"I touch the future. I teach." Christa McAuliffe

 

izquotes.com 

Lots of excitement surrounds the North Allegheny School District in Wexford, PA, this week.  Our former student, Warren "Woody" Hoburg is scheduled to launch into space to pilot the NASA expedition to the international space station! The mission for this morning was scrapped, but that temporary halt does not diminish the wonder of the prospect that our former student is an astronaut, and he was chosen to lead a special mission!  The entire district is tuned into NASA. and we are their new and biggest fans! 

What makes this whole thing even more wondrous is the fact that Woody invited his former math teacher, Sharon Volpe, to attend his launch. Of all the honors and accolades I have received as a teacher, and of all those that I remember my colleagues receiving, I think this is the single greatest honor ever bestowed upon a teacher. So, congratulations, Sharon!!!  Many of us are so thrilled to follow Sharon on Facebook and read her observations and feel the pride that goes with this very special territory, the territory in which a former student has achieved greatness, and remembers the ifluence of a teacher who helped him to get there.  Every teacher shares that pride, including me, even if I was not fortunate enough to have Woody as a student in English class. All North Allegheny teachers have hearts bursting with pride for Woody, and great respect for Sharon as the "chosen teacher" representing all of us. 

I hope you will take a look at the video from NASA. "Meet Woody Hoburg."  This short video gives you a real sense of the person who is Woody Hoburg. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzpQJnoG0cI

A story about today's scrubbed mission

https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/nasa-mission-led-by-north-allegheny-graduate-scrubbed-overnight/SEGS6YOBWBHJTNYWCGD2GUJZEE/?outputType=amp

And, if you are interested in following the launch schedule, plese click on this link from NASA

https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-sets-coverage-for-agency-s-spacex-crew-6-events-launch

Christa McAuliffe was right.  Teachers not only touch the future - they create it!  Go, Woody!

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 ® . 

"Teaching is listening, learning is talking." Deborah Meier

 

                                                                        Quote Fancy 

I have been on vacation for two weeks, and thinking about my next post.  This morning, the idea presented itself!  A teacher appeared on the TODAY SHOW and listed her top 5 things NOT to do, and I think she is spot on. 

1.  Do not punish a child for bad grades

2. Do not miss a child's school performance 

3/ Do not participate in a school fundraiser

4. Never prevent a child from making a mistake

5. Never give a mug to a teacher!  (I laughed at this one - i had hudreds of mugs, and I nvever drank coffee) 

The teacher gave her reasons for each of these starements, which I think were both sound and solid.  It is a very quick interview - please check it out.  Here is the link to the show:

https://www.today.com/video/teacher-chef-and-mechanic-share-5-things-they-would-never-do-163805253913

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 ® . 

"Sports is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving against great odds. Athletes, in times of difficulty, can be important role models." Bill Bradley

 

                                                                    azquotes.com 

I admire Damar Hamlin.  He is a young man who has long been a supporter of his community, and when he suffered cardiac arrest on the football field on January 2, patrons of the game and everyone around the world got the chance to see who he really is.

On February 8, Damar Hamlin received the prestigious Alan Page Community Award from the NFL.  I can't think of a more worthy recipient.  When Damar was in the hospital recovering from his heart stoppage, his local charity received millions of dollars of support, so Damar took his charity from small to global.  Instead of providing toys to his local community, he will be providing support to young people through sports and education. Damar says he is emulating his father, who has long been a community supporter.

I love this real life hero story.  Professional athletes are paid so much attention, and they have great opportunities to show young people the proper way to handle success and fame, as well as failure.  Damar Hamlin has shown the world his true colors since his heart episonde, and everyone who followed his story is richer for knowing him, even though the idea of knowing him is through the media. Well done, Damar!

Here is a link to the story of Damar and his award:

https://www.tmz.com/2023/02/08/damar-hamlin-receives-nfl-award-outstanding-community-service/

Congratulations, Damar!  Well done! 

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 ® . 

"Empathy is not just walking in someone's shoes or feeling someone's pain. Empathy is the secret ingredieint for finding a human connection." Platon

                                        TED Conferences on LinkedIn Platon Portrait Photographer 

I have long believed that teaching is completely about relationships - and for me, relationships are all about empathy.  Through my 37 years in the classroom, I loved my job and my students.  I recognized them, not as "kids", but as individuals I wanted to get to know and people I wanted to encourage to be the best they could be.  I wanted to help them be successful.  I think because of these feelings, I had very few behavior problems in my classroom.  The reason - as told to me by hundreds of students - is this: "You never forgot how it felt to be a student.  You get us."

Isn't that what all of life is really about?  The most satisfying relationships we have are the ones in which we feel that personal connection to another person, the invisible string that binds us and says "I really SEE you" and "I understand."  The beauty of empathy is the positive way it shapes our relationships with others.  I believe that if more people practiced empathy, our world would be an amazing sphere of kindness, rather than the mess it is now. 

How does one learn to practice empathy?  It is instinctive for many, but I found a great article online that explains the practice of empathy quite well. I hope you will take a peek. 

https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/how-to-be-more-empathetic

Key points in the article: 

What is empathy?  

How do we feel empathy? 

How to practice empathy in your daily life

I believe that the human connection is the most important of all connections.  When we have other caring individuals in our sphere, we have love and kindness and compassion and friendship.  With all those feelings, we feel loved and fulfilled, with no time left for depression and loneliness.  Our lives become better and fuller with friends.

Learning about and practicing empathy can change a person's life!  

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 ® .