An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. - Benjamin Franklin

Powerball Fever has been motivating the country for these past few weeks, and finally, the furor ended when three people hit the jackpot this past Wednesday.  Television cameras in California and other states showed long lines- stretched around city blocks- of  people waiting to buy tickets, dreaming wildly about what they would do with their new found wealth. In this country, the fever, the fervor, and the passion for that which could be gained by winning the Powerball has never been higher.

Don't you wish Education could be like that?  As a teacher, I wish that people could be as passionate about all of the good that could be derived from Education, and that they would share their dreams about what they will do when they win their degrees. 

Call me crazy, but I think the pursuit of the Powerball jackpot, elusive as it may be, IS similar to the pursuit of Education.

After all, those pursuing an education have wonderful rewards (monetary and others) ready to reap when they complete their degrees or advanced degrees.  Both playing the Powerball and working toward a degree require time and waiting - sometimes in long lines, and sometimes spending time writing papers and reading textbooks (which are not desired to be read.) Both the lottery players and those pursuing their educations are dreaming wildly about the successes they will achieve and enjoy when they win their (jackpot) degree.For some, those pipedreams of success help to keep them going! Until the winning ticket and the winning names are announced at graduation, both must be content to dream their dreams. Perhaps most importantly, sometimes the winning ticket belongs to someone else, leaving wishes unfulfilled.  The circumstance of losing, either the lottery or the credits,  requires the mustering of courage and fortitude to continue studying, reading, writing, and acquiring knowledge, until the prize is awarded.

The chances of winning the lottery are miniscule; furthermore,  the player has no control over winning or losing, since lottery games are purely games of chance.  I think it is a far better investment to bet on and believe in oneself, and to apply fervor and passion to that which can be controlled by oneself, rather than by chance and longshot odds.  Set goals, dream your dream, believe in yourself, and work hard to achieve your desires.  I will stake my bet on YOU!  You can do it!  

Remember what Ben Franklin said: "An investment in knowledge pays the BEST interest." Good luck!  


As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!  Coloring books and Grady plush toys are ordered! 

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®


Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor 

A teacher affects eternity, and can never tell where the influence stops. - Henry Brooks Adams

Thirty years ago, a terrific young man named Dave Martin was a student teacher in my building, under the watchful guidance of my friend and excellent (and award-winning) teacher,  named Kathy Coll. Kathy and I were the 9th and 10th grade English teachers on the Impact Team, a special program for challenged learners, so we spent a lot of hours together planning, strategizing, and discussing "our kids."   Dave quickly became a part of the team, and when Kathy was busy with her wonderful Student Council projects, he spent some planning periods with me, both observing and discussing teaching strategies.  I still remember how sad the students and Kathy and I were to see him leave when he completed his student teaching semester, as he had become a true team member and part of the staff.

A few years later, and long before email and the Internet, I received a desperate letter from
Dave.  He had secured a 10th grade English teaching position somewhere near the "big woods" of northern rural Pennsylvania, and his new district was using the same book as North Allegheny. He had a big problem- no teacher guides were available, and he had no resources. "PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE" he wrote, "Send me your stuff!!"  Kathy and I discussed his terrible predicament, and my quest to help Dave began.  I spent hours methodically going through my filing cabinets, clipping stacks of papers together, along with handwritten notes for each unit. Handouts and quizzes and tests and vocabulary words were shared, enough to take him through the entire school year.  (If you have never been a teacher, these papers represent thousands of hours of creative work and typing, since we were moving from the ditto age to the Xerox age back then.)

12 Angry Men, Julius Caesar, a short story unit, a nonfiction unit, poetry and creative writing, and expository writing, along with a teacher-created SAT prep unit were stuffed into numerous brown envelopes and sent to Dave, who rejoiced upon receiving the teacher-care packages.  He sent a lovely thank you note, and then we lost contact. Kathy and I wondered how he was faring, but he had moved on.  We were sure he was teaching somewhere wonderful and being successful.

And then Dave found me on LinkedIn.  Isn't the Internet wonderful?  

We had a great conversation last Friday, and I discovered that, indeed, Dave has been successful, as both a teacher and an administrator in several districts, and that he is currently working to help to improve a charter school in an administrative position.  he talked about the practices he learned during his tenure with Kathy and the Impact Team, especially regarding accommodations for students with special needs.  We had a practice in our building that teachers would submit their written accommodations into a "special ed" mailbox, ensuring both teachers and the students were on the same page regarding expectations and work.  Dave shared with me that when he got his first teaching job, he handed his lesson plans and accommodations to the special education teacher, who asked "What's this?"  "My accommodations and plans for our shared students," he answered.  The teacher could not believe his initiative and work ethic, but he told me "That's what I learned to do at North Allegheny, so of course, I became what I learned."

As our conversation was winding down, Dave said something to me that touched my heart, and that one simple statement is what prompted me to write this post. He said, "Dede, just think how many students' lives I touched in a positive way because of what you and Kathy taught me."  (Kathy, I know you are crying, and that is OK.  I cried, too.  It's a good thing we hung up after that.) 

Teachers and reader friends, this post is not about Kathy or me, or even Dave.  It is about YOU and the impact you make every single day, reminding you that your influence will continue . . .  ad infinitum.  You see, a teacher's influence never stops, which is why teachers must do the very best job possible every minute of every day.  Happy 2016! I hope it is your BEST year yet! 

ADDENDUM: I completed this post and sent it off to Dave and Kathy, and I need to share an irony of ironies. Turns out Dave had just finished telling the lesson plan story - the same one I told in this piece - to his Charter School principal,  when my message reply to him on LinkedIn popped up!  And for the record,  Dave has already paid his lesson plan gifts forward, sharing ALL of his files with his replacement teacher when he moved to administration.  Little ripples can become large waves, friends.  

I published this piece with  permission from those whose names appear in this post. 

Read Dave's post ACCEPTABLE HEARTBREAK- all about teaching- at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/acceptable-heartbreak-david-martin?forceNoSplash=true 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!  Coloring books and Grady plush toys are ordered! 

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®


Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor 

"Communication - the human connection - is the key to personal and career success." Paul J. Meyer, American Businessman

And so a new year begins, crammed with resolutions that will be abandoned before a week's time has passed.  I can think of one resolution that is so much easier to keep than "losing 50 pounds" or "stopping smoking."  It is health-related, but not in the way you are thinking. My idea is all about emotional health, and it is one resolution that could start a great revolution - of people connecting in person again.

Take a look around you, wherever you happen to be. Couples are together, people are traveling in families, attending parties, and seemingly congregating in packs, yet so many people are so preoccupied with their phones and other electronic devices that they have lost the ability to connect on a personal level. This even happens in restaurants and family 
meal time.  I believe that this umbilical cellular phenomenon with eyes glued to a screen is a detriment to our overall society. 

People have a basic need to connect on a personal level.  Human interactions help all of us to experience emotional highs (and lows), inclusion and well-being, as well as and feelings of trust, empathy, love, acceptance, and loyalty.  Most people want and like to be looked in the eye during a conversation; electronic device usage has subtracted eye contact from the equation of many interactions, creating feelings of unworthiness in some individuals. I read a study a few weeks ago about children and their parents, and the number one desire stated by the children was this simple wish: that parents put their cell phones away and give their children their undivided love, attention.  That does not really sound like too much of a demand.  

Let's get back to connecting with each other. . .  through eye contact, spoken words, written words, and time together - without cellular devices in our hands.  I think reconnecting with others will make ALL of us happier in 2016.  Happy New year, Friends!  Wishing you much love, happiness, and success in 2016!  Dede

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!  Coloring books and Grady plush toys are ordered! 

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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 the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor

"Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated."- Lou Holtz

Sometimes, authors and teachers can acquire topics to write about and discuss in the most unlikely places. Such is my topic today!

I have the good fortune to live just a few miles from a little post office in Ingomar, PA, which is in the north hills area of Pittsburgh, PA.  When I published my first book 15 months ago, Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher, I was sending out quite a few promo copies to colleges and universities.  I used 3 other local post offices until I walked into the Ingomar Post office.  After my initial encounter with the people in this post office, I will only mail my packages, books and letters with Ingomar Postmaster Mark Wahl, and the other two staff members Dave Werthman and Carol Milnes; and I am only one of hundreds of patrons who feel allegiance to these three individuals.  In fact, when I was there on December 22 for an impromptu books signing outside the office, Mark had arranged to greet the last minute customers with live music, cupcakes, cookies, and soda.  Many people simply stopped by to drop off Christmas cards, lottery tickets, and home-baked goods to their favorite trio of postal workers. 

So, now you are thinking: what kind of place must the Ingomar Post Office be to inspire such loyalty from customers?  And how can I apply their magic formula to my classroom or business? 

Special is a word that is so overused, so I will describe the post office and its atmosphere as unique.  I know that Disney World is supposed to be the happiest place in America, but I must tell you that the Ingomar Post office runs a close second. Customers are greeted with a daily cute joke or pun which posted on a dry erase board.  Every patron is also a friend, and just like the TV show "Cheers", Mark, Dave, and Carol know everyone's name. The old-fashioned mailboxes are still along the wall, and cheerful greeting cards are on a rounder, offering a few fun minutes while waiting in line.  If a person walks in as a stranger, he walks out as a friend.  All three employees exude friendliness and kindness, as well as a sincere interest in their clients.  The fact that Mark, Dave, and Carol are real people, with no pretenses, doing the best job they can in the most cheerful way possible, is what makes this tiny post office so much fun.  Even when long lines are out the door, people don't complain,
because they know that they will be treated with kindness and respect, as well as humor, when it is their turn at the counter. 

Being at the Ingomar Post Office is like stepping back in time, when life was slower and when owners of mom and pop stores knew their customers and their community.  When I was a little girl, my mother would send me to the corner store for a loaf of bread.  The owners knew my family and me, by name, and they even knew even my age.  They would ask about the health of my parents, and I would walk home, after providing exact change for that loaf of bread.  Shopping for that loaf of bread was a very satisfying transaction, from the welcome to the conversation. The atmosphere of the Ingomar Post Office allows patrons to have that same kind of experience as adults.  It is a pleasure to walk into the post office and to enjoy the service and friendliness of an era which is gone, but not forgotten.

What can classroom teachers, and even business people learn from the tiny hole in the wall that is the Ingomar Post Office?  My answer is simple and direct. 
*Put the best YOU forward. 
*Look students or customers in the eye.
*Be your authentic self. 
*Establish positive relationships through conversations, even small talk.
*Do the best you can do every day on the job, whatever the job may be, and  complete your work with grace and humor.  
*Make students/customers feel that they are important, and that you are happy to see them.

The Ingomar Post Office has won many awards.  I have posted some pictures below, including a shot of the Post Office Cup (sort of the Stanley Cup for the USPS) and you will see that all of the patrons lined up to get photos with The Cup!  A picture of some of the hundreds of CONGRATULATIONS awards, as well as pictures of Mark and Dave and Carol are also included.  I am thrilled that my two books, along with the book of my former student Jill Cueni-Cohen, are on the shelf in a place of honor for all patrons to see.  

Kudos to the Ingomar Post Office, for being the happiest post office I know!  And kudos to Mark, Dave, and Carol, for humor, diligence, respect, caring, and kindness. Their positive attitudes set a great example for others every day, and good attitudes are contagious!  

Our books on the shelf at the Ingomar Post Office

Dave and Carol 

Awards 

Pictures of patrons with The Cup!!

Dave, Elvis, Mark

Grady is LOVED - by Dave! 

As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND

RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Signed copies are available 
www.dederittman.com 

Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor

"Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value." ~ Albert Einstein

Nothing pleases a teacher quite as much as working with students to guide them toward success, and then discovering years later that they have, indeed,  become successful.  I adored both teaching and my students, and I never knew that my love for my students and my passion for teaching would come back to me full circle through the success of so many students!  Dozens of my former colleagues at North Allegheny were also my former students; a VERY big deal to me!  I continue to be so proud of each of those teachers, and so many other former students who are doctors, lawyers, business people, CEO's, great parents, golf professionals, entrepreneurs, and even on Broadway!  I am thrilled for them all!

I recently reconnected with a former student who is not only a respected journalist, but she is also an award-winning author. Jill Cueni-Cohen (whom I knew as Jill Cohen when she was in 10th grade Academic English class - by the way, a talented writer, even then) was assigned to interview  me a few months ago regarding my book for teachers, Student Teaching: The Inside Scoop from a Master Teacher.  At the start of the phone interview, Jill said "I am so excited for this interview!  You were my TEACHER!"  I replied "Is this my Jill Cohen with a new name?"  We chatted for over an hour, met for dinner a few times, and even worked together for the Total Education Network, covering the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, on the anniversary of 9/11 in September. We conducted heart-wrenching interviews of family members of those whose lives were lost on the day, and cried together during those conversations.  For those who do not know us, Jill and I are very outgoing, and we made many new contacts when we were together for those 3 days.  One of our new friends met us and commented on our dual power and energy, telling us  that we were like "fire and an explosion!"  Jill's passion for investigating and writing have made her award winning book Like it Was Yesterday: A Journalist's Files Since 9/11 a must-read. Unlike other books about 9/11, Jill's book delves into the changes in the American lifestyle that have occurred since that tragic day.  (Available at: http://amzn.com/0976472910

The book is also on sale at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA )  I am so proud of Jill and all of her successes in parenting, writing, and life.

The Jill/Dede "fire and an explosion" enjoyed a book signing together on Saturday, December 19, at Kelly O's Restaurant in Pittsburgh's Strip District.  As usual, the diner was packed, (GREAT food and a really fun atmosphere) and hundreds of people streamed in and out of the restaurant as we sold and signed books in the lobby.  As if witnessing Jill's success was not enough, I must share with you that the owner of the restaurant, Kelly O'Connor, is also my former student, in the same class as Jill - North Allegheny, Class of 1983. Kelly has also enjoyed more than a modicum of success, as she owns two great restaurants, and has even been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. ( http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/haluski-at-kelly-os-0128304.html  and 
http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/500/regional-classics.html ) Kelly O's is a Pittsburgh institution - in North Hills and in the Strip District. Kelly's service to others extends far beyond cooking and customers.  As Kelly O, the woman behind the business, she sponsors toy drives for the needy and participates in dozens of charitable activities. Her two restaurants are truly a part of the Pittsburgh community. 

What a GREAT morning- the teacher and her two former students, each enjoying, promoting, and celebrating the successes of the other two. Kelly hugged me and said "I KNEW that someday, sometime, we would reconnect, because you had such a profound influence on my life all those years ago.  I am so happy that you are here!"  Kelly is a Pittsburgh superstar, a great parent, and a smart businessperson, and she was happy that I was there!  Very touching! 

I, too, am so happy - and grateful - that I have reconnected with two terrific former students, 13 years my junior, who were delightful kids in tenth grade,  and became superior adults. I am so grateful to see that they have made good choices and  that both have flourished. I love that they both value other people, and that their lives have made such a difference in their service to others; through writing, cooking, and caring.  I am humbled that they think I provided a bit of positive influence in their lives.  I am so pleased to bond with Jill and Kelly once more, as friends, and to celebrate the adults they have become, as well as the successes they have earned.  As I said at the beginning of this post, nothing pleases a teacher like knowing that her students have become successful- in business, in life, in relationships, and becoming good people.  Helping students to become the best they can be is the preeminent part of being a teacher.

As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND

RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Signed copies are available 
www.dederittman.com 

Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor

Saturday, December 19, at Kelly O's in Pittsburgh Strip District.  L to R - Jill Cueni-Cohen, Kelly O'Connor, Dede Rittman  

"Empathy is a skill like any other human skill. If you get a chance to practice, you can get better at it." - Prof. Simon Baron Cohen

Although I am now working as a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, I do not think I will ever be able to stop being the teacher I was for 37 years.  The adage. "Once a teacher, always a teacher" could be my mantra, and I am OK with that.  I sill LOVE teaching!

I find my inspiration for writing these weekly posts in everyday living, stories of the past, the media, and from friends.  I like  sharing a truth or experience from my own life, or sometimes, teaching a lesson.  I have written many times in the past about both kindness and empathy, and I think I found exactly the right story to puts those two qualities in perfect sync. 

Perhaps you have seen the story on the news about the 8 year old girl from Schenectady, NY, named Sa'fyre Terry who lost her entire family in a fire, and she herself, was badly burned and disfigured from the fire. She even lost a hand and a foot to infections from her numerous reconstructive surgeries; and she recently had a tracheal tube removed so that she can speak again.  Sa'fyre lives with her aunt, who has become her guardian.  The aunt bought a Christmas card tree for her at a thrift store,  and Sa'fyre asked if, perhaps, she might receive enough cards to fill the tree if her aunt posted her picture and her special wish for Christmas cards on Facebook.

The response to Sa'fyre's request has been nothing short of earth-shattering! Albany News 10 reported that a two-ton tractor trailer truck delivered over 18,000 cards and letters and 400 packages to the little girl - her mail for one day!  As I read through the various reports on Sa'fyre, I found that many classroom teachers made writing letters and cards to the young burn victim into a class project.  I applaud those teachers, as I do believe that empathy can and must be taught.  In our computer-driven and fast-paced world, it is important for children (and adults) to stay connected to other human beings, and this little girl provided the impetus for teachers to share some important lessons. Classroom teachers made lesson plans for their students by sharing Sa'fyre's story; helping the students to feel her pain and sense of aloneness (her father died while attempting to save her, and all of her siblings died in the fire); and further stirring students' feelings of empathy by presenting and discussing the idea of losing all of one's family members and possessions. Additionally, these teachers taught the lesson of kindness, as they had their students reach out to young Sa'fyre through their sincere words and handmade cards, all with the purpose of comforting the little girl. If I were still in the classroom, I would have taken time out of class time to share these kinds of teachable moments. I hope the teachers also talked about the wonderful feeling that happens inside a person when reaching down to help someone up! 

Sa'fyre has already received teddy bears, handmade jewelry, a tiara, stuffed animals, books, and more. I must confess that I was so taken with this story that I sent Sa'fyre a funny reindeer card along with a copy of my new book, GRADY GETS GLASSES.  I hope the rhymes and the rabbit will lift her spirits- just like writing her a note and sending it to her lifted mine!  Her address is Sa'fyre Terry  P.O. Box 6126 Schenenctady, NY  12306


I am so happy to share this story of empathy, kindness, hope, and inspiration with you during this holiday season. 

If you would like to see more about 8 year old Sa'fyre, follow these links:  

http://abcnews.go.com/US/girl-lost-family-fire-christmas-cards-presents/story?id=35675085

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-safyre-terry-christmas-cards-20151212-story.html 

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/09/us/girl-arson-christmas-cards-feat/ 

As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Signed copies are available 
www.dederittman.com 

Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor

“What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the KIND.” – Cleveland Amory

Although December in the Christian world is the season of Advent and peace and goodwill toward men, turn on the news and you will see hate and fear, death and anger.  I am here today to share a happy and poignant story about kindness, because you need and deserve it!  As for me, I feel great writing about something that is both happy and touching. 

If you are the parent or teacher or sibling of a child with special needs, you know that more than anything, that child wants to be included and be accepted as "one of the gang."  A very special football coaching staff and all of the teams in the  Eastern Panhandle Youth Football League in Martinsburg, West Virginia, make a dream come true for 9 year old Shariff Williams during every single game.

Shariff has been diagnosed with both autism and Tourette's Syndrome.  Both he and his twin brother Malachi were born prematurely, and doctors were not even sure that Shariff would live, let alone, walk or talk.  Shariff LOVES football, and he wanted to play the game on the Panthers team with his brother. The coaches not only made that happen, but players from the opposing team know that on the first play after halftime, Shariff will be handed the football, and they know that number 6 is not be tackled on his run to the goal line. In their efforts to give a player and his family a special moment during each game, the coaches have taught lessons of helpfulness, caring, and acceptance to not only the Panthers, but also to the entire youth football conference, the parents, the spectators, and the community. 

And isn't that a great lesson to share?  And it all started with one little boy who just wanted to play football on the field with his twin brother.

I know that times are difficult right now, and that fear and hostility surround us as Americans.  I urge you not to let either of those qualities define you as a person.  Instead, let's look for the good and celebrate the positive.  We can all be a little kinder, and kindness can make someone's day. Let's take a moment to appreciate the small things that make life living, as well as the "little-big" things that can change a person's life. . . things like allowing a 9 year old who was never supposed to run or talk to play football with his twin brother, and even to score a touchdown during every game.

Take a look at this clip and the big smiles from the whole family, especially Shariff and Malachi. !  And I guarantee a smile for you as well. 
http://www.today.com/news/twin-autism-forms-special-bond-brother-football-field-t59691

As always, I welcome your comments or suggestions. 

Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

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! 

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 IS UP AND RUNNING!!!.  Signed copies ARE available!   

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
Periscope   @dederittman
Facebook   Dede Faltot Rittman or Rittman Rules
LinkedIn   Dede Rittman
Google +   Dede Rittman
Tumblr      The Bunny Teacher
Instagram   dede_rittman 
Pinterest   Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Visit Dede's webpage for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER.  Signed copies are available 
www.dederittman.com 

Dede is the co-host of The Total Education Q & A, which can be heard on Blogtalk Radio at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/totaltutor