?? Renee Seltzer的动态

It's Teacher Appreciation Week!??? But let's be honest, shouldn't EVERY week be about celebrating? amazing educators? This week, we shower our educators with love (and maybe some coffee!). But let's not forget the real message: Teachers INSPIRE. Think back to a teacher who made a difference. The one who saw your potential, believed in your dreams, or made learning FUN.? They ignited a spark that's still burning today. Now, hear me out...? Teachers can't keep shining bright without support. They need resources, manageable workloads, and most importantly, to be valued by our communities. So, this week, let's do more than say thanks.? Let's advocate for our educators. Let's contact our representatives and demand they prioritize education. Let's show our teachers they're not alone – they're a whole constellation! Here's how YOU can make a difference: -Share your teacher appreciation story!? -Tag your favorite educator and let the world know their impact.? -Get involved!? -Look up education advocacy groups in your area.? -Support your local schools!Volunteer, donate supplies, or simply attend school board meetings. Together, we can ensure that every teacher has the tools and support they need to keep inspiring the next generation! Thank you to the National Education Association for supporting me in elevating teacher voices! #Teachers #TeacherAppreciation #ThankATeacher #TeachersInspire #InvestInEducation #AccomplishedTeaching

We’re already seeing the annual slew of Teacher Appreciation Week posts saying profound things like “If you really want to appreciate teachers, then pay them more” along with a handful of other innovative ideas like giving teachers autonomy and having better work/life balance. These posts aren’t wrong at all to call out all the problems with America’s education system. But I’d also love to see us spend the week actually appreciating the teachers in our lives instead of reminding them of all the ways they’re not valued in our society. Trust me, they live it every day so they know. Things I loved getting during this week when I was teaching: - Handwritten notes/cards from students or parents - Food. Lunch, donuts, candy basket - it does not matter. I would never turn down the free food. - Weird, quirky things my kids found that reminded them of me (once I got a snow globe with a flower in it, à la Beauty and the Beast. It was an instant hit with me because it was just so weird.) - The occasional smile or laugh from grumpy middle schoolers - A volunteer coming in to take care of some grading, tidying up, organizing the library, etc. - Classroom supply donations? - Gift cards to restaurants, Amazon, etc. Teachers, what else would you add to the list of best teacher gifts?

Reading with young children is more than just a pastime – it's a crucial building block for their cognitive development, language skills, and future academic success. When we read with our little ones, we're not just sharing stories; we're fostering bonds, sparking curiosity, and laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Plus, it's a delightful way to spend quality time together and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Joining the Read Across America celebration is easy and fun! Here are a few simple ways you can participate: 1. Grab your favorite Dr. Seuss book or any other children's classic and read aloud to the young children in your life. Whether it's a bedtime story or a cozy afternoon read, the experience of sharing a book is priceless. 2. Organize a storytime event at your local library, school, or community center. Invite children and families to gather for interactive readings, crafts, and activities inspired by Dr. Seuss's beloved characters. 3. Consider donating gently used children's books to organizations or schools in need. Every book you give opens up new worlds of imagination and possibility for a child who may not have access to a vast library at home. 4. Share your love of reading on social media using the hashtag #ReadAcrossAmerica. Post photos of your reading adventures, favorite book recommendations, or memorable Dr. Seuss quotes to inspire others to join the celebration. As we celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America, let's remember the profound impact that reading can have on young minds. By sharing stories, sparking imaginations, and fostering a love of literacy, we're not just shaping future readers – we're nurturing the next generation of thinkers, dreamers, and leaders. So, grab a book, gather your little ones, and let the magic of storytelling transport you to places beyond your wildest dreams. Happy Reading!

"It is officially the season of gratitude and giving, two concepts that young children can absolutely learn. But teaching them about the concept of giving is not enough. We must also teach them about the many joys of giving. Cultivating a spirit of generosity in young children is an invaluable gift that can last a lifetime. Teaching them the importance of giving not only fosters empathy but also strengthens community. Here are some ways you can instill the joy of giving in young children." https://lnkd.in/eCqjyKG4

Apparently we're on the cusp of Teacher Appreciation Week, which means teachers everywhere are about to be given stuff they don't need or want. My partner texted me this morning and told me today's gift was the card game Uno. We don't want Uno. We don't need Uno. So, he's going to go find whoever is in charge of the gift committee to politely return the gift -- and to get a preview for what's to come over the course of next week so that he can bow out of the consumerism that is so tangled up with "appreciation." I understand people and organizations give gifts out of kindness, but I also think a lot of gifts are given out of perceived necessity or expectation. "Society" tells us that, to show appreciation, love, and kindness, we have to buy and give stuff. Here's the thing, though: Most people don't want or need another mug, frame, t-shirt, magnet, water bottle, journal, or tote bag. (Yes, even those "eco-friendly" gifts are not wanted; one too many and we've stepped beyond eco-friendly to too much stuff.) I've talked about the need to eliminate swag bags from events and press trips before, but this is a reminder that we also don't need them for days of appreciation, awards ceremonies, anniversaries, or holidays either. For the most part, here's what people want: > A sincere thank you > A handwritten note > A day off of work > A cup of coffee or tea > Time and real conversation > A discount > A thoughtful act that shows you truly care > A donation to an organization that matters to the recipient My plea and reminder to everyone is this: If you must gift something (and "must" feels like a tenuous word here), please ask what is wanted or needed. Because receiving a gift that isn't wanted or needed isn't appreciated. It's a burden.

Happy Children's Day! ?? On this Children's Day, let's remember the power of education in shaping future leaders. Let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible potential within every child. When we invest in children's education, we're investing in a brighter, more innovative future for all of us. Think back to your own childhood. Remember the teacher who made a subject come alive for you, or the moment when a new concept just clicked? Those experiences became building blocks of who we are right now. It's much more than textbooks and classrooms; it's about inspiring a love for learning and nurturing their unique talents and dreams. Let's commit to supporting and advocating for quality education for every child. Whether it's through volunteering, mentoring, or simply encouraging a child's interests and questions, every small action counts. Wishing all the children and the child in all of us a joyful and inspiring Children's Day! P.S: What's your best Children's Day memory? Let's relieve those memories ???? #neweeek #Children'sDay #Mondayvibes #thefinancebridger #DigitalMarketing

???????????? WHAT ARE THE DEFINING MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE? ?? ?? At the heart of every defining moment are PEOPLE, COMMUNITY and EDUCATION—the powerful forces shaping our lives and our opportunities within them. A defining moment is transformative, for better or worse. It’s about what we learn about ourselves, others, and the world; which is the essence of life. This belief drives my passion for education and for creating inclusive, meaningful learning experiences based on relational practice. These are some key defining moments of my (adult!) life so far… ?? Meeting my husband James Cooper (the best human I have ever met in my life… which is lucky since we spend so much time together ;)) ?? Working at The King Alfred School ?? Becoming a mum 3 times (though 5 actually if you include my 2 cat babies ????…) ???? Studying for a Masters at the IOE - UCL's Faculty of Education and Society ?? Becoming an advocate for Learning Pioneers ???? My dad’s paralysis Every single one of these experiences has led me to co-developing ThriveNow Education… I am committing my time, experience and passion for improving the education system so that every child and young person feels supported, nurtured and empowered through the defining moments in their lives. Achieving this requires all of us—educators, policymakers, parents, and community members—to work together, to commit to an education system that prioritises equity, well-being, and inspiration. ??? Tomorrow (November 6th) we will share the link to our GoFundMe page where your donation will have an incredible impact on our collective growth! ?? Stay tuned this week, as I’ll be sharing the key professional moments that shaped me—and how you can benefit from them too! ?? Join the conversation... Sign up to our weekly Substack ‘ThriveNow Education’: https://lnkd.in/e9jtWB4N What are some of the defining moments in your life? Share in the comments below! #ProgressiveEducation #FutureofEducation #ThriveNow #InclusiveEducation? #ThrivingCommunity? #FourPillarsEducation #EducationReform #FutureReady

As the end of the school year starts to approach, it's time to start thinking about what to get your kids' teachers. Gift giving can be hard. This list of thoughtful gifts for teachers will help you affordably show them some much-needed appreciation:

When the Curtain Falls: The Encore Performance of Our Everyday Unsung Heroes It was the final performance of the school play—a production put together with more passion than budget, more enthusiasm than experience. As the audience clapped and the curtain fell, Mrs. Langley, the director and a seasoned English teacher, gathered her young cast backstage for a final huddle. Her words were simple, yet heartfelt: "What you did on stage was more than act; you brought stories to life, taught lessons without a textbook, and reached hearts beyond these walls." Little did the students know, the school had almost cut the drama program due to budget constraints. But Mrs. Langley, determined not to let that happen, volunteered her time after school, seeking donations for costumes and set pieces, proving her belief in the program's value for student growth and confidence. This story isn't just about saving a program or a successful school play. It's about the often unseen dedication of teachers like Mrs. Langley, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. These are the educators who stay late, come early, and go beyond their job descriptions to ensure that every child can experience success and joy in learning. As the school year draws to a close and we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, let's remember and celebrate the Mrs. Langleys in schools across the country. It's their unwavering commitment, often unnoticed until the curtain falls, that truly shapes the future of our children. This week, let's give them the standing ovation they deserve, not just now but every day, for their relentless dedication and impact goes far beyond the fleeting moments of applause. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #EverydayHeroes #EducationImpact #BeyondTheClassroom