"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Benjamin Franklin

 

                                                                            AZ QUOTES 

The importance of preparing well is one of the best lessons I learned as a teacher.  I fondly remember my cooperating teacher saying that it is better to have too much material in a lesson, rather than not enough!  When I interviewed for and got my first job, the curriculum coordinator emphasized "Plan your work; work your plan" and also The 5 P's: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.  These are things I practiced for all my years of teaching and I still practice today.

So often, just a little planning and preparation goes a long way, whether that planning be in one's personal, business, or social life. I think that when people say they "don't have time,"  it is because they are playing catch up - from of a lack of planning.  Success comes easier to those who prepare.

Throughout my teaching career, I helped hundreds of students to plan better for time management and prepare better for evaluations, and those two strategies led to more success for those students.  One of my best planning tips is this:  buy or make a large monthly calendar that you can have on your desk.  Put EVERYTHING on it - business appointments, luncheons, family obligations, doctor appointments, fun stuff, etc.  You will have your week and month at a glance.

With all the things we all need to do every day, it feels good to plan ahead, prepare what you need, and be organized. Prepare yourself for success, not failure!  Such sage advice from Ben Franklin!  "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Benjamin Franklin 

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,  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 ® . 

"Work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on Earth" Queen Elizabeth II

 

                                                                    LatestLY

                                                                 

I have always felt a connection to Queen Elizabeth II.  You see, she became Queen in 1952, the year that I was born.  Her mother died in 2002, the same year that I lost both of my parents. She has been with me all the days of my life, and today is her funeral. I miss her already.

We can learn so many lessons from Queen Elizabeth II.  Her sense of duty never wavered; in fact, she had a meeting with the new Prime Minister just 48 hours before her death.  She promised to serve her country and its people, and despite poor health, a pandemic, and the loss of her husband, she pressed forward. Queen Elizabeth II carried herself and her office with respect, tradition, and grace. Despite her advanced age, she embraced change and progress and took her country with her.  She was the guiding force and the person her country depended on in war and in peace. Her bravery during World War II became a mainstay in her life, and her courage, strength, and faith gave strength to her entire country. She wore her faith on her sleeve, and her faith inspired countless others.

I am astounded to see so many Brits, with their "stiff upper lips", expressing their emotions, saying they "loved" the Queen. From all appearances of the mountains of flowers during these 10 days, not a single flower is left in London and Scotland and the Commonwealth. A beautiful tribute to Her Majesty.

Many young people look up to athletes and movie stars as idols, but in The Queen, one finds a true role model. She was not flash and fancy, but substance and leadership. Calm and steady, during smooth sailing and rough waters, she steered the helm of her country with calm and grace. I have always loved her philisophy of "Never complain, never explain." 

Thank you for your service of 70 years. I am glad you had the chance to see the adoration of your public during your July Platinum Jubilee. 

There will never be another leader like Queen Elizabeth II.   God speed, Queen Elizabeth II.  The world is a better place because you were in it. 

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,  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 ® . 

"We will never forget. Remembering September 11, 2001."

 

                                                                    QUOTE MASTER 

When I think of 9/11, I become one with that day, and all time is erased. I am back in 2001.  It is a beautiful crisp and sunny Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh, PA.  The sky is so blue, and I am wishing I were on the golf course. It is "Picture Day" at my school.  I am wearing a cute jeans skirt and yellow tee shirt with a pretty gold necklace and gold earrings. Tassel oxblood loafers are on my feet.  The school year is only a few weeks in, and the 9th and 10th graders look like shiny new pennies.  I am trying to learn the names of my students as quickly as possible.  I have second period study hall, and has become my habit, a minute before 9 am, I ask who needs a current event for World Cultures class.  Three hands go up, along with one student, who says he needs "another 30 seconds to finish a math problem."  When the math student finishes and closes his book, I turn on the television, and at 9:03 am, 25 students and I see the second plane (we would find this out later) hit the World Trade Center. That moment will forever link the 26 of us in study hall in room 45 at North Allegheny Intermediate High School in Pittsburgh, PA.

I can scarcely believe that it has been 21 years since that terrible event happened. many people have been born in the succeeding years, and they have no personal knowledge of the event.  It is similar to when I was a little girl, and my mother would talk about Pearl Harbor Day as though it had just happened. I felt her anguish through her words and saw many of the images, but for me, 9/11 was my Pearl Harbor.  Great anguish and grief have such an impact on our minds that they become indelible ink that cannot be washed away.

The patriotism of the aftermath of 9/11 strengthened our individual communities and our country. First responders. firefighters, paramedics, and police received the recognition they deserved for so long. Flags were flown proudly at homes across the nation. It was a good time to believe in America. 

It is comforting to remember when we were not black or white, brown or yellow, Republicans or Democrats - but just plain AMERICANS.  I know our country is fractured now, but I continue to hope and pray for better days ahead for America. 

9/11  #NeverForget

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,  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 ® . 

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Confucius

 

                                                                        Quote Fancy 

Today is Labor Day, a truly American holiday.  For many of my generation, work has been a mainstay in our lives.  To get through college, I worked four jobs each summer and one or two during the school year.  When the salary of my first ever teaching job in 1974 was a paltry $8100, it was not enough to pay my bills, so I worked all summer as a playground supervisor.  During my teaching career, I coached, directed, tutored, provided homebound instruction, proctored the SAT, sponsored clubs, and chaperoned dances, all jobs that I enjoyed.  I really like working, feeling good about my work, and reaping the financial rewards.  I loved teaching for 37 years, and would have taught longer if my husband had not become ill.  Consequently, I like the idea of Labor Day celebrating the working person. 

Allow me to tell you about a man who really loves his work. I saw a spot on the TODAY SHOW about an announcer for the LA Dodgers who has been at that job for 64 years!  He isn't just any announcer- this guy broadcasts the LA Dodgers baseball games in Spanish!  Jamie Jarrin began his broadcasting career in 1959 and this year, 2022, will be his final season.  Throughout his years in the booth, he has "taught" the game to many Latino people, and the Spanish culture has become a part of Dodger Stadium as well, with marachi bands and almost half of the patrons are Spanish. Mr. Jimmer has enriched the American culture with the blending of his culture, and brought thousands of new fans to the game. 

To see a terrific interview with Jamie Jimmer, please click on the link below.  This man exemplifies love of job and country, so he is my choice of poster person for this Labor Day. 

https://www.today.com/video/mlb-spanish-language-broadcaster-jaime-jarrin-to-retire-147749445680

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,  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 ® .