Episodes
Join us for a transformative episode as Gretchen delves into the strategies for leveraging student engagement through the incorporation of student voice. Discover practical tips and simple techniques that can be implemented right away to enhance classroom dynamics and empower your students. In this episode, Gretchen shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of student involvement in the learning process. Learn how to amplify student voices effectively and create an inclusive...
Published 04/01/24
Join us for an insightful discussion with Gretchen as she delves into the secrets of differentiating and personalizing learning to maximize student engagement. Discover how to streamline your teaching approach by eliminating time-wasting techniques and focusing on strategies that truly resonate with learners. In this episode, Gretchen unveils the concept of "Swiss Cheese Understanding" and its profound implications for educational planning. Tune in to gain valuable insights that will...
Published 03/18/24
Investigate the power of positivity in the classroom and its impact on student engagement through this episode! From fostering inclusivity to promoting collaboration, uncover practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment that empowers students to thrive and participate actively in their education journey. You'll walk away with 10 ideas for easy and immediate implementation! Quotables: Explicitly teach the why behind the what. ...before we can start tweaking...
Published 03/05/24
Tune in and be empowered by our listeners as they share innovative teaching strategies for student engagement. Explore cutting-edge teaching methods to captivate students' attention and foster deeper learning. From gamification to interactive technology, discover strategies that ignite curiosity and enhance engagement in the classroom. In this episode, Gretchen reminds us as educators that "...we don't always need the physical work sample--sometimes listening to the words they're using and...
Published 02/19/24
Tune in and be empowered by Rebekah Shoaf. Rebekah shares all about her experiences in education and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. Rebekah shares about burnout, the different types of burnout and the best way to avoid it. This episode will truly reignite your passion so be sure to tune in today! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Having a burn out is really a sense of having lost your purpose, your power, and your passion. Every teacher has the...
Published 02/05/24
Have you ever ran into a problem that you just can't seem to hack? This episode is for you! Tune in as Gretchen shares a practical story about a problem she had trouble hacking and how she overcame it. You'll walk away with tangible steps to hack your own problems and you'll leave this episode feeling empowered to take it on! Quotables Some problems aren’t meant to be solved by you. Say to yourself, “I’m not dumb. I’m not lazy. I’ve just run out of tools and that’s okay.” Trust...
Published 01/22/24
It's a new year! Tune into this special episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast as Gretchen shares three ways to grow your potential in the upcoming year. You'll walk away from this podcast with a list of three tangible things you can do to level up your teaching whether you are working with students or coaching teachers. Quotables The only way we are going to become better is if we shift our behaviors into better behaviors. We want application. That is the only thing that is...
Published 01/08/24
It's the last podcast of the year! In this special episode, Gretchen reflects over the behind the scenes work of the podcast. She talks about who she intended the podcast for: new teachers, teachers in a slump and teacher leaders and how it has evolved over time. Gretchen shares how she has used the head, heart, hands strategy to plan every episode- a strategy that will serve you well in planning for professional developments that you may lead. Be sure to tune into this fun episode of the...
Published 12/25/23
Do you have credibility with the teachers that you lead? It may just be the secret sauce that you are missing. In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen talks all about credibility and what that looks like. Lacking in the credibility area? No worries! Gretchen shares tips and tricks on how you can gain credibility with teachers. Quotables Credibility sets the tone. You can be successful and imperfect. Be caring and invested in other people. Gretchen Has...
Published 12/11/23
Meet and be empowered by Alissa Crabtree in this special interview episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast. Alissa shares great, tactile advice about how to effectively work with teachers as an instructional coach. She also discusses the importance of the instructional coach/administrator relationship and how that relationship can be a powerhouse for change within a district. Get your pen and paper out and hit play! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  As coaches and...
Published 11/27/23
When hardship arrives, it can be used as an opportunity to propel you forward. Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast as Gretchen shares a personal story about hardship and then gives you practical steps that you can apply to your own hardships in order to use them as a stepping stone to move forward. You're not going to want to miss this one! Listen in and get ready to be empowered. Quotables When we are clear on what we want or need… it’s easier to brainstorm a...
Published 11/13/23
Accountability partners! Do you have one? In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares the importance of having an accountability partner. She shares why an accountability partner just might be the secret sauce to level up your success! Gretchen also shares 8 practical tips on how to be an effective accountability partner. Tune in today and learn how an accountability partner just might be the solution you need to add to your growth strategy! Quotables ...
Published 10/30/23
Comparing yourself to others takes all the joy out of growth. Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast and listen as Gretchen shares her experience of comparing herself to others and the lessons she learned along the way. Listen until the end as Gretchen shares 4 tips to help you out of the comparison trap. Quotables It’s unfair to look at your colleagues and compare yourself. I was taking the joy out of the growth because I was too busy looking at the wrong people...
Published 10/16/23
In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen lays out the four key bricks, in the order needed, so that instruction can be improved. She provides practical tips in order to make sure you are laying each brick securely before moving onto the next brick. Tune in today and leave empowered to improve teacher instruction. Quotables Sometimes we find solutions by just doing the dang thing.  Classroom Management. This is prevention over being reactive. You gain so much time...
Published 10/02/23
The Science of Reading has replaced Guided Reading. Switching to something new can feel hard and frustrating. Tune into this episode and become encouraged and empowered by Linda Rhyne. She talks about what Science of Reading is, why it’s replaced Guided Reading and how you can implement it. Tune in now! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  In order to become a proficient reader, children need and require direct, explicit, and systematic instruction.  Educators know,...
Published 09/18/23
In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen talks about the importance of critical thinking. She shares relatable stories, a lesson and then four keys to building critical thinking that lasts. Tune into this episode and leave empowered to support critical thinking skills within yourself and your students. Quotables Critical thinking is the biggest clue of what’s to come. Everyone is going to have a problem or an obstacle. It’s not about how big that thing is but how...
Published 09/04/23
In this Summer Series episode, you'll hear from Sam Shields. Sam shares the highs and lows of her education journey. She'll encourage you and empower you to just keep going, even when it's hard. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  We are all learning no matter where we are at in our journey. That first year of a coach is going to be worth it. A lot of times teachers don’t see or feel how appreciated they are. About Sam Samantha Shields is a Product Owner at Torsh....
Published 08/21/23
Gretchen interviews Laura Williams in this special Summer Series episode. Laura shares about her journey into the field of education. Laura has a passion for creativity in the classroom and a desire to help teachers empower students to think more deeply. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  When you’re a yes person and you’re a go getter and you do things, opportunities just come your way. Be a motivator.  We’re trying to move the bar and we are going to move it a...
Published 08/07/23
You'll enjoy this special summer interview series as Jana Lee shares about all the unique hats she's worn in education and how her journey in education has evolved. Get ready to be empowered as Jana shares how everyone has an X-factor and something unique to bring to the world of education. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Teachers have it really hard. It doesn’t have to be like that.  Sometimes we forget that there’s so much out there in the impact we can have as...
Published 07/24/23
In this special bonus episode, Gretchen shares about her journey from classroom teacher to teacher leader and how her mentor helped her along the way. She now  empowers other teacher leaders to impact their school districts positively. Gretchen shares how she can specifically help teacher leaders and gives a special invitation to join her exclusive, Fall Mastermind at the end of the episode. Join the Mastermind here! Quotables Few actually achieve it [their dreams] because of that piece of...
Published 07/17/23
In this special summer interview series on the Empowering Educators podcast, Gretchen interviews Heidi Davis. Heidi brings value and wisdom to the show as she shares about her experience in a variety of different educational roles. Heidi shares her secrets of how she ignites her passion in education so that you can be an empowered and great educator in the upcoming school year. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Be able to go with the flow and be flexible. You never know...
Published 07/10/23
Tune in as you listen to this special Summer Series episode on the Empowering Educators Podcast. In this episode, Gretchen interviews Ashley Hubner. You will feel empowered as you hear Ashley's story of being a classroom teacher, instructional coach and curriculum specialist. You'll love her advice on how to reignite your passion, listen today! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  In education today, you have to be very flexible and adaptable. There are so many good...
Published 06/26/23
What is collaboration? What is it not? In this short and sweet episode, Gretchen talks all about collaboration amongst teachers. Stay tuned until the end as Gretchen gives you a special opportunity for collaboration amongst other teacher leaders. Join the Mastermind here! Quotables We cannot confusing talking with true collaboration.  We have to push each other’s thinking. Tuning people out when it doesn’t apply to you is not a way to be a good collaborator.       Join the Always A...
Published 06/19/23
In this episode of the Empowering Educators podcast, Gretchen interviews Michelle Ruhe. Michelle shares all about her journey in education. Throughout the interview, Michelle shares wisdom and encouragement to all educators that will empower you to be elite no matter where you are at in your journey. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  It’s not about the knowledge. It’s about the people.  The reason you’re here right now, in this situation is because you’re supposed to...
Published 06/12/23