"Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher." Japanese Proverb

 

Woman's Day 

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  When I was teaching for those 37 years, I looked forward to that week .  At my school, North Allegheny Intermediate High School, in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA,  the Student Council always planned something special for the faculty - a luncheon, a program, special notes, or a surprise on our desks - flowers, or candy, just something small.  It didn't need to be anything big - our faculty appreciated the simple gesture of saying "thank you."

When I became a teacher, I realized even more, just how lucky I was to have so many great teachers in my school life and college life.  Those teachers shaped the person and teacher I became.  Becoming a part of the teaching profession inspired me to write thank you notes to some of my former teachers, and to reconnect with others.  When I was a student in their classes, I never realized just how much they taught me, but as a teacher, the lessons were clear, and I wanted to say "thank you!"  

Why not make a teacher's day this week?  Reach out to a former teacher (or a current teacher) and let him or her know that you appreciate their efforts!  These notes and calls mean so much. As for me, I have saved every thank you note that I have received from students since 1974.  

And to my teacher readers, HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!  Thank you for making a difference for so many students!

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

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Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ® .