"Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life; it's about what you inspire others to do."

 

                                                                    Quotish.org 

I taught in the North Allegheny School District, located in the North Hills about 20 miles from Pittsburgh, for 35 of my 37 years.  We were so blessed to have a plethora of outstanding students, but the district also created a culture of EXCELLENCE in everything the district did.  Teachers were expected to work hard; students were expected to excel; the sports teams were expected to be first in the district and first in the state; the debate team was expected to win national awards, and even the bus drivers were expected to win the state bus rodeo for driving skills. That is the way it was the 35 years I was there - and the high expectations continue.  This week, the district is helping the students to understand just what it means to set a goal and reach it.  Our former student, Woody Hoburg, is an astronaut who launched on March 2, 2023, to the International Space Station.  Much has been made of this historic mission, and although Woody was not in my English class, I am just as proud of him as the other teachers who knew him.  The entire district is elated with his success, but administration is taking their pride and elation one step further.  North Allegheny and NASA have teamed up to present Woody Hoburg to NA students for a Q and A - from the International Space Station!  And community members are invited to observe from an auditorium. so the learning will take place across the school and community. This is what the district posted on Facebook:

North Allegheny School District

From NA to NASA! You’re invited to watch our students ask questions to the astronauts on the International Space Station! Our viewing party will take place at Marshall Middle School, where Dr. Warren “Woody” Hoburg attended while he was a student at NASD. Dr. Hoburg is currently aboard the ISS and will answer our students' questions! The event will be broadcast to all schools; however, the public viewing party is only at MMS. RSVP is mandatory to attend: https://nasd.school/NA-NASA-Event

I am impressed that this is going to happen, and it made me think about how school districts can look to their own successful graduates to help to inspire the current students. For some students, that one spark of desire created from seeing a local person become successful will fuel their passion toward success.

Students need motivation. Teachers need motivation. Why not use past successes to motivate both students and teachers to be the best they can be? I love the concept! They will learn that the road to success is not easy, but with perseverance, achieving success is possible. I am sure the students who meet Woody will ask about his extended educational studies, and all the years and experiences it took him to become an astronaut They will find out that the mountain was not easy to climb, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. I hope school districts will initiate their own programs to integrate successful graduates into the fabric of the school to motivate students.

Here is a link to a great video about Woody Hoburg that outlines his hard work on the way to becoming an astronaut. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaiTXeVh-kY

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!

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