"Celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings." Jonathan Lockwood Huie

                                                                 Country Living Magazine 

As I write this post, it is December 29 at 3:30 p.m.  I am reflecting on the things that happened this year - both the good and the bad.  I wished and prayed all year that the pandemic would be over, but that wish was not granted. The pandemic has been brutal to my book sales, which mostly depend on my giving lots of fun presentation and connecting with my audiences of college students and/or elementary students.  It is difficult to make a favorable impression from a website.

On the positive side, I have been feeling better this year than I have felt in about the last 6 years.  I have been struggling with some health issues, and I am not sure if it is the extra rest I got by staying at home, or that I had more time to take care of myself.  I played over 80 rounds of golf this year - the most I have played in about 10 years, and lowered my handicap back to a 12.

I like the introspection that happens at the end of the year.  I like thinking about my triumphs, and evaluating what I could have done better.  Beginning a new year is always exciting, because no one knows what this roller coaster called life will bring. 

I hope that you will celebrate the end of 2021, another year of the pandemic, and look forward to the new beginnings of your own life.  Let's be grateful for the gifts of the past, and prayerful for the gifts and trials of the future.  Happy New Year. 

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 ® . 

"There is incredible value in being of service to others." Elizabeth Berg, Author

 

                                                                        sistersisternyc.com 

For 35 years, I enjoyed teaching in the North Allegheny School District in southwestern Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh.  North Allegheny is defined in so many ways by Excellence - through the talented staff, sports programs, student achievements, and numerous awards. In the past few years, The North Allegheny Foundation has created a NORTH ALLEGHENY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI program, which honors graduates who have made a difference in the areas of: The Arts, Business, Community Service, Education, Government, Law, Medicine, Science, and Under 40 Young Alumni. The Foundation receives many nominations in all categories, and then the winner is chosen by a committee. 

I was pleased to nominate a man who was never my student, although I was teaching when he was in school. Jay Adzema, owner of Adzema Phamacy, in McCandless Township, north of Pittsburgh, has been my pharmacist since 1989.  Started in 1959, Jay's father founded the old-fashioned drugstore, which even has a lunch counter. Through the years, I watched as Jay went to bat for his customer friends, interceding with insurance companies to solve pricing errors. When COVID happened, Jay fought to get a supply of vaccines in his independent pharmacy, because most of the supply was going to large sites.  Many of his clientele  are elderly, and some lack transportation. Like a country doctor, Jay packed his Jeep with syringes and vaccines, and traveled to individual homes to vaccinate the shut-ins. Last winter, I saw Jay walk out of the pharmacy in his white coat to give an injection to a frail lady sitting in the passenger seat of a car.  It was zero degrees.  When I asked him about that particular situation, he shrugged and said, "That's what I do.  that's what my dad taught me."  Jay has made a little "Medicine Museum"  in the store, which features many old mortars and pestles, antique pill bottles, and more.  His customer friends have added to the collection, which everyone enjoys.  Because of the friendly atmosphere and the lunch counter, Adzema Pharmacy has become the town center of McCandless Township.  Going out to breakfast or lunch and meeting old friends at Adzema have become the reasons that many of the elderly patrons get out of bed. If McCandless Township were the town of Mayberry in "The Andy Griffith Show," Adzema Pharmacy would be Floyd's Barbershop, the most important place in town. By the way, Jay was just named as the winner in the Community Service category.

I tell you all of this because I think this program of awards is so important.  A public school education lays a great foundation for students, and if that education is a good one, the student learns a great amount of information, important values, a strong work ethic, and the importance of being a part of a community - whether that community be local or the entire field of law, science, business, the arts, or medicine.  Once again, North Allegheny School District leads the way in recognizing excellence in its graduates.  If your school district does not have a similar program, l strongly urge you to create one.  A yearly event of honoring distinguished alumni brings the entire school community together, and it inspires so many. 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Dede

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 ® . 

 

 

"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual." Albert Einstein

 

                                                                             AZ Quotes 

During my 37 years in the classroom, form 1974-2011, the practice of mainstreaming students with different abilities happened in 1990.  Suddenly, teachers with no real training for how to deal with students with different abilities were thrown together with them.  I can remember many of my friends panicking, but my philosophy was that if you love kids and treat them with respect, and if you do what is best for the students, everything will work out.  I loved my special needs students for all the years I taught school.

I saw an interesting story on TV about a farm in Frankfurt, Illinois, that is teaching people with special needs ages 14 and up about farming.  The Navarro Farm owners have a 17 year old son named Carter who has Down's.  These folks recognize that as people this age are phased out of school and after school programs, their ability to interact with others socially, as well as to get out and contribute to society, is severely limited.  The parents know that their son, along with others, need a sense of purpose -  to make a difference, and to contribute to the well-being of others - so they turned their farm into a non-profit.  As of July, they began teaching people 14 and older with Down's all about farming.  They learn about fruit trees, vegetables, and animals.  They learn about planting and harvesting. All of the produce is sold at a roadside stand called CARTER'S CORNER FARM STAND, with monies returning to keep the farm and the educational programs going.  Just since July, they have served 85 individuals with Down's, introducing them to the wonderful world of farming. 

I remember parents of my students worrying about what would happen to their children when the school years would be finished. Our society does not do much for inclusion for some groups, and this program fills that void.  The Navarro Farm also has fun social programs for their group, including a visit with Santa just last week. 

I love the idea of this farm!  Participants learn to contribute, and to become a part of something larger than themselves.  They know the work they have put in to contribute to the greater good, which gives them a positive feeling that they are doing something valuable This is a huge win/win for everyone.  

To see this amazing story, please click on the link below: 

https://video.foxnews.com/v/6286457760001#sp=show-clips 

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 ® . 

"Community is much more than belonging to something; it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter." Brian Solis

                                                                        Brian Solis 

I believe that more than anything else in our society, people yearn for a sense of community.  For many, the need to "belong" is as strong a a need as food and water. The desire to be an accepted part of a community is what prompts stress for students going to the first day of school, for adults entering a new job, and for anyone moving into a new apartment or plan.  For many without family connections, "gangs" become their sense of community.  

When we find our communities and are comfortable, we do not want those communities to change.  Such is the story from Steve Hartman of CBS this week.  

A general store called  "Dan and Whit's" has been a part of Norwich, Vermont, for over a hundred years.  In fact, the store was started by the current owner's grandfather.  Sadly, the owned, Dan Frazier, could get no workers, so the store was in danger of closing.  When the community heard this news, dozens of retired and working folks applied for jobs, just to keep the store open.  Why?  They all answered that question with the same words: "The store is the heart of this town."  They saw and realized the value of belonging, and they recognized the importance of doing something together to make that belonging matter.  A retired doctor, a teacher, a therapist, a school principal, and many others are volunteering their time to keep the heart of the town up and running for all to enjoy.  If you have not seen the story, here is the link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmzOseoKNEE This story is so perfect for the Christmas season.

I hope you have found your community in this season of light. 

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 ® .