Thursday, April 30, 2020

"No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship." James Comer


I have always been honest with my readers, and I am not about to change. To tell the truth, right now, in this pandemic, I am glad that I am retired and don't have to teach remotely.  I would not mind the technology, but I really would mind the distance. I would just miss my students too much.

Teacher friends are so sad, because that personal relationship with the kids is just not there, and caring, respectful, and nurturing relationships are the most beautiful part of teaching.  I have seen lots of teachers doing  car parades through neighborhoods, phone calls home, and sending personal notes, but the one thing I loved the most about the classroom was the day to day involvement with my students, along with sharing some glimpses into their lives. I think most teachers feel that way, and that is why so many teachers are as depressed as their students. 

No one knows what is going to happen, but I do know that EVERYONE I know wants to go back to school in the Fall.  Parents have endured enough of wearing the teacher hat!  It is difficult to do one's job from home without adding parenting and teaching into that mix 24/7.  When this is over, I believe teachers will finally be appreciated.

I want to share something beautiful with you from the school where I taught for 35 years.  North Allegheny is a huge school, in terms of numbers and talents.  Here is the North Allegheny virtual choir singing a song I never heard of, but now love.  I will also give you the link to how the director was able to put this all together.  Here's hoping you will be inspired!  This is a great way to stay connected to the kids! 

Baba Yetu   

And how the director and kids put this beautiful piece together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT529gUS8fQ&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2_DUy-PvNpjF_StahwodxPUmdrCruZeeRM9TrWcs1wCYG5ug2qQCHsI5c

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  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.




Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required readingSigned 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 ® 



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