Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher: September 2018

Friday, September 28, 2018

"What if the kid you bullied at school, grew up, and turned out to be the only surgeon who could save your life?" Lynette Mather

Although if seems every school in the country has adopted an anti-bullying campaign, both bullying and exclusion continue. Two women who experienced bullying in school have joined forces to mount a Kind Campaign aimed exclusively at girls, and I am very impressed with their work. The Kind Campaign is all about raising awareness about girl bullying and putting an end to it.

Lauren Paul and Molly Thompson became friends in college, shared their school bullying experiences, set out to make a documentary about bullying, and have now traveled over 10.000 miles to present specifically to girls about bullying awareness. They have seen bullying grow exponentially because of social media, which exacerbates the problem by being present 24/7. Their story and mission are very compelling, as they share some of their findings about the kinds of things bullies do to exclude girls. It is really worth the few minutes time to view.-please click on this link:

https://www.today.com/video/kind-campaign-co-founders-open-up-about-helping-girls-fight-bullying-1331840579625?v=raila&

I was a teacher for 37 years, and my colleagues and I spent hours discussing the hurtfulness of bullying with our students. Kids are so desperate for acceptance, which gives others great power over them. As adults, we would not care about the cruel words of those who are not really friends, but during middle school and high school, students are still learning who they are and how to be confident in themselves, and being a part of a group is so important. I applaud this program and sincerely hope these two women continue to make a difference.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school. if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/

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 now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

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

Connect with Dede!

Twitter @dederittman
Periscope @dederittman
Facebook Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn Dede Rittman
Google + Dede Rittman
Tumblr The Bunny Teacher
Instagram dede_rittman and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Friday, September 21, 2018

"There are no traffic jams on the extra mile." Zig Ziglar

In Education,teachers often go "the extra mile" to help students to be successful. Countless teachers give up their planning time and lunch time numerous times throughout their careers to give that struggling student just a little more help, time, and encouragement. Many teachers stay after school, and some even have online "homework hours" for students to ask questions about problems and concepts they don't understand. Going the extra mile is important; it makes people believe that you have their best interests at heart, and that as a teacher, you truly want all students to succeed. I believe in going "the extra mile."

I had an experience this past week with an automobile business who went more than the extra mile for me. I bought my last two cars from Bill Gray Volvo Cars in McMurray, PA. From my home in Pittsburgh's North Hills, it is 25 miles to drive to this dealership. I stay with them, however, because of the great service and care I receive, as a customer and a person. My late husband always took care of "car stuff", and now I have three men to turn to and to advise me on car issues, tires, etc. I did not think this dealership could do more for me, but I was wrong.

I had my car in for routine maintenance on Friday, September 7, and I was issued a loaner car, as some parts had to be ordered and they held my car. Little did I know that on September 8, I would be going to the Emergency Room and be admitted to the hospital for an entire week. When I was called and told my car was ready several days later, I explained that I was in the hospital, and I could not drive to the dealership to return their car and collect my car. I tried to get friends to help me, but to no avail. A few hours later, I received a phone call from the owner, Bill Gray, who told me not to worry, that he would drive my car to the hospital and exchange keys with me, a distance of over 30 miles, one way. Not only did he do that, he also brought me some beautiful "get well" flowers. I was so impressed, as were the doctors and nurses who heard about this gesture.

I don't know when any business has done something so nice for me. Needless to say, i will be purchasing my next car from Bill Gray Volvo. I even contacted Volvo International to share my positive experience. Whether it is in the business world or the education world, going the extra mile makes a big difference. Kudos to Bill Gray Volvo for their exemplary service.

Gratitude fills my heart today.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Saturday, September 15, 2018

"Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription." Val Saintsbury

I just spent an entire week in the hospital for diverticulitis. This hospital stay was not on my calendar, and when it happened, I was sure I would be in and out in a few days, like I was with my emergency appendectomy two years ago. I was wrong. Seven days.

Although I usually write about teachers, I have a week to observe the difficult and demanding work done by nurses, and I was impressed. Not only do they multitask for 20 or more patients on the floor, they do it with compassion, humor, and caring.

I was at UPMC Passavant Hospital, and my nurses worked 12 hour shifts, but they stayed until all the work was done to insure a smooth transition. I needed extra attention because of receiving antibiotics through an IV (which had to be changed three times - ouch) The drip took 30 minutes, followed by the loud series of beeps that indicated the process was finished, followed by the sound of feet running down the hallway. To shower, I had to have help to secure a large sticky plastic shield over my IV, which was more work for the nurses. They never complained about my extra needs; in fact, were wonderful. Besides the care-giving, they quickly realized I was without any family members. When I told them my late husband died on my same floor (in the cancer wing), their compassion and conversation helped me to get through each day. I am so grateful to my nurses for making my stay more than comfortable. I also told them that I practice gratitude every day, and that I was so grateful for each of them!

I have to get in a few words about teachers. Both my gastroenterologist and one of the Physician's Assistants were former students from North Allegheny, the district where I taught for 35 years. It is so gratifying as a teacher to see the successes of wonderful young people I knew when they were in tenth grade. North Allegheny sets a very high standard for students, and I am so proud of these two!

This past week, instead of giving compassion and empathy, I was on the receiving end, and for that, I am so grateful. Those who serve in the medical field deserve our thanks.

Gratitude fills my heart today.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Thursday, September 6, 2018

"Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story." Josh Shipp

I really enjoy sharing thoughts on Education and stories of inspiration in my weekly post. This week is no exception.

I met a 94 year old veteran named Wally on the CBS Evening news on September 5. Wally was in the Navy in WW II, a fighter pilot in Korea, and is now a retired commercial airlines pilot. He has found a positive way to connect with middle school students in his hometown. Just because he is 80+ years older than they are, the friendship is real.

Wally waves at the parents in their cars, and greets the kids on their way to school. After a fist bump for each student, he teaches them real life lessons. Wally shares favorite quotes with the kids, like "Never look down on somebody - unless you are helping them up." He says the first half of the quote, and they finish the statement. Another favorite is "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible,"

I was so touched by Wally and his inspirational mission, that I knew he would be the topic of my post this week. Wally is a person who has seen the world and understands the importance of a caring adult in a child's life, and he recognizes that although every child needs that caring adult, not every child has one. Wise Wally starts the day with the middle school kids in a positive manner, and he gives them important ideas to think about and practice during the school day and in life. He is making them better people by sharing his knowledge and love.

Please take a look at this short, and inspiring clip of Wally and his world. I think with his engaging style, positive manner, and gift for forming relationships, he was born to be a teacher.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/94-year-old-veteran-wally-richardson-imparts-his-wisdom-to-students-heading-to-class/

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®