make leaders feel less alone, give them the tools to excel in their roles, while creating beautiful moments of growth and awareness.

Rachel and I have been working behind the scenes together pretty much our entire lives, and sharing her with you brings me so much joy. Her insights offer tremendous value regardless of industry.

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!

Hello, everyone!

 I know when you went into education, you had a passion for shaping young minds, creating community, and so much vision for how your work would impact this world.

 But sometimes those days can feel like they're behind you. Because today, there are so many stressors that leave you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and frustrated. And you might not even have anything left to give to the students that you care so much about.

 But I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be like this. 

In fact, the love of teaching never really went away. But it absolutely needs transformation.
 
Welcome to The Take notes Podcast. I'm Jen Rafferty, former music teacher, mom of two, and Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner.

 I know you want to feel relaxed, abundant, and have time for yourself and the things you actually love to do.

 And I'm here to light the way for you. It's time to unlearn that toxic culture of selflessness in education and relearn that the most generous thing you can do for other people, is take care of yourself!

So, in this podcast, you'll hear conversations that will help you reconnect with your purpose, create new boundaries, how to truly make generational change for our kids by shifting the paradigm away from the perpetual stress and overwhelm, and into a life of joy and fulfillment. 

We'll be covering topics like creating a juicy vision, emotional intelligence, financial and physical health, metacognition, conflict management, shifting your identity, and how to advocate for what you need. 

This is education 2.0, where you become a priority. Shift how you live your life, and how you show up both at home and at work. 

So, take a sip of steamy morning coffee, grab your notebook, it's time to take notes


Stay empowered,

Jen 

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

Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me:

 Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | Linktree

Instagram: @jenrafferty_

FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room 

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!

Scott Sheehan is the current NAfME National President-Elect.A nationally recognized advocate and leader for the advancement of music education, Scott is the Director of Bands and Music Department Chairperson at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Hollidaysburg, PA. He was a finalist for the 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award and is an Educational Clinician for Conn-Selmer. Scott is also a consultant for strategic planning and association development.

nafme.org

website: jenrafferty.com
FB & IG: @jenraffertymusic
Clubhouse: @jenrafferty

Cover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/

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!

On this week’s podcast I spoke with Abigail Blair and Kathryn Finch who are elementary school music teachers in the suburbs of Chicago and coauthors of Full Steam Ahead and Everyone Loves a Story, two books on transformational teaching strategies in your music classroom. By using student-centered techniques and the maker-space philosophy Abigail and Kathryn have created music classrooms that allow their students to take the lead in their own learning experiences. It was great to talk with them about how they created the BlairFinch project to keep pushing music education forward in new directions. 

blairfinchproject.wixsite.com/samr

Ponderingsfromafinch.com

Buildingmusicalminds.com

Kathryn: @singingfinch1 twitter & instagram

Abigail: @Abigailsblair  on twitter @musicwestmoore on instagram

website: jenrafferty.com
FB & IG: @jenraffertymusic
Clubhouse: @jenrafferty

Cover Art: https://goodneighborart.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