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

I really enjoy sharing thoughts on Education and stories of inspiration in my weekly post.  This week is no exception. 

I met a 94 year old veteran named Wally on the CBS Evening news on September 5. Wally was in the Navy in WW II,  a fighter pilot in Korea, and is now a retired commercial airlines pilot.  He has found a positive way to connect with middle school students in his hometown. Just because he is 80+ years older than they are, the friendship is real.

Wally waves at the parents in their cars, and greets the kids on their way to school.  After a fist bump for each student, he teaches them real life lessons.  Wally shares favorite quotes with the kids, like "Never look down on somebody - unless you are helping them up." He says the first half of the quote, and they finish the statement.  Another favorite is "Be kind whenever possible.  It is always possible,"  

I was so touched by Wally and his inspirational mission, that I knew he would be the topic of my post this week.  Wally is a person who has seen the world and understands the importance of a caring adult in a child's life, and he recognizes that although every child needs that caring adult, not every child has one. Wise Wally starts the day with the middle school kids in a positive manner, and he gives them important ideas to think about and practice during the school day and in life. He is making them better people by sharing his knowledge and love.


Please take a look at this short, and inspiring clip of Wally and his world.  I think with his engaging style, positive manner, and gift for forming relationships, he was born to be a teacher. 
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/94-year-old-veteran-wally-richardson-imparts-his-wisdom-to-students-heading-to-class/

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom. www.Fieldtripzoom.com  GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 from The Authors' Zone. For more information about The Authors' Zone, please visit http://www.theauthorszone.com/submissions/  

Visit Dede's webpage 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 

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