Always A Lesson's Empowering Educators Podcast
376 episodes - English - Latest episode: 22 days ago - ★★★★★ - 275 ratingsEducators, this podcast will leave you feeling empowered with actionable steps to implement into your role immediately. Gretchen shares stories, lessons learned and practical tips. Buckle up for a transformation unlike no other!
Listen as you work out, clean the house, do errands and so much more. This show is an excellent source of professional development, inspiration, empowerment, as well as techniques and strategies that are best practices. Lessons shared applicable to all educators!. #education
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Episodes
318: Relationships in Education with Michael & Nita Creekmore
May 27, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MBDive into insightful conversations with Michael and Nita Creekmore, seasoned educators with over 35 years of combined experience. Join them as they explore the importance of relationships in education, drawing from Michael's counseling background and Nita's instructional coaching expertise. Get practical tips, personal anecdotes, and wisdom from their book, Every Connection Matters.Tune in for actionable strategies, balancing career and family life, and fostering meaningful connections in and...
Bonus Episode: Maximizing Teacher Impact
May 20, 2024 08:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBWelcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we discuss how to enhance student learning. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Quotables: "Each district and school operates so differently and especially as to how they use a teacher leader, aim for, and their name for the role..." "I teach the Triple A Method: aim, action, and achieve..." "Most important is the evidence...how do you know that yo...
Bonus Episode: Mastermind-Maximizing Teacher Impact
May 20, 2024 08:00 - 10 minutes - 14.4 MBWelcome to a special bonus episode of Empowering Educators! In this episode, we delve into the Mastermind structure of Always a Lesson that can significantly enhance student learning outcomes. A mastermind is a community of colleagues that put their minds together to problem solve and goal set so that collectively they create ONE master mind. Discover how to help educators improve their skills and foster a more effective learning environment! Join the party by signing up for our next coho...
317: AI with Angela Watson
May 13, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBJoin us as we unravel the remarkable journey of Angela Watson, a powerhouse in education and expert in the incorporation of AI in the classroom. With over a decade of classroom experience, Angela's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee [When we think about AI, we ask] “How is this going to help me streamline my workload? It’s not going to do everything, but how can I make it really useful and ...
317: Interview with Angela Watson
May 13, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBJoin us as we unravel the remarkable journey of Angela Watson, a powerhouse in education and expert in the incorporation of AI in the classroom. With over a decade of classroom experience, Angela's transformational insights have touched the lives of millions of educators worldwide. Quotables *All quotables are from the interviewee [When we think about AI, we ask] “How is this going to help me streamline my workload? It’s not going to do everything, but how can I make it really useful and...
316: Technology Integration
April 29, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBDon't miss this enlightening episode with Gretchen as she delves into the realm of tech integration in education. Discover invaluable tips for effectively assessing the level of student engagement versus mere compliance when utilizing tech tools in the classroom. In this episode, Gretchen shares practical planning strategies and essential considerations to enhance your instructional practices and ensure that lessons are accessible to all students, regardless of their learning styles or abil...
315: Managing Stress with Dr. Naomi Hall
April 15, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBJoin us for an inspiring episode featuring Naomi Hall, also known as The Recovering Educator, as she shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of being an educator. Naomi reminds us that while the teaching profession can be stressful, there are numerous factors within our control that can positively impact our well-being. In this episode, Naomi offers practical strategies for managing stress and reclaiming control over various aspects of our professional and personal lives. Di...
314: Incorporating Student Voice
April 01, 2024 08:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBLet's talk TRANSFORMATION with Gretchen as she explores the art of leveraging student engagement through the integration of student voice. Uncover actionable tips and straightforward techniques that empower you to immediately enhance classroom dynamics and amplify student participation. Tune in now to discover the keys to unlocking greater engagement and fostering a dynamic learning environment! In this episode, Gretchen shares a compelling story that underscores the importance of student i...
313: Differentiation & Personalization
March 18, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 30 MBDive into an enlightening conversation with Gretchen as she unveils the keys to effective differentiation and personalized learning for optimal student engagement. Learn how to refine your teaching methods by eliminating inefficiencies and prioritizing strategies that deeply connect with your students. Tune in now to unlock powerful insights and transform your approach to teaching! In this episode, Gretchen unveils the concept of "Swiss Cheese Understanding" and its profound implications fo...
312: Positive Classroom Culture
March 05, 2024 01:15 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBUncover actionable strategies, from fostering inclusivity to promoting collaboration, aimed at cultivating a supportive learning atmosphere that empowers students to excel. Gain 10 practical ideas for seamless implementation, ensuring immediate impact on your educational journey. Tune in now to ignite positivity and maximize student participation! Quotables: Explicitly teach the why behind the what. ...before we can start tweaking instruction, we have to nail the environment... Stressed b...
311: Innovative Teaching Strategies
February 19, 2024 13:00 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBJoin us as our listeners unveil groundbreaking teaching approaches to revolutionize student engagement. Dive into the realm of cutting-edge methods, from gamification to interactive technology, designed to captivate students' interest and deepen their learning experience. Tune in now and discover how to spark curiosity and elevate engagement in your classroom! In this episode, Gretchen reminds us as educators that "...we don't always need the physical work sample--sometimes listening to the ...
310: Interview with Rebekah Shoaf
February 05, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MBTune 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 potent...
310: Burnout with Rebekah Shoaf
February 05, 2024 08:00 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MBDiscover how to recognize and prevent burnout, explore its various types, and reignite your passion for teaching. Tune in now to empower your educational journey! Join Rebekah Shoaf as she delves into her journey in education, offering invaluable insights and lessons learned. 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 potential to be a leader. As an educator, stay...
309: What to do When You Can’t Hack the Problem
January 22, 2024 08:00 - 14 minutes - 19.3 MBHave 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 that hinds...
308: 3 Ways to Grow Your Potential this Year
January 08, 2024 08:00 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBIt'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 going to ...
307: Behind the Scenes of the Podcast
December 25, 2023 08:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBIt'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 Emp...
306: Building Credibility with Teachers
December 11, 2023 08:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBDo 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 a New Book Com...
305: Being an Effective Coach with Alissa Crabtree
November 27, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MBMeet 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 admi...
305: Interview with Alissa Crabtree
November 27, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 50.8 MBMeet 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 admi...
304: The Secret Weapon of Hardship
November 13, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MBWhen 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 solutio...
303: How to be an Effective Accountability Partner
October 30, 2023 08:00 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBAccountability 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 Accountability...
302: Your Competitor is YOU
October 16, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBComparing 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 and co...
301: Improve Instruction One Brick at a Time
October 02, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBIn 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 for ...
300: Interview with Linda Rhyne 2.0
September 18, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBThe 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, understa...
300: The Science of Reading with Linda Rhyne 2.0
September 18, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBThe 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, understa...
299: Critical Thinking is the Biggest Clue
September 04, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBIn 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 you r...
298: Interview with Sam Shields
August 21, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBIn 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. Prior ...
298: The Journey of Education with Sam Shields
August 21, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBIn 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. Prior ...
297: Empowering Students with Laura Williams
August 07, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MBGretchen 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 lot furth...
297: Interview with Laura Williams
August 07, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MBGretchen 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 lot furth...
296: Educator X-Factor with Jana Lee
July 24, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBYou'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 educa...
296: Building Relationships with Jana Lee
July 24, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBYou'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 educat...
296: Interview with Jana Lee
July 24, 2023 08:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBYou'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 educat...
Bonus: We All Need Something
July 17, 2023 08:00 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBIn 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...
295: Ignite Your Passion with Heidi Davis
July 10, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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 w...
295: Interview with Heidi Davis
July 10, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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 wh...
295: Teacher Impact with Heidi Davis
July 10, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MBIn 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 wh...
294: From Teacher to Coach with Ashley Hubner
June 26, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBTune 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 educato...
294: Interview with Ashley Hubner
June 26, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBTune 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 educator...
294: Reignite Your Passion with Ashley Hubner
June 26, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBTune 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 educator...
Bonus: The Secret Sauce of Collaboration
June 19, 2023 08:00 - 10 minutes - 13.7 MBWhat 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 L...
293: Get Empowered with Michelle Ruhe
June 12, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MBIn 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 lear...
293: Wisdom & Encouragement with Michelle Ruhe
June 12, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MBIn 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 lea...
293: Interview with Michelle Ruhe
June 12, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MBIn 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 lear...
292: From Teacher to Teacher Leader with Courtney Tate
May 29, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBMeet 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 have to b...
292: Interview with Courtney Tate
May 29, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBMeet 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 have to be...
292: Wisdom with Courtney Tate
May 29, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBMeet 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 have to be...
291: Interview with Casey Watts
May 15, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBIn 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 cla...
291: Growing into Leadership with Casey Watts
May 15, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBIn 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 cla...
291: Practical Leadership Advice with Casey Watts
May 15, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MBIn 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 cl...