"Teaching is the greatest act of optimism." Colleen Wilcox

 

                                                                   We Are Teachers 

With schools, colleges, and universities all closed during the pandemic, I have not done my normal amount of presentations and intereacting with students.  With my book Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher, I really enjoy meeting with the students at the college level who are education majors - and I love presenting "Dede's 3 C's for Classroom Success - Confidence, Communication, and Creativity." I enjoy presenting to middle school and high school on a variety of topics- and the one that seems to help the kids most is my "Get Organized and Improve Your Grades" presentation.  Then, with my children's book, Grady Gets Glasses, I have an assortment of presentations from "Bunnies Don't Bully, and Neither Should Kids" to "Be an Author!"  I have given some virtual presentations, but they are never as spontaneous nor as much fun as in-person presentations.

This week, I am so happy to be back in the elementary classrooms of two local schools. Being with the elemenatary students is so uplifting!  I love it when they ask silly questions about Grady the bunny - for example, this question, asked with the utmost in seriousness and respect:  "Miss Dede, what is Grady's favorite dessert?"  My answer?  "Carrot cake, of course!"  I also love seeing the children thinking - and yes, after teaching for 37 years, you CAN see kids thinking.  They have serious expressions on their faces, and they show great signs of concentration and questioning, right before raising their hands to ask a question.  I loved teaching for my entire life - it is what I do best - and being back in the classroom is so wonderful. I was very touched by a second grader who approached me after the presentation on Monday and whispered in my ear, "You are me most favortie author - ever!" Indeed, the energy and enthusiasm from the kids makes me realize how dull virtual learning really is. Becasue teaching is entirely about relationships, in person teaching and learning is best. 

The school on Monday had the students make paper glasses with bunny ears!  Such fun! The students wore these adorable glasses to the presentation and this great activity really added to the anticipation of my presentation. 

If you would like to me to come into your classroom, or your book club, rotary club, service organization, or for any reason, please send em an email at DedeRittman@gmail.com  Tell me a little about your group and what you are looking for, and I will share my list of offerings with you.  One presentation well-liked by adult groups i "How to Write and Publish Your Own Book."  I will walk you through all it took for me to get to my published books.  Many adults feel that they would like to write a book - so why not give it a try and learn what is involved?

So - group or school, please invite me to your group and I promise they will enjoy the content and my unique deleivery and sense of humor.  I have all my Pennsylvania clearances, and I look forward to hearing from you!  

Programs avaialble are listed below.  If you want something you don't see, call or email me, and I will create a program for your group. 

Be an Author!  (grades K-2)

Be an Author (enhanced version) grades 3-5

Bunnies don't bully, and neither should kids! K-2

I also come into individual classrooms to work with kids who are creating their own books - K-12 

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 ® . 

"Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story." Josh Shipp

 

                                                            learngrowflourish.com

                                  

I recently saw a story about a non profit in New Orleans that was really intriguing.  A man named Sonny Lee started his program SON OF A SAINT in 2011.  It is a mentorship program for young boys and teens who have no father figure in their lives.  Boys have lost their fathers for a variety of reasons:  long-term incarceration, deportation, violence, or even willful neglect.  Founder Sonny Lee knows what is like to grow up without a dad - Sonny watched his father die before him from a heart attack.  His dad was only 36, and Sonny was just 3 years old, and that terrible scene is his earliest memory.  Sonny honors his dad with the name of his charity. His dad played for the New Orleans Saints, hence, the name SON OF A SAINT. When he started high school at an all-male school, Sonny recognized the importance of good male role models, and he has tailored his programs accordingly. 

Sonny was raised by a strong mother, and he said his program to help turn fatherless boys into men is really his mother's program - he tries to do all the things for the boys that his mother did for him.  In the past 10 years, Son of a Saint has mentored 200 young men to make positive choices in their lives through mental health intiatives, recreation, and strong mentorship.  Many of the students have earned scholarships to college, and their success is a huge inspiration to the founder.  Helping boys to succeed is Sonny Lee's passion, and with a strong team around him, his group is having amazing successes. 

So many young people in our country are in great need of positive adult role models and adults who are engaged in their lives.  After reading all about the program, it seems to me that this model could be copied and could work all over our country. 

I applaud Sonny Lee and his non profit for the great work they are doing.  If you would like to see more about their work, please click on the link to their website and the link to a wonderful stroy about Sonny Lee and his group on THE TODAY SHOW. 

https://sonofasaint.org/

https://www.today.com/video/new-orleans-program-helps-young-boys-who-are-without-fathers-137134661549

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 listen to other people's expectations. You should live your own life and live up to your expectations." Tiger Woods

 

                                                                       AZ QUOTES 

Tiger Woods did not win The Masters this past weekend, and yet, he was the star of the tournament. Once again, he made a comeback that startled the world.  After his terrible car crash on February 23, 2021, doctors doubted that Woods would ever play golf again.  They considered amputation of his leg, and some doubted if he would even walk again.  Fast forward 14 months and countless hours of therapy for Tiger, and he announces that he is going to play in The Masters.  I have been to Augusta National, and it is a hilly golf course, 5 miles long, with lots of uneven lies and steps.  It is a long walk for someone with two good legs, but walking it with an injured leg had to be grueling.  If you watched the tournament, you saw Tiger limping a bit, and he said he would have lots of ice on his leg between rounds. 

I think this comeback is similar to Ben Hogan's return to golf in 1949.  Hogan spent 60 days in a hospital after a terrible car crash in February of 1949 in which it took an hour to extricate him from the car. He was hit head on by a 200.000 thousand pound bus. There were no airbags in cars in 1949, so his injuries were numerous.  Doctors doubted that he would walk again, yet, a little more than a year later, he won the US Open at Merion in 1950.

Although Tiger did not have a fairy tale ending for the 2022 Masters, his participation in the tournament, and actually competing to make the cut, teaches golfers and others some important lessons.  Despite his horrific injuries and intense pain, Tiger never gave up on himself.  He visualized where he has been - Number 1 golfer in the world, winner of 15 major championships - and then he visualized where he would be again.  The fact that he was able to recover and walk at Augusta after just 14 months is nothing short of a miracle.  I like how Tiger beleives in himself, and when he competes, he is in the game to win, not just to play. Tiger allows the world to see him holding himself to high expectations, modeling that noble concept for everyone to learn and copy.  I like that very much, and if I were still coaching golf, I would be using his story to inspire my players.  Everyone can do better - if we just beleive in ourselves and hold ourselves to our own high expectations. 

I am including a few links about Tiger's recovery, and about the story of Ben Hogan.  Please click on the links if you are interested. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/golf/for-tiger-a-walk-unlike-any-other-awaits-at-the-masters/2022/04/07/bc1d8928-b639-11ec-8358-20aa16355fb4_story.html

https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2022/04/08/tiger-woods-ben-hogan-staged-the-masters-comeback/ 

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/ben-hogan-car-crash-accident-recovery-tiger-woods

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 ® . 

"True kindness is helping someone without expecting anything in return."

 

                                                                        TinyBuddha.com 

Coach Mike Krzyzewski , or "Coach K", has been a part of the college basketball world for 42 years.  With an impressive record of 1202-368, he is one of the most winning coaches in the world.  He led Duke University to 15 AAC championshiops, and Coach K is loved and respected by millions.

I am not writing today's post to offer congratulations on his recent retirement, nor to congratulate him on a job well done, although both are in order.  I am writing to tell my readers about a kindness from Coach K that endured for years, and changed a man's life.  Coach K set an example of acceptance and good will that everyone should follow.

The man is the late Steve Mitchell, a man with Down's, who sat behind Coach K for 37 years, from the 1980-81 season until his passing in June, 2017. 

When Coach K was having some  renovations done to his home, he met the Mitchell family and Steve. The only present Steve wanted for Christmas in 1980 was a ticket to a Dukes game.  Coach K made that happen, again and again, for the next 37 years. Steve Mitchell and his pregame handshake with Coach K became a regular part of each game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.  What a long and beautiful friendship the two men enjoyed! 

I taught high school for 37 years and the Guidance Department put most of the district's students with special needs into my English and Theater classes.  I never minded - these students taught me far more than I ever taught them.  I think Coach K may think the same thing about his friendship with Steve Mitchell; although both benefitted from the friendship, I feel sure that Coach K is richer because of knowing Steve. 

I saw this letter below to Coach K on Facebook.  It is a post from November of 2020, from a mother who is a parent of a child with special needs.  She recognizes the difference Coach K made for Steve Mitchell as she thinks about her own child. It is a heartfelt and beautiful letter, reminding the reader that all people with special needs just want to be accepted as "normal", whatever that is.

Thank you, Coach K, for the kindness you have bestowed upon those who can never pay you back. You are not just a winning coach, you are a fine man. 

Tales of an Educated Debutante

N9tSofvem5bnser r01e6,4a6 230l2098  · 

Dear Coach K,

I've never met you, though you've walked past me many times on a stretch of beach called Pine Knoll Shores. I didn't want to bother you, but wish I had known about your gift to Steve Mitchell. His departure from this earth has offered the story of a life well-lived. Steve was the man who sat behind you in Duke University's Cameron Indoor Stadium for the last 37 years and I know you miss him this season.

He did a lot in his sixty plus years. He was born with Down syndrome and his family shrugged off the doctors and took him right home. He was integrated in an era that made his parents ground breakers; school or church, Steve was there. I am a special needs mama too and with parenthood comes advocacy, their forging a path has benefited so many. You called Steve "a good friend who had some challenges." What a gift of inclusive language.

The story goes that in 1980 the only thing Steve Mitchell wanted for Christmas was a Duke basketball ticket, not an easy score, but Steve's brother had a construction company and was hired to renovate the new coach’s, Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski, house. He asked you how one might find a ticket to buy and explained his brother’s Christmas wish.

“He can sit behind me,” you said. Did you know how life changing that gift would be?

The following season, Steve wrote you a letter saying, “Coach, I know we’re going to have another great year. I was hoping that I could sit near you again.” You said yes to a family that may have heard no far more often. He wrote you a letter every year for 37 years and this is the first season that a ticket, reserved for one Steve Mitchell, isn’t waiting at will call. Steve would collect his ticket and make his way to his seat behind you (usually with the help of his favorite usher, Fran), a tradition that was life changing for his self-confidence, according to his family. You shook his hand before every game.

Thank you, Coach K.

Mamas of special needs kids know that kindness extends far beyond team affiliation and we know that our team is the best of all. Welcome to the club. And to Steve? Godspeed, my friend and thank you.

Love,

Adrian (Amos's mom)

Here is a link to a nice story about Steve Mitchell and Coach K. 

https://purpose2play.com/fast-breaks/meet-duke-fan-syndrome-coach-ks-buddy/ 

To read more about Coach K's kindess, please click on the link below.  It also features a great picture of the pre-game handshake between Steven and Coach K. 

https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2022/03/duke-basketball-community-fans-stories-coach-k

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 ® .