
Unlock Your Teaching Potential
Are you overwhelmed by the constant demands of teaching, wondering if you’ll ever feel balanced again? Do you feel like your identity as an educator has overshadowed the person you once were? Are you craving a way to rediscover your passion and purpose, not just in the classroom but in your life?Welcome to Unlock Your Teaching Potential, your permission slip to hit the brakes, recharge, and reignite your joy for teaching and living.I’m Dr. Jen Rafferty, a former music teacher, author, TEDX speaker, mom of 2, and founder of Empowered Educator. I’ve been where you are, navigating the burnout, the exhaustion, and the struggle to find time for yourself especially when life gets lifey. But I also know there’s another way, a path to thriving both as an educator and a human being.This podcast is where we ditch the old ideas of what you “should” be doing and discover actionable steps to create a life you love. Each week, I’ll guide you through short, impactful episodes created to empower you with tangible tools to reclaim your energy, prioritize your well-being, and transform the way you show up for yourself, your students, and your family.Together, we’ll rewrite the narrative of being in education from selfless superhero to becoming an empowered educator, one step at a time. Whether it’s embracing mindfulness, setting boundaries, or rediscovering what lights you up, you’ll leave each episode with strategies to help you lead a healthier, and more joyful life...which in turn will allow you to show up as your best self for your students and school communities. If you’re ready to fuel your soul as an educator, this is the podcast for you!So it’s time to recharge, refocus, and unlock your teaching potential! Our kids need you.
Latest episodes

Jun 15, 2021 • 26min
Learning Design & Cognitive Neuroscience with Lauren Waldman
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Diving into the science of the brain Lauren Waldman became her own best case study and learning experiment. Through her challenging, emotional and victorious learning journey, she came to understand what learning really is, how it feels and how to methodically approach it. It is her passion and purpose to evolve the way we learn now and share it with others...so cool!https://www.learningpirate.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning_pirate/Clubhouse: @learningpirateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learning-pirate/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LearningPirateIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Jun 8, 2021 • 23min
The Power of Play in Education with Dina Bolan
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Dina Bolan is a third-grade teacher from NJ and a fierce advocate for playful education beyond the early childhood years. She is the creator of Club in a Crate, a play-based virtual Social club for kids ages 6-10.Find Dina here:clubinacrate.comclubinacrate@gmail.com@clubinacrate on Instagram and ClubhouseIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Jun 1, 2021 • 27min
Ethics in Music Education with Allison Russo
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Educator, consultant, and writer Allison Russo has over 10 years’ experience bringing issues of equity and ethics to light in the world of arts education. Her areas of interest include social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts. A former public school teacher, Allison is a graduate of Ithaca College (B.M.) and Boston University (M.M), with additional training at Rutgers University’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. She lives in New Jersey with her college sweetheart Ben and their daughter Madeline. The Critical Goodthecriticalgood@gmail.comFB, IG, CH @thecriticalgoodIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

May 25, 2021 • 25min
Teacher Feature Josh Emanuel
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Josh Emanuel is a music educator, percussionist, music technology specialist, and composer from Suffern, NY. He received his B.M. in music education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and his M.S. in music technology from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis and has taught students ranging from kindergarten to graduate music students. He is currently a PhD Candidate in Music Education at New York University. Josh’s work focuses on the use of technology in music education as a tool to allow students to create and experience music. As a presenter, Josh’s work has been shared at conferences across the United States and around the world. Josh currently teaches middle school general and instrumental music at Nanuet Public Schools in Nanuet, NY.http://joshemanuel.com/If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

May 18, 2021 • 16min
Learning and the Brain with Veerle Ponnet
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Veerle Ponnet is currently the Academic Director for Dusemond Study Programmes in the UK. Her vision and expertise draws on insights from the world of neuroscience. All of her programs promote a growth mindset, task-based learning, with an emphasis on empowering students to see the positive potential for growth in both themselves and in others.To find out more about Veerle and her work, follow her on Clubhouse @veerleponnet, Instagram @vponnet and LinkedInListen to Veerle's TedX talk HERE Breathing exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kac6hA2eUZkIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

May 11, 2021 • 24min
Spotlight on the Give a Note Foundation
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Beth Slusher, CEO of the Give a Note Foundation, and Juliana Lee, Strategic Development Director knows what it takes to be an awesome music education. The mission at Give a Note is to support innovative music educators who are rock stars in their classroom, providing access to high quality music education to every student.It was a pleasure talking with them about their mission at Give a Note and their efforts to support music teachers. Beth SlusherBeth is a passionate voice in advancing the cause for equitable access to music education for all children. A former business owner and entrepreneur in the school music performance apparel industry, Beth continues to champion support for music educators as CEO for Give A Note Foundation. Her commitment and dedication to enhance and expand music education opportunities through Give A Note began as one of the founding board members in 2012, serving as Board Chair & President from 2014 – 2018. Music has long played a key role in her life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in vocal and instrumental music performance from Ball State University and was honored by her alma mater as an Outstanding Young Alumnus Award winner in 1994. An avid concert goer, Beth appreciates all music genres and enjoys traveling, hiking and biking with her family.Juliana LeeAs Strategic Development Director, Juliana plans and executes strategies to grow Give A Note Foundation and ensure its financial stability. She spearheads communication with key partners including teachers, corporations, other foundations and the entertainment and media industries. She joins Give A Note after six years as the Community Relations Director growing the national non-profit Notes for Notes and over a decade in leadership roles with nonprofit organizations. A MusiCares Ambassador, Juliana is active in entertainment industry professional organizations including the Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID), The Other Nashville Society (TONS) and GRAMMY NEXT. She enjoys attending concerts and participating in yoga and mountain sports. Juliana received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.Take a look at giveanote.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

May 4, 2021 • 9min
Mind the Gap - Traditional and Non Traditional Music Education
Have a question for the show? Text us here!I met Beth Slusher and Juliana Lee from the Give a Note foundation and after some passionate and heartfelt conversations about music education, they asked me to write an article for them: Mind the Gap: Traditional vs. Non-traditional Music Education. You can read the full article (and their other great content) at Giveanote.orgAlso.....You can reach Jimmy VanDeusen on FaceBook @jimmy.vandeuseniiIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Apr 27, 2021 • 27min
Teacher Feature Theresa Hoover
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Theresa Hoover is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and works to empower students throughout their musical experiences and help teachers transform their classrooms to become student-centered learning environments. Theresa is currently a middle school band director in Arlington, Virginia. She is also a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Innovator, frequently working with teachers to help integrate technology into their music classes. Theresa is a recognized presenter and clinician for local, regional, and national conferences and is the co-author of the book Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students. You can find Theresa’s work online at www.musicaltheresa.com Facebook group: Tacit for TeachersKnow an outstanding music educator who should be highlighted as a Take Notes Teacher Feature? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Apr 20, 2021 • 29min
Innovation and Music Education with Lourenço Dias Amador
Have a question for the show? Text us here!This week on Take Notes, I had the pleasure of talking with Lourenço Dias Amador about neuroscience and music education. Lourenço is a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, in Educational Neuroscience & innovation studies. He's currently investigating innovation and how it can be modeled as a skill, specifically how it could become an educational outcome. Through his research, he is also exploring the neuroscience behind creativity....super cool.Connect with Lourenço on Clubhouse @lourencodiasamador If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and share with a friend!Have a question? Want to suggest a topic for the show? Email me at music@jenrafferty.comwebsite: jenrafferty.comFB & IG: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertyCover Art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room

Apr 12, 2021 • 6min
What's Your Why?
Have a question for the show? Text us here!It's the pilot episode of Take Notes! Dig deep and uncover your why - your reason for teaching. This will be your identity for who you are as an educator, and a guidepost for your professional decisions.email: music@jenrafferty.comIG & FB: @jenraffertymusicClubhouse: @jenraffertytake a look at jenrafferty.com for upcoming eventsCover art: https://goodneighborart.com/Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: empowerededucator.com/resources Instagram: @jenrafferty_ Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room