"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain

 

 BRAINY QUOTE 

I live in Pittsburgh, Pa, which is a very big sports town.  Pittsburgh boasts three major league teams - The Pirates, The Penguins, and The Steelers. Most people, I would guess, know the names of at least half of the players on all three teams, and those players are revered.

A young man named JuJu Smith-Schuster has played for the Steelers organization since 2017.  A fan favorite, the entire city came together for him when his bicycle was stolen!  (He did not own a car at the time.)  JuJu has a great work ethic, a big smile, a bigger heart, and he has endeared himself to many Pittsburghers, just by being himself. He is my personal favorite. 

This past week, JuJu visited the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and to say he was a hit is an understatement.  JuJu first met some students from the school a few years ago at a Dick's Sporting Goods event.  He wanted to visit the school sooner, but the pandemic prevented that from happening.  On this visit, he met with students in classrooms, and in an assembly, where students waved their Terrible Towels to welcome him.  Students taught him to sign some key words in football life - words like his name, "defense" and 'offense."   

The school's CEO had a message that he hopes JuJu can see that despite their deafness, the students were just as excited as any other kids to meet a Pittsburgh Steeler like JuJu.

I loved what JuJu had to say about this visit - that it is important to support and show love to the community, both on and off the field.  He gets it.  JuJu knows that he can make a real difference for others through his kindness, his presence, and his actions. Although he is still a young man, JuJu shows his care and concern for others through the visits he makes and the time he spends in the Pittsburgh community.  He is a fine athlete, and an even finer example of a man who understands the importance of helping others, and a great role model.  

Number 19, JuJu Smith-Schuster,  is number 1 with me. 

Here is a link to see JuJu at The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. 

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2021/09/21/pittsburgh-steelers-juju-smith-schuster-visits-western-pennsylvania-school-for-the-deaf/ 

Another great article about JuJu's visit:

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/steelers-juju-smith-schuster-learns-to-sign-during-school-for-deaf-visit/?fbclid=IwAR3WzLC3yIQiPZpNxSddJys7DaoAsgh8eCDl_NMlnFPInJPD3QxY9p9iZi4

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

"A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present." Confucius

 

                                                                BestQuotesAbout.com

In so many ways, teachers are the keepers of history.  They have a great influence over their pupils to enlighten minds and discuss and clarify events of the past.  A teacher in Shanksville, PA, where the passengers and crew took down Flight 93, rather than allowing the hijackers to hit the Capitol or White House in Washington, D.C., is keeping their story alive. JP O'Connor teachers at an elementary school just a few miles from the Shanksville crash site. He remembers that fateful September 11 in 2001, and reassuring his students that they were safe in such a rural area, because the attacks were happening in big cities. Just 20 minutes later, he heard a giant BOOM, which appeared to be just past the school playground.  

Mr. O'Connor has saved newspaper clippings and artifacts and collected stories about that day.  He wants his students to recognize the patriotism and bravery of those Americans who sacrificed their lives to save many other Americans. He shows film clips and has great discussions with his students about that day.  Sadly, although the school is just a few miles from the crash site, very few of his students have been to the memorial.  He makes sure that students know what it looks like and what it stands for, as he keeps local, national, and international history alive in his elementary classroom. 

"A true teacher is one who, keeping the past alive, is also able to understand the present."  Confucius 

To see Mr. O'Connor's classroom and hear his story, click on this link: 

https://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/shanksville-teacher-remembers-flight-93-with-lessons-his-classroom-near-crash-site/NAWS4QAX4NF3DFDW775PGNLP54/

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

 

"NEVER FORGET." 09.11.2001

 

                                                        Never Forget - Fitness Works Philadelphia 

This Saturday will mark the 20th year of the worst terror attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor.  Anyone over the age of 16 in 2001 can undoubtedly tell you what they were doing when the towers were struck by the first and second airplanes, followed by the plane into the Pentagon, and the downing of flight 93 in Shanksville,  PA.  I remember that day as perfectly as if it were today.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, was a beautiful and sunny day.  it was Picture Day at my school, and I was wearing ca jean skirt with a pretty yellow T shirt and gold necklace.  I coached boys' golf, and we were leaving school early for a golf match later that day.  The morning was crisp and clear, and I got to school very early to work on a lesson for the next week.  After first period Theatre class, I went to study hall. It was my custom in 2nd period study hall to turn on the news at 9 am in my study hall.  Kids often  needed a current event or news item, so I obliged them the last 10 minutes or so of study hall to watch the news if everyone was finished with their homework.  On that Tuesday, one boy asked me for an extra minute to finish his math, when a teacher stopped by to tell me that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.  I told the students what had happened, and I turned on the TV set.  All 30 of use in the room saw the second plane hit the second building.  The students looked at me.  My only answer was. "I don't think that was an accident."  I will be forever linked to my study hall on 9/11 for the remainder of time, and them to me.

The rest of that day is a blur of fear and news and wondering.  many parents came to the school to take their children home.  I took a class for a colleague who went to pick up her child.  This teacher was afraid her husband was on one of those two planes in New York, and she needed her child to be close to her.  (He was not on the plane - he had missed it.) The golf match and all other school activities were canceled for the day, while America  tried to figure out how and why these tragedies happened. 

Thousands of lives were lost, and the images of the Towers falling and people jumping from the windows is too much for me to dwell on.  Instead, I will remember something good that happened:  Americans united.  Flags went up in every neighborhood, and Americans were proud to be a part of the land of the Free and the home of the Brave.  Patriotism was back. People work T shits and ties and scarves made with the American flag.  Flag pins were on every lapel, and police and firemen and first responders were honored for their bravery.  Night after night, restaurants and bars were empty because all of America was tuned into the national news to find out more about what happened, what was currently happening, and what would happen. It was a time of great stress, great sadness, and great patriotism.

I hope people will take the time to reflect upon the 20 year anniversary of 9/11, when we appreciated public servants and our country, which is not perfect, but is the only one to offer such freedoms as we know them.

God bless the USA.  

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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   GradyGetsGlasses

Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® . 

 

"The more we share, the more we have." Leonard Nimoy

 

                                                                        QuotesGram

Dear Readers, 

Sometimes another writer approaches me and asks to write a guest blog on my page. If I believe my readers can use the information, I am happy to share. (After all, isn't that what teachers do?)  The article below comes from new friend Ed Carter of https://ablefutures.org/   Ed is a retired financial planner who now uses his expertise to help individuals and families with a disability to prepare for the future. Ed can be reached at edcarter@ablefutures.org  

In this article, Ed writes about some fun ways educators can boost income. I have done three of the ideas he recommends!  Good luck!  Dede 

                                                                Photo by Unsplash

 

7 Fun Side Hustles for Teachers
to Boost Their Income During Breaks

 

Teachers appreciate breaks as much as any student. The school year is intense, with a rigid daily schedule and little downtime during the day. While most teachers would enjoy the opportunity to sit back and relax when school is out, many educators are taking on part-time work and short-term gigs to earn money for vacations, holidays, or retirement savings.

Taking on additional work doesn’t mean that you won’t have fun, though. The following gigs, courtesy of Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher, are both fun and profitable ways to spend your extra time.

Work at a Theater or Entertainment Complex

Whether it’s your local community theater, sports complex, or entertainment complex, gigs are aplenty at these attractions. What’s more, you get the added perk of listening to popular bands playing live, seeing all the action from your favorite sports team or watching talented, up-and-coming actors and actresses work the stage.

Jobs might include working the concession stand, ticketing, or serving as an usher, all of which allow you to catch a bit of the action while you earn some cash.

Top Into the Sharing Economy

The rise of the sharing economy – consumer-to-consumer or peer-to-peer services like Airbnb, TaskRabbit, and Uber – makes it possible for anyone to earn extra cash (or a full-time income) from providing services or products through online platforms. If you decide to teach abroad for a summer, you can even earn some cash while you’re experiencing a new culture by renting your home through Airbnb. 

If you’re looking for work during holiday breaks, offer rides locally through Uber, sign up to carry out simple tasks like grocery shopping or running errands through a service like TaskRabbit, or offer dog boarding or dog walking services through a platform like Rover. Because you can set your own schedule, you can build in plenty of time to get your classroom in order for next year. 

Continue Teaching Online 

Educators who love teaching can continue to engage and work with students by creating and leading online courses. With many platforms that enable you to create and sell courses without a lot of technical know-how, getting set up as an online course instructor is pretty simple. Plus, you don’t have to stick to the same subjects that you teach during the school year.

Teach a course on something that interests you. To make the subject easier and fun to learn, consider turning your course material into an educational animated video.

Use Your Performing Arts Skills

If you spend your school year teaching students to sing or act, tap into your vocal talent by signing up for work as a voice-over actor, an audiobook narrator, or offer lessons to adults and children alike as a vocal coach. You never know, you may find a side gig you can enjoy indefinitely.

Sell Your Teaching Materials and Instructional Ideas

Teachers spend tons of time carefully creating instructional materials and conceptualizing activities that keep students engaged. Share the wealth by offering your meticulously crafted lesson plans, worksheets, and other materials to other educators through a service such as Teachers Pay Teachers.

Host a Club or Camp for Young People

Parents often welcome opportunities to keep their children engaged when school isn’t in session. Teachers who are looking for fun ways to spend their breaks while earning a bit of extra money might consider starting a club or day camp opportunity for children or young adults.

Try starting a book club, for example, that selects a book to read each week and meets once or twice weekly to discuss the story. For a nominal fee, parents get the peace of mind of knowing their children are spending time with a trustworthy adult while also keeping their minds engaged.

Turn a Business Idea Into an LLC

Have you ever thought about starting up a business? With the right tools and services, it's easier to run a business than you might think. Whatever idea you have, whether it's freelance writing or personal chef, you'll need to decide on which business structure you want and what name you’ll operate under. ZenBusiness has more information about how to set up an LLC online so you can quickly formalize your venture.

Whatever you decide to spend your time doing when school is out, take advantage of one of the many opportunities for teachers to have some fun while earning some extra cash.

Image via Pixabay by jundercheng

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite GRADY GETS GLASSES (and me) into your school, in person, or on Zoom. Email us at GradyGetsGlasses@gmail.com

I do college and university presentations for student teachers with my practical "Dede's Three C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity" in person or via Zoom. Please email me at DedeRittman@gmail.com

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 ® .