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...

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...

Meet Courtney Tate in this special interview episode on the Empowering Educators Podcast. Courtney shares her journey from teacher to teacher leader and everything that helped her along the way. She shares special nuggets of wisdom that will have you leaving empowered so that you can go out and be great! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Step back and think about why you are doing this work.  Be patient but give yourself grace and give your students grace. You...

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen interviews Casey Watts. Casey gives practical and applicable advice that is easy to follow. You'll step away from this interview with powerful nuggets of wisdom that you'll be able to use right away! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  If you can hone your resiliency as a classroom teacher and be ready to shape shift it as you move into an instructional leadership role you will have so much more confidence and...

Tune into this episode of the Empowering Educators podcast to hear Gretchen interview Melissa Morrison. Melissa has a passion for quality writing instruction within the classroom. You'll love hearing her story of how she went from a psychology degree, to teacher, to consultant. Hit play and get empowered! Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Change takes time. Regardless of what you teach, you have to honestly and truly care about your students. You have to be willing to...

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares about a personal struggle she has had in her own child's education journey. Gretchen shares about how she navigated the challenges, acted quickly and was able to advocate strongly for what her daughter needed. As always, Gretchen leaves you with practical tips and applications on how you can use the lessons she's learned in your own EDU journey. Quotables Productive struggle is part of the process. You have to advocate...

Gretchen attended CoachFest in the mountains of North Carolina. In this episodes she reflects on her experience and shares her eight big takeaways. You'll step away from this podcast challenged to make the most of your next professional development opportunity! Quotables Sometimes your message is interpreted quickly and teachers can process and change fast and other times it takes them a moment to process. The learning relationship requires you to give to someone else and to receive.  ...

It's that time of year! Are you and your students experiencing spring fever? It's a real thing and it makes the end of the year a challenge. Tune into this episode and be empowered with tips and tricks on how to combat spring fever, head on! Quotables A disengaged mind can be problematic. Give more breaks in the spring. We should plan for spring fever. Links Shared in the Podcast: Blog Post: https://foxwellforest.com/embracing-spring-fever-tricks-tips- Light Join the...

Want to grow as a teacher or a teacher leader? You won't want to miss this episode! Tune in as Gretchen shares five key leadership moves that can empower you into the teacher leader you are capable of being! Quotables Leadership is a state of mind. It doesn’t always have to be a title. A lot of what leadership is, is just being a good human.  If we believe that teachers have tremendous effect on students, then we better do everything we can to support their growth.  Join...

This is the second time Nicole Turner has been on the Empowering Educators Podcast! She was on the show a couple of years ago but a lot has changed since then! Tune in to hear what she's been up to and what all has changed in her life. While she shares her story, you'll also gain some valuable pieces of wisdom. You'll step away from this episode an Empowered Educator. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Choose one small thing to work on and get quick wins. Small little...

We have mission statements plastered on our school walls, websites and in our email signatures but are we truly living that mission statement? In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares how we can go from just having a mission statement to actually living that mission statement in a way that makes our school better for the people that work there, the students that attend and the community surrounding the school. Quotables   If you’re not clear in where you’re...

Burnout! Have you been there? Are you currently going through it? Gretchen shares 5 helpful tips on how to combat the burnout. Tune in today and reignite your passion! Quotables A lot of times burnout is seasonal. Know the course of your goals. We can push through when we know there is a reward at the end.  Links Shared in the Podcast:  Amber- blog + video + audio series : https://alwaysalesson.com/how-burn-out-saved-my-educator-spirit/  CH chat:...

Breaks are absolutely needed to continue being elite educators but getting back into the groove after a long break can be difficult. If you love acrostic poems and practical tips, this episode is for you! Gretchen uses the word GROOVE to give six, easy steps to get yourself back into the groove in the new year as you head off back to school. If you find this episode helpful, be sure to share it with a colleague! Quotables It’s so important that we find our flow as fast as possible because...

Change is inevitable- especially within the world of education. What is an educator to do when everything they have learned to be good and right is now thought of to be wrong and bad practice? Tune into this episode and listen as Gretchen shares with you five practical tips of what to do when best practices change. Quotables We can’t be upset with ourselves for doing what we were told to do. Research is going to continue to evolve.  What is a disservice is when we continue to do what...

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, our guest Ryan Pelky encourages all educators to be more and achieve more. His "teacher first" mindset is refreshing and will empower you to be all that you are meant to be! Put your headphones in, it's time to be empowered. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  We have to get rid of the taboo of needing to say, “I’m broken and I need some help.”  It’s important to make everybody matter and everyone can come to the table...

Get to know Gretchen a little bit more! You'll enjoy this special Q&A episode with Gretchen. Learn about her biggest triumphs, mistakes, holiday favorites and teacher lounge must haves. You'll get to know Gretchen all while leaving empowered. Quotables Let me help you figure out a way it can work for you in your classroom so that all students can be successful. It’s going to be okay. Even on your worst day you didn’t ruin a kid’s life. Kids are going to have a hard time connecting...

This is the is the third and final episode in the Champion Series. And just like with key #1 and 2, Gretchen will be sharing real life stories and how she applied this key, advocation, in her EDU journey.  Get ready to learn a little more about Gretchen, all while being empowered on your EDU journey. Quotables Listen to what you desire and chase the heck out of it.  Advocate for what you need and what you want. Don’t be afraid to change your situation so that you can have more...

This is the second episode in the three part Champion Series. Gretchen will be talking about key #2, attraction. And just like with key #1, she'll be sharing real life stories and how she applied this key in her EDU journey.  Get ready to learn a little more about Gretchen, all while being empowered on your EDU journey. Quotables    It always works out in the end because you choose for it to. It’s mindset and it’s motion.  You find strength within yourself whenever you go through...

Join in on the first episode of a unique, three part series. Get to know Gretchen a little more by listening in on stories from her life and the lessons she learned along the way. You'll be captivated and entertained all while being inspired and empowered to show up well in your EDU journey. In this episode, Gretchen will chat about adjustment and what that looks like in life and as an educator. Quotables You can be the champion of your life and career. Just because you’re experiencing...

Tune into this episode to be encouraged and inspired by another Instructional Coach. Her story is unique in that she took a break from the field of education to reignite her passion for the classroom. After her break, she came back as an Instructional Coach. Hit play now to be empowered by her story. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  The more we put boundaries around our lives, the better we can be for our students.  It’s okay to say no sometimes, to speak up for what...

In this episode of the Empowering Educators Podcast, Gretchen shares about her experience with writing a book and she draws parallels to teaching and leading. You'll enjoy getting a "behind the scenes" taste of what Gretchen has been working on, all while gaining valuable insight for your own career. Quotables Show up every day no matter what- consistency is what makes you effective. You have to have a roadmap but still leave room to off road. Are you saying the same things in...

Leadership isn't always easy, but it can be worth it. Listen in on this Clubhouse Chat where educational leaders, Casey and Courtney, share their review of Mike Staver's book, Leadership Isn't for Cowards. This book acts as an all-in-one leadership guide with tips that you can immediately apply. It is applicable for anyone interested in growing their leadership skills, regardless of their current role or title. Quotables Leaders mess with people’s lives, both positively and negatively. ...

In this episode, Gretchen reveals four of the most common fears about coaching and she gives you practical tips to overcome those fears. Are you new to the role of coaching or you just have those beginning of the year jitters? Get this episode in your ear! You won't want to miss this one! Quotables All you can do is show value and continue to show up, encourage people to engage with you and build trust.  Time is always going to be an obstacle, no matter what career you have.  Quality...

With only five years of experience in the field of education, Sahur shares wisdom beyond her years in both teaching and leadership. Sahur has a calm confidence that will surely reignite your passion for teaching. As an ending to our summer series, this interview is just what you need to start your school year off right! You can read the article she talks about in the podcast here. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  You don’t necessarily need the years, just go about it in...

Tune into this  special episode in the summer series of the Empowering Educator's podcast. Brian Sepe is on and he shares with us how he reignites his passion for education. You'll gain practical tips to help you reignite your own passion for education. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee  Admit what you don’t know and find ways to be a learner around that.  Everyone DESERVES a thought partner. Whatever happens today, the next presentation will definitely be better. ...