Lessons Learned from the Bunny Teacher

Monday, April 15, 2019

"Never listen to other people's expectations. You should live your life and live up to your own expectation." Tiger Woods, 2019 Masters Champion

Something amazing happened this week at The Masters - the greatest comeback in sports history. This win certainly did not happen by accident.

Tiger Woods was a phenom since he first appeared on the Johnny Carson Show at the tender age of 2. If you haven't seen it, here is the link  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxPmzIKBris This link also includes footage of Tiger in a tournament at age 5. As he matured, Tiger won in college and in amateur events - too many to mention here- and as a golf professional, he took the world by storm. I coached girls, and the boys golf for 33 years, and Tiger was the greatest person to interest kids and adults in playing golf since the late Arnold Palmer. His work ethic, his confidence, and his skill drew audiences in, and I would guess that for a while, he was the most recognizable athlete on the planet. He won over 80 career wins in the span of several years, and for a while, it looked like his winning streak had no limits.  https://golfweek.com/2019/04/14/tiger-woods-81-career-pga-tour-wins/

Then came all the bad stuff. Tiger's very public shame about his private life was seared into the public's brain by tabloids, and then there were the women that came forward. An argument with his beautiful wife Elin was followed by speculation of her hitting him with a 9 iron. In the court of public opinion, Tiger's personal stock dropped faster than the 1929 market crash. He went from being loved to being loathed. If that wasn't enough, tabloids carried a dreadful picture of him, as he was arrested for impaired driving. With his back problems causing more and more pain, Tiger endured several back surgeries, and most people, including me, thought he was washed up.

I admit I made a mistake. I forgot that Tiger has a superb work ethic, bequeathed to him by his late father. I forgot that Tiger loved both the hunt and the win, and that those things can be addictive. I forgot that Tiger is a father who wanted to show his children who he really is - a champion.

Sunday at The Masters brought back the former great champion, with softer edges. Tiger's competitive spirit was still present, along with his decisive strategy and planning, but he showed the crowd just how grateful he was for the win with the sharing of his emotions. His hugs for Charlie and Sam made most of America cry, and the hug with his mother off 18 reminded the viewers that Earl Woods was not there for this momentous win in Tiger's life. In a post round interview, Tiger talked about how his mother was the one who was always there - driving him to far away tournaments as an 11 year old, leaving the house at 5 am and sacrificing many days so he could play in tournaments. He spoke about how Charlie wrote a wish at school that he could see his father win. In his children's memories, has only caused pain for Tiger.

I believe that Tiger Woods' victory at the 2019 Masters is the greatest comeback in sports history. Tiger is a man who had it all, lost it all, and worked for years to overcome physical and mental challenges. He simply would not give up, and there, my friends, is the best lesson of all. He lived up to HIS personal expectation of what he could do, and Tiger is back. What a performance! What a champion! What a great example for the world to follow!

We know Tiger's expectations, but what are your expectations?

Never give up!

"Never listen to other people's expectations. You should live your life and live up to your own expectation." Tiger Woods, 2019 Masters Champion

NIKE ad posted immediately following Tiger's win  https://www.sbnation.com/golf/2019/4/14/18310523/nike-tiger-woods-ad-video-masters

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 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 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

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 and Gradygetsglasses
Pinterest Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Thursday, April 11, 2019

"I've learned that people will forget what you said . . .but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Inspire 99

I spend at least an hour a day on Twitter, expanding my brand and reading and tweeting about Education. Many teachers are on Twitter, and they spend lots of time tweeting about research based articles and technology. Although I know research is important, I think after 37 years in the classroom and 8 years of retirement/being an author and presenting globally to ages 4-college, I hold firm with my true belief - that students are far more important than any content. Teaching is all about relationships. and without a solid relationship, no learning will occur.

I have the good fortune to live in the same community where I taught for 35 of my 37 years. Additionally, I have the further good fortune to be out in the public and encounter many of my former students, which is delightful. Some opening lines go like this:

"Miss Rittman, I can't believe I am seeing you! You look exactly the same!" (Bless these kids)

"I remember that you made us feel special and called us your bunnies!"

"You gave us bubble gum before a big test and told us that chewing would make our scored higher." (I did - this was from a research article.)

"You helped me when my parents were getting divorced - 10th grade was so hard for me, but you made it easier."

"I remember how much you LIKED us. You made us WANT to learn."

That last statement is the one I hear the most often, and the one I cherish the most. For all 37 years of my teaching career, I taught 2 classes of reluctant learners every year. I recognized the importance of relationships during the student teaching experience, and I carried that practice over to my teaching positions. Kids have to perceive that you actually like them, and that you want to be with them. They are so needy, and even in the 10th grade, the majority still want to please the teacher. I worked hard to lean about each of my students - hobbies, jobs, home life (if offered), siblings, girlfriend/boyfriend, and more. In return, I shared information about my wonderful husband, about learning to fish and go camping, about buying a new car, about getting a flat tire, and thousands of other small details that did not disclose too much personal information, yet let them know who I really was as a person. I cried when I had to tell my students that my parents died unexpectedly within 82 days of each other, and they were polite, sad, sweet, and supportive when my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Our mutual respect was evident to anyone who happened to walk in my classroom or see my interaction with a student in the hallway.

I saw two former students within the past two days, and I was amazed at what they remembered from my class. Very gratifying. In fact, those chance meetings prompted this post.

I know the trends in Education are important, but I urge teachers not to make technology and methods your classroom focus. Instead, make students your focus.

I still miss being in the classroom. I would have stayed 40 years or more if my husband's stage 4 colon cancer had not changed both of our lives, although I am so grateful for my June, 2011, retirement and our final 11 months together.

Teaching is all about the kids! Enjoy them Like them! Show them how much you love teaching! The rewards for all involved are so wonderful!

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Thursday, April 4, 2019

"No one has ever become poor by giving." Anne Frank

Brainy Quote

16.2 million American children live in households that are food deficient. School programs that offer free and reduced breakfast and lunch are godsends during the week, but what about dinner and weekends?

A school in Indiana has created an innovative way to save and repackage cafeteria food and send it home to families instead of throwing it away. I am so impressed with this idea! Think back to your school days. Schools notoriously have more prepared food than is served or eaten, and with so much need, this idea is a lifesaver! Working with a group called Cultivate, the cooked (and unserved) food is packaged and frozen in individual portions. Kids take home a weekend backpack containing 8 meals, and they don't have to worry about where or when their next meal will be. In my eyes, this is a win-win. No waste, and feeding others!

As my readers know, I was a teacher for 37 years, and I offer you this one indisputable fact: Kids simply cannot learn when they are hungry. Through this rescued food program, schools are preparing students to be more willing learners when they are in school. I love how this school recognized that they were wasting food and partnered with a group who could package it, and return it to the students.

With so many students and families going hungry, why can't more school districts try to solve student hunger with this method? I am sure the district would share their idea.

Schools are a dumping ground for so many of society's problems, but feeding families by rescuing too much prepared food can actually solve a problem of society, and without too much effort.

Congratulations to Elkhart School District in Indiana for such an innovative idea!

If you have not read about or seen this story, here is the link:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/schools-team-up-with-program-to-package-unused-food-into-take-home-meals-for-students/

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Friday, March 29, 2019

"A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself." Oprah Winfrey

Sometimes, a story on the news touches the former teacher in me, so I have to share it. These stories I share are usually about Education, or sometimes, inspiration, or both. I am sharing a beautiful story today that I wish would be practiced by every school in the nation! With all the stories about teen stress, trauma, and depression, along with broken families and homelessness, some retired folks are helping kids by volunteering in the music department In Rockford, Illinois. These volunteers, the "Band Grandpas." are helping kids to do better at music, school, and life. Really, who couldn't like having another Grandpa!

These volunteers share a lifelong love of music and learning, which they are modeling for a large group of students in band, orchestra, and chorus. Additionally, they work with the students, teaching them that it is OK to make mistakes, and helping them to strengthen their resolve to learn and perform better, along with the knowledge that music is a lifetime activity.

What a beautiful story! Students who might not have a grandparent in their lives gain a "Band Grandpa" to help them through school and life. These "Band Grandpas" seem to be making a real difference in the lives of these students, and in return, they receive a "thank you" that means more than money.

I believe this program could be beneficial throughout the United States. Think back to a mentor you had in your youth. An encouraging mentor can make all the difference for a person! A good mentor has the ability to help a person see their own personal strengths, and to build upon them. A mentor helps to put disappointment and failure in perspective, and to turn roadblocks into hope and success through effort. A mentor shows students who they can become.

If you have not seen this short piece on NBC News, please take a look at this link. It will make you smile! https://www.facebook.com/nbcnightlynews/videos/282008906047011/?
v=282008906047011

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

"Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community." Anthony J. D'Angelo

I taught in the same school building for 35 years. North Allegheny Intermediate High School was an extraordinary school filled with talented teachers, caring administrative leaders, great kids, and a wonderful support staff, from the paraprofessionals to the secretaries and custodians. The adults in the building worked together to help our 9th and 10th grade students have a positive experience during their two year stint at our school.

Today, I heard a story about one of my favorite custodians, a man I will call Jerry, who lost his life to cancer years ago. This story begins with one of my teacher friends counseling a student in her classroom after school. This student was so despondent - he was constantly comparing himself to others in his class, and focusing on his perceived negative qualities. He was lamenting his lack of popularity and lack of any prospects for a girlfriend. He visited with this teacher on several occasions, and she sensed that he was becoming more desperate and that he might be going to hurt himself as he fell deeper into teen angst.

During one after school chat, Jerry came into the room to empty the trash can, and he became a part of the conversation with the teacher and the young man. Jerry had a very easy way with people, and his casual conversation struck a chord with the depressed young man. The teacher noted that the boy started seeking Jerry out after school, walking with him room to room, helping him to empty all those trash cans, while deep in conversation about life. Trust was formed, and the student/custodian friendship grew, and after a while, this meaningful connection with the custodian helped to lift this boy out of depression.

Sometimes, we just need one person to care. We need one person to reach out and connect with us, and we never know just who that person is going to be until we meet him. I smiled as the teacher finished her story. I remembered all the great things about Jerry, including his sense of humor and his laid back way of looking at life. Even though we were good friends, Jerry never told me this story all those years ago. I heard it for the first time today, and it made me smile.

This story is just one of many similar stories from my former school. Caring and connections between staff members and students helped our kids to be successful and our building to win many awards. When I read about schools in which student test scores are unacceptable and morale is low, I believe the school is not working hard enough to include everyone and to make everyone feel connected to the school community.

Teaching is all about relationships. School communities should all about relationships and caring, or the students will not benefit from an inclusive and supportive environment, which will limit their personal success.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

"I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating." Sophocles

Like thousands of other Americans, I am shocked by the scandal involving rich parents paying huge sums of money for their children to be accepted into prestigious universities. Some had the answers changed on the SAT and the ACT; some pretended their children were talented athletes. This whole thing makes me feel physically sick.

For all the years I was in the classroom, my colleagues and I helped our students to develop better study habits to get higher grades to apply for college. We taught strategies to make the best choices on questions in order to score higher on the required standardized tests. We handed out suggested reading lists and recommended courses, community service, and more. We encouraged the students to believe in themselves, and we told the students that their hard work would be rewarded.

WRONG. Not if these selfish parents have their way.

I have to think - what about all the worthy students who were NOT granted admission to the university of their choice, because parents cheated and paid cash for their own kids to get in? These cheaters and elitists deserve to have the book thrown at them. What terrible examples they set for their own children, and I feel sorry for the kids who did not know their parents did this. I am sure they are having some real feelings of worthlessness right now, that Mommy and Daddy did not believe in them enough to allow them to make the grade on their own - instead, they paid for their kids to be accepted. And what makes these cheaters think that their kids are more deserving than a hard working student from the middle class?

I hope the big name universities are punished for their part in this "Operation Varsity Blues." What an embarrassment for Brown and Yale and USC and the others to have their names tarnished in this criminal activity.

This scandal has only just begun. I have the feeling that more and more famous names will come to light. I hope both students and parents can learn from this terrible cheating scandal. And I hope the most worthy candidates are awarded a place in their chosen university.

Here is a link to the scandal: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/feds-uncover-massive-college-entrance-exam-cheating-plot-n982136?fbclid=IwAR2_bo2f1fs85Y6VgXGjzkl_roKjws0nyvuOaB0w7BzHWmXFr8UC-lMFpuc

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!

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

Thursday, March 7, 2019

"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." Zig Ziglar

When I was in the classroom for those wonderful 37 years, I can remember many students saying to me, "Mrs. Rittman, you really LIKE teaching." I would always answer the same way : "No, I don't like teaching; I LOVE teaching." My enjoyment of the position, along with coaching golf and directing shows, really resonated with the students, which was not a surprise to me. People enjoy being around those who are happy in their work. The kids knew which teachers were simply "putting in time" until retirement, but they really gravitated to those who enjoyed their work.

As teachers, we try to teach our students to be upbeat, and not defeated. We try to instill a positive outlook and a "can do" attitude in their psyches, but these things are not possible unless we model that same behavior. Teachers have many responsibilities, but I think helping students to be positive is a gift that will last for a lifetime.

The picture above with the quote by Zig Ziglar would be an excellent classroom resource to be displayed in your classroom. I know it will generate questions and some very teachable moments.

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!

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