"There are three ways to ultimate success. The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind." Fred Rogers

 

                                                                        AZQUOTES 

Fred Rogers has long been one of Pennsylvania's most beloved people.  His influence in Education and helping children grow up cannot be measured.  Mr. Rogers helped millions of children grapple with concepts that are difficult for some adults - dealing with death and divorce,  sharing with others, and learning to cope with feelings of anger and anxiety.  Fred Rogers is a true hero.

Pennsylvania has enacted a day of kindness named for Fred Rogers, with May 25 being named 143 Day, which is a day of kindness and love.    Mr. Rogers used the numbers 143 to connote the letters of "I LOVE YOU."  If you have seen the films about Mr. Rogers, you know that 143 was also his weight, appropriately enough, so it seems the man was living his legacy.  (Here is the link to the Pennsylvania site https://143day.dced.pa.gov/) 

I believe this world of ours needs more love and kindness, and I would like to see May 25, the 143rd day of the year, a national holiday.  I am not alone!  While writing this article, I came across an article from TIME that agrees with me!  https://time.com/6049970/143-day-national-holiday-mr-rogers/

I think our world is sorely in need of more of a focus on good things, rather than all the negative news we see on television every day.  Fred Rogers is the embodiment of so many good things, that Pennsylvania needs to share 143 day with the world. 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlassesPinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® .  

"Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses." Kobe Bryant

 

                                                                            QuoteFancy

I truly enjoy inspirational stories.  I am the person who cheers on the underdog, and then I cry when the underdog wins.  I just read about a man named Tylan Bailey who worked as an elementary school janitor for 23 years, and he just graduated from Georgia State University with a teaching degree in Physical Education.  He began his studies back in 2017.  

I admire this man so much.  He said he was inspired by being surrounded by Education all those years - and now he has become an educator!  Such dedication and perseverance to reach this degree!  Fittingly, he has been asked to be the guest speaker at the 5th grade graduation at his school, Hightower Elementary in DeKalb County.  I believe that Tylan has set a wonderful example for all the students in his school, showing them that hard work and goal setting can change and improve one's life.  I hope he finds a teaching job immediately!

To read the article and see a picture of Tylan Bailey, please follow this link: 

https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/the-feels/elementary-school-janitor-of-more-than-23-years-is-graduating-with-his-teaching-degree?fbclid=IwAR0XlOvPdmvxFtvyiUBQ6hMvrPStaZFVFhcCOP5C3znsB985XRub_P8Mj_8

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"I got this!" Golfer Amy Bockerstette

 

Detail of the golf ball of Amy Bockerstette, a 20-year-old golfer with Down syndrome. (Photo: Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic-USA TODAY NETWORK)

In June of 2019, I wrote a blog about an terrific golfer with Down’s Syndrome named Amy Bockerstette.  She played a hole in a tournament with a professional golfer, Gary Woodland, at Pebble Beach.  Gary was very impressed with her “can do” attitude, and so was the rest of the world.  (To read that blog, click here https://bunnyteacher.blogspot.com/2019/06/i-got-this-amy-bockerstette-golfer.html )

 

Amy continues to be amazing!  She was just recognized as the first person with Downs’ Syndrome to play in a national collegiate athletic championship.  Amy has found that there are no limits to what she can achieve!  Her famous saying “I got this” continues to inspire her game and other people.  Hew dad is her caddie, and he is especially proud of her.

 

Such a beautiful story! Here is the CBS report about “Amazing Amy.”  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amy-bockerstette-golf-college-championship/

 

I love this story.  I had 37 years in the classroom, and I taught many students with major disabilities.  I told them every day that the only limits they had were those they put on themselves.  Amy proves that statement is correct.  Amy’s folks have even started a charity to help others, https://www.igotthis.foundation/

 

Cheers to Amy and all the other people who refuse to accept labels with limitations!  Amy is a true inspiration to the world. 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

"If you can read this, thank a teacher." Harry S. Truman

 

                                                                    QuoteMaster.org

This week is TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, and today is TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY.  When I was in the classroom, I enjoyed that week.  Our student council did something special for the faculty every year -  luncheons, thank you notes, and other surprises.  It was wonderful to feel the love, appreciation, and support of the student body.

I enjoyed having my students write notes to teachers in our building and in the district - and then I would place them in mailboxes, or send then off in inter-school mail.  I know for a fact that student notes mean so much!  I saved all the student notes I received in my 37 years in the classroom, and I always kept a few in my desk drawer to read on a difficult day. When my friends retired from teaching, they threw lesson plans and curricula in the trash, but the sincere student thank you notes were placed in a box and taken home.

The teachers I know have worked so hard this year to try to make the home learning experience a good one. Happy TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY to all! 

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 or we will come into YOUR classroom via 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 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

Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules

LinkedIn   Dede Rittman

Google +   Dede Rittman

Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher

Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®