Unlock Your Teaching Potential

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Do you find yourself too busy to eat healthy as an educator? What if I told you that nourishing yourself on busy work days is possible?Join me and Hannah McKitrick as we talk about practical tips for making healthy eating simple and enjoyable, even in a busy schedule. Hannah is an alchemist culinary healer and the founder of My Intuitive Health.As someone who had Crohn's disease, Hannah shares how balanced nutrition provided the key to improving her gut health. This nutritional healing involves food choices that bring her emotional satisfaction while still honoring her physical body.We discuss the importance of health and nutrition and how the energy we bring in food preparation and eating also impacts our physical and emotional wellness. If you're looking to find a harmonious balance between tasty and nourishing food, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how to nourish your soul from the inside out!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Hannah:Hannah is an alchemist culinary healer who is paving a new way of health that ditches the diet and instead combines energy with food to bring more lightness into your entire being - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She has studied culinary school in Italy, eastern medicine at the academy of healing nutrition, and even healed her own gut of crohns disease through food. Her business, My Intuitive Health, has helped 100s of women truly nourish their “soul health” from the inside out, using food and connection as the catalyst that raises their vibration. She holds a healing yet playful space for women to have a ridiculous amount of fun while cooking healthy meals during her transformational cooking programs and culinary wellness retreats in southern Italy.Connect with Hannah:Website: https://myintuitivehealth.com/IG: @hannah.mckitrickFB: Hannah McKitrickStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Ever wondered how to voice your concerns without sparking conflict?Even though teachers have credentials to teach and work with students, it is a different skill set to talk effectively with adults.Effective communication with adults, colleagues, and administrators, allows educators to express their concerns without complaining and still maintain relationships, both personally and professionally. And that takes skill building, including naming their fears and hesitations and remembering that they are in a team.So joining us today is Jennifer Abrams, an international educational and communications consultant and a trainer for coaches, teachers, and administrators, to talk about empowering educators through effective communication and dealing with hard conversations.Jennifer also shares the need to balance one’s personal development and professional growth, the future of education through a human-centered approach, and why teacher support is essential. There is power in your voice and the support systems around you. So, never shy away from asking for support because that’s a path to growth. Here’s to your journey as an empowered educator! Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Jennifer:Jennifer Abrams is an international educational and communications consultant for public and independent schools, universities and non-profits. Jennifer trains and coaches teachers, administrators and others on new teacher/employee support, having hard conversations, collaboration skills and being your best adult self at work. In her over two decades at Palo Alto Unified School District (Palo Alto, CA, USA), Jennifer was a high school English teacher, new teacher coach, and professional development facilitator. She left PAUSD in 2012 to start her full time communications consultancy in which she works with schools and organizations around the globe.Jennifer presents at annual North American-based conferences such as Learning Forward, ASCD, NASSP, NAESP, AMLE, ISACS and the New Teacher Center Annual Symposium among others. Internationally, she facilitated with the Teachers' and Principals' Centers for International School Leadership (TTC and PTC) and presents with EARCOS, NESA, ECIS, AISA, AMISA, CEESA and Tri-Association, and consults with schools across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Canada. Jennifer's publications include Having Hard Conversations, The Multigenerational Workplace: Communicating, Collaborating & Creating Community and Hard Conversations Unpacked - the Whos, the Whens and the What Ifs, Swimming in the Deep End: Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives, and her newest book, Stretching Your Learning Edges: Growing (Up) at Work. Jennifer has been recognized as one of "21 Women All K-12 Educators Need to Know" by Education Week's 'Finding Common Ground' blog. She considers herself a "voice coach," helping others learn how to best use their voices - be it cStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Feeling stuck in your career or searching for purpose in your life? Join me and our guest, Taylor Nardone, a dynamic speaker, coach, and former teacher, in today’s episode where we discuss finding your truth and power during times of transition.Diving deep into personal transformation and intuition, Taylor shares his journey of embracing a career change guided by spiritual awakening and self-discovery. Discover practical tips he has learned for overcoming burnout, as well as the importance of emotional intelligence for continued personal growth.We also explore how you can align with your true self by breaking free of limiting beliefs, and the impact that adult behavior can have on the younger generation. Additionally, Taylor shares his vision for the future of education, advocating for a more personalized and engaging learning environment for students.Ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and transformation?Remember, it's never too late to redefine your path and rediscover your passion!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Taylor:Taylor Nardone is a speaker, coach and performer based in Boston, MA. Having gone through a transformational awakening in the Spring of 2022, he quit his teaching job and ventured into the unknown. What would follow was a journey of absolute magic and immense trust. He intuitively found his calling in guiding others in their return back home to themselves. With the phrase found in nearly all of his content, Taylor lives by the eternal knowing that all is well, always and in all ways.Connect with Taylor:https://linktr.ee/taylorryannardoneStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be a great leader, especially in the challenging world of education? Join us in today’s episode as we explore simple, yet powerful insights into authentic leadership with our guest, Sarah Johnson, an English teacher and school principal turned renowned author, speaker, leadership coach, and podcaster.You’ll discover how to overcome imposter syndrome, trust your intuition, and understand why staying true to yourself is crucial in education leadership, as well as foundational leadership practices. We also discussed the challenges educators face today, including how to fit into organizational norms and the importance of personal growth, not just for yourself but for the benefit of your students. Plus, Sarah offers her unique perspective on how individual changes can create systemic transformation in education. This episode is more than just a guide to coping in the educational sphere; it's a roadmap to thriving in it, underlined by Sarah's expert insights and practical advice.Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Sarah JohnsonSarah Johnson is a former English teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, leadership coach, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University, and she is working on her PhD in Global Leadership and Change. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories to empower a community.  Sarah is co-author of Balance Like a Pirate: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator and author of Lead with Faith: Building a Strong Foundation So You Can Rise Up, Slay Fear, and Serve Well. Sarah lives the balance message in her life by pursuing passions such as running, writing, focusing on family with her two daughters and teacher husband, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning.Website: sarahsajohnson.comFacebook: Sarah Johnson ConsultingInstagram: @sarahsajohnsonLinkedIn: Sarah JohnsonStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Imagine a world where every child's unique learning style is not just recognized but celebrated.That world is closer than you think! Join us today as we explore neurodiversity in education with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity expert. In this episode, you’ll discover how we can better teach and support neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt advocates for a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized learning experience.You’ll also learn about inclusive education and how teachers and parents can work together for all students. We also talked about the importance of authenticity in teaching. Grab your headphones and join us in our mission to transform the education system– this chat is full of ideas for anyone wanting to help kids learn in their own way!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Dr. Matt:Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.  He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher.  He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids.  Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).  Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016.  He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ Connect with Dr. Matt:Website: www.theneurodiversitycollective.comFB: www.facebook.com/drmattzakreskiStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial not just in our homes and workplaces, but also in our schools.In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Huffman, a veteran transgender teacher and content creator. Flint is not only a figurehead in transgender advocacy but also an inspiring voice in education policy.Flint shared his personal journey of transitioning in the public eye, both as an educator in front of hundreds of students and as an influential online presence. We spoke about the complexities of creating safe spaces in schools and inclusive education, the current challenges facing trans teachers and students, and the importance of advocacy and allyship in education.Flint's insights on the current climate surrounding transgender issues in education are both enlightening and thought-provoking. Join us for this important conversation, where we learn, understand, and celebrate the courage it takes to foster inclusivity in our schools.Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Flint:Flint (he/they) is a veteran transgender teacher and content creator with over a decade of experience in the classroom. In addition to working in policy and action in his community, he has more than 300,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, where he makes videos about trans life and history, education, and "general teenage weirdness.”Connect with Flint:IG: @justflintisfineStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Ready to explore a holistic approach to movement and learning?In today’s episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Carol McAmis, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method.Carol shared her personal journey and the transformative power of Feldenkrais, a method that emphasizes body awareness and learning through movement. We explored how this approach has revolutionized wellness worldwide and discussed the powerful connection between the body and mindset workShe emphasized the importance of slowing down and being present, and how flexible thinking can impact our learning process.Join us for an episode that's sure to change the way you think about movement, learning, and the potential within us all.Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Carol:Carol McAmis earned the Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from the University of Kansas in 1974 and the Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, Minor: Vocal Performance degree in 1972, University of Kansas. She became a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Teacher® in 1991. Prior to joining the faculty at Ithaca College, Carol taught at Manchester College in Indiana (1974-1979).At Ithaca College, Carol taught Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, and Feldenkrais® for Musicians. For sixteen years, she was a core faculty member of IC’s seminal Healthy Musician Workshop, a major influence in establishing musician’s wellness programs in colleges and conservatories around the world. A trailblazer in understanding the living body as a musical instrument, Carol developed a holistic approach to vocal pedagogy, The MultiDimensional Singer, combining traditional vocal pedagogy with voice science, Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® lessons, and other cross-disciplinary modalities. The Ithaca College Feldenkrais for Musicians course that she developed in 1991 was one of the first offered for college credit in the nation. She has presented workshops both nationally and internationally, introducing the Feldenkrais Method® for such groups as The Feldenkrais Guild of North America®, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the New York State School Music Association, the University of Minnesota, and the Irish World Music Center in Limerick. She is the creator of “The Singer’s PlayBoxtm” an innovative approach to teaching and learning singing. Her students are active performers, working in many genres from the Metropolitan Opera to Broadway to the vocal jazz innovators, New York Voices to cabaret and world music.  Many of her students are successful public school and university teachers, and others are composers, conductors, and administrators. She is honored to have taught so many fine musicians at Ithaca College. Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Can you recall a moment when a story deeply resonated with you and made you feel seen and heard?In today’s episode of Take Notes  we are joined by Michael Katz, a professional storyteller and educator. We dive into how storytelling can make a big difference in elementary education and help with mindfulness in schools.Michael talks about his path to becoming a storyteller and shows us how telling stories can grab our attention and help us learn. This episode is full of great ideas for anyone who wants to use storytelling in education, with tips on making stories fun and interactive for kids. Curious to see how storytelling can transform learning? Listen in!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Michael:Michael Katz has been a profession storyteller for over 30 years, both as a performer and as a teacher of the craft.  The work he loves the most is in elementary schools, while his public performance have been at such illustrious locations as the openings of the L.A. Getty Center and the Disney Concert Hall.  HIs CD of stories "Far Away and Close to Home" was given a Parents Choice Silver Honor Award.  In the last 15 years he has also been teaching mindfulness in elementary schools, primarily with K-2 students.Connect with Michael:Website: www.storytellermichael.comStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!As an educator, putting yourself first isn't selfish – it's transformational. When you prioritize self-care, you become a better version of yourself for those around you. In today’s episode, join me and Jillian Seibel Pawlowski, as we dive deep into personal growth, coaching, and the power of transformation.Jillian is a Trauma-Informed Certified Transformational Coach, who has joined our Empowered Educator team. Jillian and I delved into the transformative power of coaching. Unlike self-help books, coaching provides personalized guidance, helping you uncover blind spots and bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.We also discussed the benefits of mindfulness and how it can help you make empowered choices and shift priorities.Remember, you have the power to make a positive impact, not just on your students, but on your own life as well. You deserve it!Stay empowered,JenPs. Discover more about our upcoming workshop, "6 Truths to Return to Your Favorite Self" This workshop is designed to guide you back to your authentic self and provide tools for sustaining that transformation.Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Jillian:Jillian is a trauma informed certified transformation coach. She specializes in radical self-love, metacognition, consciousness, and the unification of mind and body to help people transform the way they experience themselves and life. Her expertise provides a safe space for clients to grow towards expansive self-love and self-actualization. Her passion for personal and professional growth is the foundation for her calling: to make the world a kinder, more loving place. Take a look at this CLIP from Jillian's impact talk. (Watch the full talk HERE)Connect with Jillian:IG: @dreamworthylifecoachEmail: jillian@empowerededucator.comStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Have a question for the show? Text us here!Do you wonder if our education system might be overlooking crucial elements beyond academics, such as emotional and social readiness for real-world challenges?In today's episode, we're joined by Dan Wolfe, an educator and Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. With over two decades of experience, Dan brings to life the transformative power of Social-Emotional learning (SEL). We delved into the challenges and triumphs of implementing SEL in schools, the resistance it faces, and its broader implications for both children and adults.Dan discussed the importance of individual morals and values in becoming our best authentic selves. He emphasized that there are different paths to personal growth and that it's essential to respect and honor others' perspectives, even if they differ from our own.He also introduced his book, Becoming the Change, which provides practical tools for personal growth in SEL.So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join us to understand how embracing SEL can bring about transformative changes in education and beyond.Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Dan:Dan Wolfe has served in Pasco County, Florida for more than 20 years. During this time, he has held roles as a teacher, instructional coach and administrator. He is currently an Assistant Principal at Sunray Elementary. He was selected as Pasco County’s District Teacher of the Year in 2011-2012 school year. He is a part of the district’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Committee that recently established Pre-K through Grade 12 SEL standards.For the past two years Dan has written a blog called Becoming The Change (formerly Our Moral Compass) which focuses on a different quote each day and how we can best apply it towards becoming the change through our own moral compass and the five areas in SEL. During his spare time Dan enjoys spending his time reading, listening to podcasts, and going to Disney with his wife and daughter.For more information on his book, blog, podcast, social media links and other podcast interviews please go to: https://becoming-the-change.com/8258-2/Connect with Dan:Website: becoming-the-change.comTwitter: @ServLeadInspire  LinkedIn: Dan WolfeInstagram:@serveleadinspirealways Facebook: Dan WolfeStay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room