"You should never be proud of doing the right thing. You should just do it." Dean Smith

 

                                                                        AZQUOTES

Sometimes in life, you meet people who know what the right thing is, and they do it.  No recognition needed - they simply do the right thing.

That's what happened to a young man in Alabama who worked at the Waffle House.  Timothy Harrison went to work at the Waffle House on what was supposed to be his day off for a very special occasion - his high school graduation.  Sadly, his parents, with whom he did not live, had to work and could not attend, and the ceremony was to be held about an hour's drive away, and he did not have a ride.  So, he showed up to work at the Waffle House instead. 

His Waffle House manager would not hear of it.  Despite Timothy's not having the required cap and gown, Cedric Hampton, the store manager, along with other employees, made sure that Timothy would be at his high school graduation.  They even took him shopping for appropriate clothes to wear!  Timothy is not close with his parents, and his Waffle House family stepped up to do the right thing.   Cedric said that he could not allow Timothy to miss such an important life and milestone occasion as high school graduation.  He knew it was the right thing to do, and he did it.  No thinking about it or discussion, he just stepped in to do the right thing for a young man he cared about. What a wonderful story!  This story makes me think that sometimes, the family we choose is more important than the one we are given. 

To see a picture and read about this lovely gesture, please follow this link:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/06/14/graduation-waffle-house-teen-work/ 

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 ® .  

" . . . However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." Stephen Hawking

                                                                         Sapphire Kidz

I began my teaching career in 1974, and for many years, until the IDEA  Act in 1990, students with physical disabilities were excluded from the regular classroom.  I can remember the first students I had after this law was passed - two were in wheelchairs, and two were blind - and I also remember the fear and anxiety that many teachers felt about how to include our new students with physical challenges into our daily routines. To be honest, I did not share their anxiety.  I knew people with many forms of special needs since I was a child, and I always figured that with or without a disability, kids are still kids.  That philosophy served me well. As the 90's progressed,  more students were mainstreamed into the regular education classroom, including students with mental disabilities and challenges, including Down Syndrome, the autism spectrum, severe dyslexia,  lower IQ, and many other issues.  Looking back, I believe that I probably taught most of the students with special needs who came through North Allegheny, and I loved the lessons those students had to teach to the rest of the class and to me.  They made me a better teacher!  For example, I learned to stop talking while writing on the board; instead, I wrote, and then turned and faced the class for my lip readers.  I helped all of my students get better organized each day and week, because of a suggestion from a student on the spectrum who liked to read the lesson highlights on the board.  So, I put the highlights on the board! He used it as sort of a a compass for the class. 

I told my classes at the beginning of each school year that EVERY student has strengths and lessons to share with others, and they believed it because I believed it.  I loved the courage of so many of those brave students who persevered and loved school and friends and life, despite their challenges. I loved students with special needs so much that I even created a  summer session special needs theater camp, and some of the kids liked it so much, they signed up twice a summer!

Thinking about how far Education has come with inclusion, I saw a story by Steve Hartman that touched my heart.  A 14 year old boy with Down Syndrome named Caleb Prewitt did NOT like exercise, until he met Chris Nikic, a 21 year old man with Down Syndrome, and the first person ever with Down's to cross the finish line of an Ironman Triathlon.  If you do not know what that entails, it is a grueling 140 miles of swimming, biking, and running.  A person has to be in great shape to complete such a race.  Chris became a mentor to Caleb, and Caleb just completed his first mini- triathlon!  Such an exciting story, and so uplifting to see Chris in such an important mentorship role.  Pure inspiration! 

Just as I always said in my classroom, every person has gifts and talents to share and lessons to teach.  Please click on the link below to see a video of these two young men - it will make your heart smile! 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/role-model-down-syndrome-mini-triathalon/

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 ® .  

"Going on one more round when you don't think you can, that's what makes all the difference." Sylvester Stallone

Goalcast

I look for good news and stories of inspiration.  May and June, the months of end-of-the-year closure and graduation, are excellent months to find such stories.  I found a great story online that inspired me. 

A  67 year old man in Madison, Wisconsin,  decided to get his GED. Charles Satterfield spent most of his time in Chicago.  He dropped out of high school, developed a drug problem, and enrolled in many programs for rehabilitation. He felt that his life had no purpose, until the birth of his first child. He thought about what he never finished - his high school education, and at age 65, he enrolled in classes at nearby Madison College to work toward his GED.  At the age of 67, Charles received his GED, and next semester, he begins his studies in the IT field, once again at Madison College. When most people are retiring, he is beginning a new life with a renewed purpose.

I admire Mr. Satterfield.  Going back to school after years of being out of school is a real challenge. Learning to study and time manage a family, job, and studies is not easy.  This story made me smile.  In today's society of "immediacy", Charles Satterfield is a man who waited for something a long time, then set a goal and worked toward it. He was Rocky Balboa - he went one more round.   I wish him much success. 

If you would like to know more about this story, here is a link:

https://www.nbc12.com/2021/05/29/its-never-too-late-year-old-wisconsin-man-graduates-high-school/

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 ® .  

 

"A goal is a dream with a deadline." Napoleon Hill

 

                                                                      EnkiQuotes.com 

I saw a little blurb on the news that touched my heart is a big way.  I think that with all teachers, a student's personal triumph - large or small - matters.  Educators can cajole,  push,  and encourage, but the accomplishment is up to the student .  A senior at Windber High School in Windber, Pennsylvania, has spina bifida.  She has been in a wheelchair for her lifetime, although she has always wanted to walk  She left her wheelchair behind on graduation night, when she WALKED - with the aid of her mom and a walker - to receive her diploma.  She dreamed it, she worked toward it, and she accomplished it! What a magnificent personal triumph! I am teary-eyed even writing about this.

When a student reaches a personal goal, it should be celebrated!  I am so thrilled for this young lady that she could achieve her goal and walk across the stage on such a meaningful occasion.  I am sure that many students and teachers cried tears of joy for her.

Here is a video of this wonderful moment.  Congratulations to Megan Ott and her dream walk!  Well done! 

https://wnyt.com/commit-to-kids/pennsylvania-girl-with-spina-bifida-walks-to-receive-high-school-diploma/6127806/ 

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 ® .  

"Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person's life." Jackie Chan

 

                                                                        QuoteFancy 

My readers know that I am all about education, inspiration, and kindness. (37 years in the classroom have made me into a perpetual teacher. No going back - ever!)   I found a story this week that encompasses the best of education, inspiration, and kindness.

In Boutte, Louisiana, a panicked student approached a teacher just before graduation began. Daverius Peters told a teacher, John Butler, that administrators said his shoes did not conform to their standards, and that Daverius would not be permitted to walk across the stage and receive his diploma in the shoes he was wearing. Without a second thought, Mr. Butler slipped off his own shoes - two sizes too big for Daverius -  and Daverius was able to participate in graduation. 

According to busyteacher.org, the average teacher makes 1500 decisions per day, which averages to about 4 per minute.  I have the feeling that Mr. Butler's decision to lend his shoes was the simplest decision he had made all day.

So often, students look to teachers as role models and surrogate parents.  Mr. Butler's thoughtful gesture will impact students positively for years to come.  I like this story so much. It feels good to see such a positive exchange between student and teacher, and I think it's terrific that the news picked up this uplifting story.  Thank you, Mr. Butler, for your unselfish and caring act to help a student.  You are a teacher who makes a difference. 

Here is a link to the story - well worth the few minutes read and viewing.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/daverius-peters-john-butler-shoes-louisiana-high-school-graduation/

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 groups called Field Trip Zoom and Streamable learning . We will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM. 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 ® .