Unlock Your Teaching Potential

Have a question for the show? Text us here!What does it take to come back from trauma?How do you move from surviving to thriving after a traumatic event?There are amazing strength building opportunities when you come out on the other side of trauma. You don't have to get stuck in the negative parts of your story, and it’s even possible to leverage it into transformation. Welcome to episode 10 of the Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! In this episode, I’m speaking with Nichole Myles, who weaves together compelling storytelling with experience and expertise to engage listeners in a journey of self-discovery, the ups and the downs of growth, and how to recover from emotional trauma.Nichole brings more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofits and leadership. Having gone from a traditional upper middle class life to losing everything living in domestic violence shelters and having to rebuild an entire life while raising three children.In our conversation we delve into why resilience is important, its true purpose, and how we are wildly overselling it in today’s society. Also, we discuss that trauma informed classrooms and teachers don't have to be heavy or hard- and how to get it right!Today is all about finding a pathway to healing and feeling empowered about your external circumstances. Nichole doesn't just speak about post traumatic growth, she's lived it. She teaches how to really lean into these experiences in a way that amplifies your future and moves past survivorship to thrivership!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Nichole Myles:Bringing forward more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofits, and leadership, Nichole Myles weaves together compelling storytelling with experience and expertise to engage listeners in a journey of self-discovery – the ups and downs of growth – and what it takes to come back from trauma. Having gone from a ‘traditional’ upper-middle class life to losing everything, living in domestic violence shelters, and having rebuilt an entire life while raising 3 children – Nichole doesn’t just speak about post-traumatic growth, she’s lived it. Nichole carries a CAGS in Nonprofit Management, a CFRE (certified fundraising executive) designation, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Certificate, and 2 levels of professional certifications in Trauma and Resilience. Her master’s in Organizational Psychology with a Coaching and Consulting concentration is expected early 2023. She uses her education to hone poignant personal stories into opportunities for participants to glean critical steps to their own growth – to examine what they’ve overcome, and how to lean into that experience to amplify their futures. Nichole works as an ‘expert companion’ in the position of speaker, facilitator, consultant, or coach, helping move clients from ‘survivorStay 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!What does it mean to have a teacher identity? What makes a “good” teacher? And, what makes a teacher effective both in the classroom and in their personal lives?Teaching today can feel like we're putting ourselves in a box, and questioning some of our choices- even when those choices feel right and authentic to us as human beings. The truth is, the best way for you to create your identity is to be unapologetically and authentically, YOURSELF. And what better example is there to model for our students?Welcome to episode 9 of the Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! In this episode, I am speaking with former educator, Jenn Mercado. Jenn is currently a real estate agent by trade and an entrepreneur by spirit.She is the owner of Jen Mercado PA,  her luxury real estate brand and Insightful Media LLC, where she provides coaching and direction for realtors and their social media presence. She has the unique gift of seeing people where they are and connecting them to communities that support them. Jenn a mother to two young children, a wife to her best friend and number one fan with whom she's created a seemingly traditional life while rewriting all the rules. In our conversation, Jenn takes us through her outside the box life trajectory from being a professional clown for many years to becoming an educator, a successful realtor- and everything in between! This talk with Jenn will serve in empowering teachers to incorporate outside the box thinking in their own lives while strengthening the student teacher relationship. Today, it’s all about avoiding teacher burnout and self care for teachers using a more unorthodox, yet brilliantly authentic approach of allowing yourself to be happy in ALL the stages of your life!Teacher wellness is more than one thing, and so are you! Celebrate it!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Jenn Mercado, PAJennifer Mercado is a real estate agent by trade, and entrepreneur by spirit. She is the owner of Jennifer Mercado, PA, her luxury real estate brand, and Insightful Media, LLC, where she provides coaching and direction for realtors and their social media presence. She has the unique gift of seeing people where they are and connecting them to communities that support them. She is a mother to 2 young children, a wife to her best friend and #1 fan, with whom she's created a seemingly traditional life while rewriting all the rules.Connect with Jenn here:IG- @thejennmercadoFB-JenniferMercadoRealtor JenniferMercadoRealStay 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!What is your strategy for health and longevity?Are your daily habits supporting and serving you as you age?Ultimately, your quality of life and overall health is completely up to you. The good news is that becoming an educator no longer resigns you to the traditions of martyrdom and revered selflessness of the past.Because, the most generous thing you can do for other people is to take care of yourself first.Welcome to episode 8 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Otto Janke, chiropractor and owner of Janke Family Chiropractic in Cortland, New York.  He is an incredible chiropractor whose mission in life is to get as many people as possible to live their best and healthiest lives.During our talk, we cover everything you need to know about taking a holistic approach to health in a way that feels expansive and centers on getting your body to a state of optimal functioning, so you can focus on preventive care instead of trying to put out fires when something goes awry.Also, we discuss the role an optimized nervous system plays in maintaining good health and achieving longevity. All key points Dr. Otto expands upon in his program: Empire Longevity.Today is all about taking care of our health in gratitude for everything our bodies do, and as a means to ensure we get to enjoy a long life doing the things that light us up inside!It’s all in your hands, and you can start today!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomStay 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!How has your journey into education changed over time?More importantly, how has this path changed YOU as a person and an educator?Do you feel safe being vulnerable enough to reflect upon and express the truth of your experience?As an educator, you don’t always feel as if you have the time to process your emotions, and oftentimes you push it down and just keep on moving. But, when you start to open up and tell your stories, not only do you heal yourself- but you create a safe space for others to share theirs. Welcome to episode 7 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with distinguished teacher, multidisciplinary theater artist, and educational consultant, Ayesis Clay.She has flawlessly combined her extensive background in theater and education and founded Sculpted Clay Productions, LLC, where she uses keynote arts-infused residencies and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive spaces that are focused on social-emotional wellness, and creativity for both teachers and students.Ayesis discusses the importance of giving yourself permission to play, and how to deal with the compassion fatigue, and teacher burnout many educators face. Today is all about re-energizing and reconnecting you with your “why” through art and vulnerability.In its essence, this conversation is an illustration of the remarkable journey that happens when you allow yourself to heal and move through the process of becoming.Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Ayesis Clay:Ayesis Clay is a distinguished teacher, multidisciplinary theater artist, and educational consultant. She is a Featured Speaker and facilitator for the National Educational Theater Association and for SMART Technologies Teacher Summer Reboot Conference. She has developed curricula for the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Prince George’s County Public Schools, as well as several educational theater companies across the nation.Combining her extensive background in theater and education, Ayesis founded Sculpted Clay Productions LLC, where she uses keynotes, arts-infused residencies, and professional development workshops to help schools create trauma-sensitive spaces that are focused on social-emotional wellness and creativity for both teachers and students. She continues to strive for an increased spotlight on teacher mental wellness by inspiring deeper conversations around creativity and humanity in education, as well as complex and important topics like compassion fatigue and burnout. Connect with Ayesis here: 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!How do you determine when you “deserve” the things that bring you joy in life? What kind of person do you have to be? How many steps do you have to take? And, how many things do you have to do to prove your worth?  What if I told you that you deserve rest and joy in your life simply because you exist?There is no need to exchange burnout for deservedness. You can be everything you want to be, have a massive impact on the students and the communities you serve- AND take care of yourself at the same time. Welcome to episode 6 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode,  I’m speaking with sought after success mentor for visionary women leaders, Tracy Litt. Tracy is a science and spirituality teacher, rapid transformational hypnotherapist (RTT TM), a best selling author, TEDx speaker, the founder of the LITT factor, and creator of Mind Magic. She is a powerhouse, and most importantly opens up the novel concept that we deserve nothing less than EVERYTHING we desire. We are talking about the paradigm shift from seeking validation, to wholeness and worth being your birthright. Today, you’re getting out of your own way and opening up your ability to receive unconditionally WITHOUT burnout. The concepts we discuss in this episode are a gift to us all! Let's go make it happen!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Tracy Litt:Tracy Litt is a sought-after success mentor for visionary women leaders that are navigating huge paradigm shifts and elevating into the next level of themselves, so they can seamlessly generate the next level of their impact, wealth, and holistic success.  Tracy is a science & spirituality teacher, rapid transformational hypnotherapist, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker. She is the Founder of The Litt Factor, and creator of Mind Magic ®, a proven methodology that marries metacognition and spirituality, neuroscience and quantum law to expand and elevate more quickly. Her work has served thousands of women across the globe and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, FastCompany, Thrive Global, Success 125 and Inc.com. Her book Worthy Human is a #1 best seller in Spiritual Growth and Mindset.Can’t wait to connect with Tracy? Find her here:The Litt Factor | FacebookInstagram: @thelittfactorWebsite: The Litt Factor | Personal Growth and Coaching CompanyStay 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!What’s keeping you from achieving your health and fitness goals?Is it mom guilt?Do you think it’s selfish to invest in yourself?Or, do you keep putting your health on the back burner because you don’t have the time for it?The truth is, building generational health is as important, (if not more so) than many other things you’re prioritizing in your life. And, here’s the good news-  it can be simple and ENJOYABLE! Welcome to episode 5 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m sharing an anxiety reducing and eye opening conversation with CEO of MindStrong Fitness, Rachel Freiman.  She’s a mindset training coach that is passionate about helping others unleash their strongest, most empowered selves through education.Rachel has more than 15 years of classroom instruction experience,  as well as certifications in personal training, sports nutrition and behavior modification. She truly understands the incredible shift that happens in the classroom when teachers are fit, happy, and making time for themselves. Today is all about the important work of prioritizing your own well being and expanding the definition of what health means.Rachel is teaching some capital T truths, and showing us that there is way more flexibility and joy in getting healthy and fit than the diet industry would have you believe!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Rachel FreimanRachel Freiman is the CEO of MindStrong Fitness, a lover of lifting heavy things up and down, and a coach passionate about helping others unleash their strongest, most empowered selves through education and mindset training. Rachel has more than fifteen years of classroom instruction and certifications in personal training, sports nutrition, and behavior modification. She is the author of the bestselling book Becoming MindStrong: The Truth About Health, Fitness, and the Bullsh*t That’s Holding You Back. Rachel developed MindStrong Fitness with an inside-out approach, to focus on both physical and mental attributes in building healthy, sustainable habits.When she’s not in the gym, Rachel enjoys exploring the world, snuggling with her puppy, Charlie, eating, and thinking about the next time she'll be eating. 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!What effect does a school principals’ approach to collaborative decision making have on teachers and students?What is the role of creating invitations and agreements versus stringent expectations, constriction and restraint on teachers?A collaborative leadership style is one that opens the door to conversations and viewpoints that foster an environment of inclusion and spark visionary outcomes. It allows for comfortable and safe buy in from teachers, and exponentially improves students’ experiences.Welcome to episode 4 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with Sean Gaillard, an educator, administrator, author and podcaster who believes that all students are future world changers. As an experienced school leader he is currently principal of Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork.We cover everything from our respective educators “origin stories”, the importance of reconnecting to mission and vision, and how there’s very little the Beatles can’t teach us all about perseverance, and dreaming BIG! This week is all about remembering our “why” in choosing to become educators, and what a difference feeling valued and included by school leadership makes in our noble profession. Let’s reconnect to the moments that changed our lives early on and inspired us to become educators WHILE addressing the very real and pressing issues we’re all facing today.We can do both at the same time- it’s the only way forward.Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Sean GaillardSean Gaillard is an educator, administrator, author, and podcaster who believes that all students are future world changers.  An experienced school leader, Gaillard is currently principal of the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork. In addition to keynoting and presenting at various conferences, Sean is the author of The Pepper Effect: Tap into the Magic of Creativity, Collaboration, and Innovation. He has contributed chapters to Evolving With Gratitude and Because of a Teacher, Volume 2. His various articles have appeared in “Education Week,” “Culture Sonar,” and PBS. He is the host of “The Principal Liner Notes Podcast.”  and the upcoming podcast, “The Album That Changed My Life.” In 2018, Sean was named the Lexington City Schools Principal of the Year. The following year, he was awarded the 2019 Wells Fargo Piedmont Triad Regional Principal of the Year and named a finalist for North Carolina Principal of the Year. Follow Sean on Twitter, Instagram, and Linktree. He is currently writing a book for Routledge titled “Profiles In Educational Courage.” 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!Why does representation and diversity in the classroom matter?How does it make an impact on how our students view themselves?Our students need trusted adults who are available to answer questions about identity and therefore can make a difference in their lives in the long term.Encouraging conversations about all sorts of intersections of identity in a safe and honest space promotes belonging. As educators, we have the ability to create the type of spaces that support young people to flourish and thrive.Welcome to episode 3 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this episode, I’m speaking with Eric Williamson! He is a former conductor with the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and music teacher at PS 32 in Brooklyn. Eric has also joined the national facilitation team of the Human Rights Campaign - Welcoming Schools Program, the nation's largest bullying prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusive education initiativeWe explore the effects of insufficient education available to teachers on handling this topic, and how self-reflection and personal development can be a catalyst for change.Also, how a simple mindset shift can help us lean into conflict, and uncomfortable situations so these vital conversations can be had to better serve our students.Today is all about inclusion and cultivating communities for belonging for our youth, and the difference having these conversations makes in students’ lives.As educators, we get to foster safety for our students, even when it’s not easy.Because feeling safe to be our most authentic selves is how we all grow and shine!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Eric WilliamsonEric Williamson is Black Boy Joy! He has captured the hearts of many on international stages with his magnetic energy and light.  A former conductor with the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus and a music teacher at P.S. 32 in Brooklyn, he is no stranger to cultivating communities of belonging for LGBTQ youth. In 2021, he was featured in NY1 for teaching a lesson with NYC Chancellor Meisha Porter on personal pronouns to one of his 1st-grade classes. This led to several workshop opportunities to lead and facilitate conversations with parents and teachers on topics regarding race, anti-racism, sexuality, identity, and culturally responsive teaching. He recently joined the national facilitation team of the Human Rights Campaign Welcoming Schools program, the Nation's largest bullying prevention and LGBTQ+ inclusive education initiative. A native of Teaneck, NJ, Mr. WStay 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!Does the simple act of sitting down to look at your finances stress you out?Do you avoid tapping on your bank app because you tend to think ignorance is bliss?When you think about money, do you shift directly into scarcity mindset, and feel your body contract?As we uncover our stressors, one thing that comes up over and over again is money. And while it may not have to do directly with the stressors at school, money can cause feelings of anxiety and worry, which directly affects how we show up for our students.Welcome back to Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this second episode, I’m chatting with Financial Literacy Coach Diana Greshtchuk. As the CEO of Fan Your Flame, she teaches financial literacy to clients utilizing her 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.We have an honest talk about what it takes to feel empowered in our actions and choices when it comes to money. We cover everything from the generational money stories that subconsciously guide us, to the disempowering beliefs that take control of our finances- and most importantly, how to heal and move forward.Diana shares some trauma informed financial tips you may not have considered before, that I’m certain will change your perspective.Today is all about creating curiosity around finances, financial planning for teachers and educators, changing the language we use when referring to it, and regulating your nervous system while not deluding yourself and perpetuating the problem.You can figure this out! The tools are all here for you. When you use intention coupled with awareness you become unstoppable!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Diana GreshtchukDiana (She/Her) is the CEO of Fan Your Flame LLC, a financial literacy coach, and your best financial friend. She is passionately committed to guiding entrepreneurs, businesses and individuals to achieve a wide variety of financial goals. Diana utilizes pioneering methods rooted in practical financial concepts, business acumen, and mindset work to educate and empower her clients to achieve goals of financial independence, transformation, and abundance.Diana is a Certified Master Mind Magic Practitioner™ and is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner. By day, she is a VP of Fund Accounting & Finance at a private equity/venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, and holds an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in the State of California. She’s a seasoned investor, venture capitalist, and angel investor for aspiring female entrepreneurs with 20 yearsStay 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 feel depleted, overwhelmed, and burnt out from your job?Are you so accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment, that stopping to take a breath seems laughable?How long do you think you can go on this way- and have ANY quality of life?It’s so easy to find yourself adopting and absorbing the cultural values of your work environment. The fact is, your health and well-being are just as important, if not more so, than your productive output. Welcome to season 2 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty! In this first episode, I’m speaking with Rachel Teichberg. Besides being my sister, she is the head of Learning and Development at Veterinary Growth Partners.In her role, she designs fun and engaging learning programs that make leaders feel less alone, give them the tools to excel in their roles, while creating beautiful moments of growth and awareness.We discuss her journey from having to google “what is rest” (to figure out if she was doing it right), to teaching hundreds of people how to balance personal and professional boundaries through her work. Today is all about emotional intelligence in the workplace, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-awareness. Rachel’s experience is a profound example of the life-changing benefits of prioritizing yourself - and how it’s possible for you too!Remember, the more we learn about ourselves, the bigger the impact we can make in the world!Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Click here to learn all the ways you can work with me: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_FaceBook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Rachel TeichbergRachel is the head of learning and development at Veterinary Growth Partners. She works with teams to enhance their culture, boost team morale, and improve overall communication through conflict management and emotional intelligence training. Her goal is to design fun and engaging learning programs that make leaders feel less alone, give them the tools to excel in their roles, while creating beautiful moments of growth and awareness.Rachel and I have been working behind the scenes together pretty much our entire lives, and sharing her with you brings me so much joy. Her insights offer tremendous value regardless of industry.Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room