"Sometimes, all we need is a fresh start."

September is the month for new beginnings, especially for students and teachers. The searing heat of the summer is replaced with cool mornings, sunny afternoons, and shorter days. September is a wonderful time to start over- to throw the errors of last school year over one's shoulder and look forward to the fresh start.

I love September, and for my 37 years as a teacher, September also provided a new start for me.  I tried to improve as a teacher every year; to incorporate innovative methods of teaching and to improve on my prior performance.  I shared that information with my students, in the hope that they, too, would realize that learning and improving are lifelong processes, and both are well worth the effort. Even now, as a retired teacher, but working full time as a writer and speaker, I feel the excitement of the new September beginning! 

A "fresh start" holds so much promise, and as teachers, we must validate our students' efforts to help keep their collective attitudes positive. One suggestion I have for teachers to help students is this: have each student write a short personal or school-related goal for the week on Monday, and on Friday, have them record their achievements or letdowns. (2-4 minutes per week, total time)  The intrinsic feeling of writing an accomplishment is so good, that it may provide an additional impetus for students to work harder to do well.

Here's to all of those starting a new school year, a new career, a new chapter in their lives! Here's to new beginnings, in the hope that these new beginnings will lead to personal success!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Many colleges have made the book required reading. 
Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37 years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com .  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   Grady plush toys are ordered! 

Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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