Saturday, December 31, 2022

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one." Brad Paisley

 

                                                                        Real Simple


And just like that - in the snap of your fingers, it is a new year!  One of the most wonderful things about a new year is that sense of a new beginning - a chance to set some things right, to start over again, and to be the best person you can be. It is a chance to start life with a new and sharper focus; to reflect on what was good last year, what was bad, what to throw away, and what to keep. Cleaning up is not limited to one's abode, it is also to clean up the mind and outlook for maximum efficiency and happiness.


Happy New Year, Friends! 

"Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right!" Oprah Winfrey 


                                                                Parade

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,    and Grady Gets Glasses
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

Monday, December 26, 2022

"No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again." Buddha

 

                                                                            Everyday Power


And so, Christmas is past, and will soon become a memory.  As the new year inches closer to us, it is time for personal reflection.  If we really want to improve our lives, now is a good time to ask ourselves a few important questions and ponder their answers.

What did I do that was best this past year?

What could I have improved this past year?

How can I implement postitive changes in the coming year?

Who did I help the most this past year?

How can I do better next year? 

Do I like the person I was in 2022?  

How can I be an even better person in 2023?

I am a person who constantly strives to be better, and these are questions that I ask myself atmilestone moments like birthdays and the beginning of each new year.  Big changes are difficult, but with small daily changes, we can make ourselves even better. 

Wishing all my readers the gifts of happiness, good health, and prosperity in 2023, and to be the very best YOU that you can be. Put the pst behind you and look to the future. 

"No matter how hard the past is, you can always begin again."  Buddha 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,    and Grady Gets Glasses
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 









Wednesday, December 21, 2022

"All I wanted to be was a player." Franco Harris 1950-2022

 


                                                                        QuoteFancy 

                                                                        Quote Fancy 


Thousands of Pittsburghers awoke today, December 21, to the news that legendary Steeler Franco Harris died at the age of 72.  The city is shell shocked at the sad news of his passing. For many years, Franco Harris has been a recognized and renowned figure in Western Pennsylvania, after the greatest football play of all time, "The Immaculate Reception."  At an AFC divisional playoff game at Three Rivers Stadium against the Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972, a ball not intended for Harris was deflected by Oakland Raider Jack Tatum -and Franco scooped it up and ran it in for the touchdown, changing the course and fate of the Pittsburgh Steelers forever.  It was his rookie year, coming to the Steelers from Joe Paterno and Penn State, as the 13th overall pick. What an auspicious pick that was!  Known for decades as "loveable losers", that one play by Franco Harris catapulted the Steelers into the playoffs, the national spotlight, and into numerous Super Bowl appearances. The Pittsburgh Steelers had arrived, finally, thanks to that one play. Franco taught Pittsburgh an important lesson that day -  that you should never give up.  In 1972, with the steel industry and other heavy industries failing, an economy in recession, and the number of jobless continuing to climb,  that was a lesson Pittsburgh needed to hear.  Franco gave our city HOPE when there was none. 

I first knew Franco Harris in 1974, when I used to stop at my (then) husband's office in the Frick Building downtown.  Franco's lawyer or agent or both were in the building, and we shared an elevator several times a month for about five years. (Until I got divorced and no longer went to the Frick Building.) Years later, I would see Franco at various golf charity outings, performing arts venues, sporting events, and we also belonged to the same golf club for many years.  It was just in October that he was playing golf in front of me on a Sunday and left his pitching wedge on number 6 green at Diamond Run, so I drove up to catch him on hole 7 and return the wedge.  "I think you might need your wedge on this hole!" I said.  He thanked me profusely and made a little joke about not hitting the ball as far as he used to, and I agreed that the same problem - age- was happening to me.  We made a little small talk, and he thanked me again and again.  After that final brief encounter, two things continue to stand out about Franco for me - his kindness, and his good manners, whether in an elevator, a Pittsburgh event, or on the golf course. I felt that Franco always had a welcoming smile and was always very soft spoken. Franco was revered as a hero in Pittsburgh, and after his career ended, he chose make Pittsburgh his home. Franco lived in Pittsburgh  throughout his lifetime, where he to give back to the city that he embraced and loved.

A four-time Super Bowl champion and 9-time Pro Bowl player, Franco stayed humble throughout his entire life. He seemed to always have time for a picture or an autograph.  Maybe that humility is one mare characteristic that made him so beloved. Pittsburgh liked the man we saw for so many years, as a legend became one of us. 

So many plans were made for this weekend to celebrate the 50 years since The Immaculate Reception, including a ceremony to retire Franco's jersey, number 32.  Numerous dinners and interviews with Franco were supposed to happen, and I am heartbroken that he will not be here to receive his well-deserved accolades.  

Thank you, Franco, for the way you lived your life, caring about and giving to others.  Thank you for your positive attitude, which you shared with others. Thank you for the lesson of The Immaculate Reception - that no matter what, a person should NEVER give up.  It is a lesson that I repeated many times to my players when I was coaching golf for 33 years, and it is a silent mantra that I carry with me when I play in competitive golf events. Thank you for giving hope to the city of Pittsburgh, not just in 1972, but for your entire lifetime. You will be mourned and missed by so many.  Gone too soon. Rest in Peace, my friend.   

Some links to Franco's storied career and tributes to the man: 

https://www.wpxi.com/sports/photos-franco-harris/WDH6O2EKENAW5CWPY2DKUP6OX4/


https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/football-community-fans-fellow-pittsburgh-steelers-pay-tribute-franco-harris-after-his-death/CBFNAVHTOZBRDPWKA77DE3QTCM/


https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/12/21/franco-harris-death-football-world-remembers


https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-community-pays-tribute-to-hall-of-fame-rb-steelers-legend-franco-harris


https://wkzo.com/2022/12/21/hall-of-fame-rb-franco-harris-dies-at-72/


Here is the original broadcast of The Immaculate Reception:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHIXFKrrUhA

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,    and Grady Gets Glasses
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 












Tuesday, December 20, 2022

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Scott Adams

 

                                                                    Zen-Mama.com 

                                                                            

When the Christmas season arrives each year, it renews our spirits and reminds us that we are not alone on this planet, and that serving others lifts not only those being served, but the servers themselves.  Who doesn't love the season of giving? The final segments of the news shows are filled with stories of those who are doing good for others: toy drives by schools and Marines and more, sock drives for the homeless, church dinners open to all, and random people handing out $100 bills.  Everyone enjoys these stories because they are such a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the real world we live in a world in which we have grown calloused to the carjackings and gun violence, the robberies and the murders. In my opinion, the world could surely use more kindness, and that premise led me to these two questions: What would happen if everyone put forth an effort to make kindness a part of their everyday lives?  How would the world change? 

I can share a bit of my personal experience with you. I have been practicing doing at least one kind deed every day for several years.  I will say that I enjoy seeing the smiles a simple kind word or kind deed can bring, and I love the feeling of making someone else happy, because their happiness makes ME happy, too.  I always hope that the receivers of kind deeds will continue that "kindness train," making it an endless train. Wouldn't that make a beautiful world?  

My Christmas wish for my readers:  May you be both the recipient and the giver of many kindnesses, this Christmas season and beyond. Merry Christmas and happy Holidays!

"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." Scott Adams 


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,    and Grady Gets Glasses
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 





Monday, December 12, 2022

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela

 

                                                                                AZ QUOTES 


For almost two years, I have been working on a book for Professional Development with two teachers from Connecticut, Dan Blanchard and Dan Flores. Both Dan and Dan are still teaching, and although I have retired from the classroom, I continue to teach through my book presentations and speaking engagements.  The book came out last week.

Dan Blanchard teaches in the inner city, and he brings a unique perspective to the idea of Professional Development.  He sees what Education can do, because he is also a product of a city education, and he recognizes that teachers must learn the best initiatives for helping students to be successful. 

Dan Flores began his career in Education as a paraprofessional.  After several years, he went back to college and received his teaching degree.  He has the true perspective on how to include paras in OD and the need to include them in the happenings within the building, because he knows the struggle of trying to do a job with none of the know-how.

My section of the book is dedicated to student teachers and new teachers, and includes things like organizing yourself and your students, and Dede's 3 C's for Classroom Success: Confidence, Communication, and Creativity. 

The ebook is already trending on Amazon, and the printed book will be coming out soon.  

I am so proud to be a part of this book on Professional Development, a topic that does not get enough attention.  Here is the link to the book if you would like to take a peek! Dan and Dan and I believe that solid PD helps teachers to help students be successful!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNWK5JVX?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_4&storeType=ebooks&fbclid=IwAR18sG66FhwcaSc4GUVrvrCckHVgLUJSeRLCnp2h4wCVttPPyLBK79UYEW8

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman,  Rittman Rules,   Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop,    and Grady Gets Glasses
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   GradyGetsGlasses
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® 

Monday, December 5, 2022

"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting." Thomas S. Monson

 

                                                                        AZ QUOTES

I saw a story this morning on THE TODAY SHOW that reminded me of the years I was teaching at North Allegheny Intermediate High School.  For more than 30 years, our school participated in the "Santa's Stocking" project, as we teamed with the local food bank to make Christmas happen for children who would not otherwise have any gifts for Christmas. The love, joy, and spirit of giving was so alive all those years in our school, and the story I saw today made me feel and remember those same wonderful Christmas feelings again. 

Kipp Star Harlem Elementary School in New York City is comprised of children in grades 1-4.  In October, they started a sock drive for the homeless, with a goal of collecting 1000 pairs of socks.  Instead, they collected 9,300 pairs!  The students enjoyed the giving experience so much, that they went on to complete a canned food drive in November and this month, they are involved in a toy drive. 

Hoda Kotb of THE TODAY SHOW made a visit to the school and talked with some of the children, whose enthusiasm for giving is effervescent!  She asked them about their experiences of giving, and their answers were so sincere and heartwarming.  One little boy said, "We're basically mini-Santas."  That, they are. Macy's and Toys 'R Us surprised the kids with two gifts - 500 Sesame Street toys for their toy drive, and a gift for every child in the school.  Seeing the kids absorb this information and their ecstatic reactions is delightful!  Unbelievably, two little girls who opened their personal gifts asked it they could donate their gifts to the toy drive.  That is the real spirit of giving. 

Give yourself a spiritual lift and watch this short clip from THE TODAY SHOW.

https://www.today.com/video/today-brings-a-holiday-surprise-for-group-of-nyc-kids-156232773870

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestionsRittman 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 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!

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