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.com

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 Wolfe

Do you feel your success isn't enough? And as you keep chasing it, at the end of the day it still doesn't feel satisfying, right?It’s time to redefine success, and today, I'm joined by a special guest, Stacey McFarland, a mindset coach and founder of Soul Studio. In our discussion, we explore the often overlooked truth that success is an internal journey.Stacey shared her transformative journey of self-discovery, highlighting the pivotal role self-love and authenticity play in our lives. We're peeling back the layers on why recognizing our own worth is essential and how setting clear boundaries is an act of self-respect.And, as we all strive to connect and support each other, we'll discuss the impact of simply holding space for others, understanding that sometimes, being present is more powerful than any advice we could offer.Tune in as we unpack these insights and more, learning how to embrace the journey toward a fulfilling and authentically successful life.Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Stacey:Stacey McFarland embodies the power of calm. Her own personal journey of growing, healing and connecting to her true self was the unstoppable force behind the career change to mindset coach and founder of Soul Studio. Her belief that Success is an inside job helps women to finally stop focusing and chasing external circumstances and tap into their souls to create success from a place of ease, peace, and compassion. Stacey was awarded, by the local Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year. This award was given to her in 2020 during the uncertain times of the pandemic shutdown. She has been praised for her ability to maintain an upbeat and positive attitude while pivoting her business in a new direction that not only helped her business survive, it thrived! Stacey is a sought-after Transformational Speaker and Mindset Coach. She is passionate about helping female leaders navigate their journey to achieving it all while stressing less. Her high level mindset coaching includes body regulation and is proven to work 100% of the time. Her clients have next level results in their business and personal lives.Website: soulstudio.usFB: Soul Studio Instagram: @soul_studio.usLinkedIn: Stacey McFarland

Feeling burned out from the classroom?Remember that navigating burnout is an ongoing journey and not a quick fix. The good news? You can initiate positive change today.On episode 2 of the Take Notes podcast, I sit down with Amber Harper, the brilliant mind behind Burned-In Teacher, and together we unpack the world of teacher burnout.Amber shared her personal experience of burnout and how she turned her life around after a public breakdown. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness and intentional change.Discover her 8-step Burned-In process, a guide for teachers to address and conquer burnout.Tune in and find out more practical advice and actionable steps to help you navigate and overcome burnoutStay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Amber:Amber Harper is a Kindergarten Teacher, author of Hacking Teacher Burnout, podcaster, and Teacher Burnout Coach. She gives struggling teachers a path to follow as they navigate their way out of burnout by helping them grow through their burnout and take their next best steps toward what they want from their career in education and in life. You can learn more about her and the services she offers at www.burnedinteacher.com.Connect with Amber:Website:https://www.burnedinteacher.com/IG: @burnedinteacher

Ever feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re doing this whole parenting thing rightYou’re not alone, and in this episode, I dive into the real and raw moments of parenting with Parent Coach, Synthia Praglin.We unpacked the layers of parent coaching, a journey where I learned it's not about changing our children but transforming the parent’s perspective and response to their child's behavior.We dig deep into our own triggers, rooted in unmet needs and unprocessed experiences. Synthia’s wisdom unveils a haunting yet comforting truth: our children mirror our unhealed wounds.We explored the power of seeing our kids beyond their behaviors. Every tantrum and smile reflects unmet needs and unexpressed emotions. In Synthia’s words, we’ll discover a world where compassion and understanding are the cornerstones of parenting.Are you ready to step into this space of learning and growing together?Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Synthia:For as long as I can remember, I have always had a passion for working with children and families. Having grown up in a family system where “children were seen but not heard” I knew there had to be a better and healthier way to raise children. Having my own child reinforced this notion and from early on, I made a promise to raise my son in a way that was respectful, and from a place of curiosity, compassion and conscious awareness. Parent coaching gives you the opportunity to talk about your specific parenting challenges, all while navigating the developmental transitions in your child’s life. Through a lens of curiosity, rather than blame or judgment, we will look at the “why” of behavior and strive to understand what the behavior is telling us. With this clarity and understanding, we are better equipped to help our child through these difficult moments thereby strengthening the parent - child relationship. My philosophy is based in a Mindful/Conscious Parenting model that takes a relationship based view of parenting and emphasizes the importance of nurturing the connection between parent and child. My goal is to help you bring lightness, laughter, and love back into your home. To help joyfulness and tranquility find a place at the table. To teach you to forgive yourself when you are human and move forward. To feel in control and optimistic about the future, and your family. Connect with Synthia:IG: @imperfectparentinglaFB: Imperfect ParentingEmail: contact@imperfectparenting.com

Are you caught in the whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities, forgetting the fiery passion that once fueled your teaching journey? Do Sundays fill you with dread, and does the very thought of Monday morning send chills down your spine? It’s time to toss those feelings out the window!Welcome to Season 3 of the Take Notes podcast, where you get to give yourself a  permission slip to disrupt the status quo, reclaim your agency, and step into a world where you get to make yourself the priority in order to show up as your best-self.I’m your host Jen Rafferty - a former music teacher, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, mom of 2, and founder of Empowered Educator, and I’ve been where you are.In this season, we’re not just talking about surviving; we’re diving deep into thriving!We’re rewriting the educator’s narrative and tearing down the walls of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and that crippling guilt that has held you captive. It’s time to liberate yourself from the chains of conventional education and step into a world of empowerment and freedom. This is a space where your well-being is the core curriculum, where taking care of yourself isn’t just encouraged – it’s a requirement. Where your empowerment translates into the transformation of lives, creating a ripple effect that shapes future generations.In these electrifying episodes, we’re moving from mere inspiration to tangible integration. Each conversation is a stepping stone to transform your practices, breathe life into your passion, and ignite the change to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. We’re about taking action and turning those “how’s” into now’s!The transformation begins HERE and NOW. Say goodbye to the mundane, and hello to a world where you are unstoppable. Buckle up and get ready to explore territories unknown because, in this space, we are unearthing the extraordinary in every educator.Are you ready to take the lead in your life? To not just be an educator, but a revolutionary and make transformational generational change? Let’s do this!

Are you feeling a bit disconnected from your love for teaching?Today is the day to reignite the lost spark! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Stephanie Haynes, an education consultant who specializes in helping educators reignite their love for teaching. We discussed how educators' feelings about their jobs directly impact their performance and the importance of addressing these feelings head-on.We explored the concept of learned helplessness and how it can affect educators' sense of making a difference in the classroom.Ready to reconnect with your love for teaching and reignite that passion within you?Let's do this!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Stephanie:Stephanie Haynes, ACC is an Education Coach and Consultant providing custom educational consulting and coaching for schools, educators, parents, and students that equips all stakeholders to empower teens to build a pathway to a future teens are excited to pursue. Specializing in classroom and school culture development and post-high school pathway planning, Stephanie’s vision is to break the mold of the one-size-fits-all post-high school planning process and revolutionize how schools, parents, and the community at large defines success for today's teens. Her decades of working with teens, educators, and parents has shown her how devastating the college-for-all mindset has been on today's youth. With only two culturally acceptable options: go to college and become successful or don't and limit your potential, Stephanie believes too many teens have been caught up in extreme anxiety and fear of not fitting into the mold, and apathy and withdrawal when they believe they can't. As a result, the potential and purpose of so many young people has been limited to the detriment of our communities. She is a veteran educator, speaker, coach, and author who is on mission to equip all stakeholders to empower today's teens to build a pathway to a successful future on their own terms they are excited to pursue. When she's not reimagining a culture of success with today's high schools, she balances her consulting career with her husband, two children, two rescue dogs, and spending time outdoors in all the nature South Carolina has to offer. Connect with Stephanie:Website: stephaniehaynes.netFacebook: Stephanie Haynes Instagram: @EdCoachStephHaynes

How do you show up for work during challenging times, like breakups?Today, we're diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to: navigating difficult times while still showing up for work.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Tal Yardeni, the breakup recovery coach, about navigating through challenging times while still being able to excel in our professional lives, especially for teachers like us.Join us as we delve into our personal journeys and wisdom, aiming to inspire and empower you. Tal will spotlight self-forgiveness and self-compassion, revealing their transformative power for your mindset and resilience. We'll further explore the value of self-care, introspection, and cultivating supportive circles. Ready to discover how to navigate difficult times while putting your well-being first? 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 Tal:Tal is known as the breakup recovery coach. Having gone through her own heartbreak and being on the other side of it, she is super passionate about helping women let go of their ex, learn to love the f out of themselves, and be ready for their best relationship yet, inside of her life changing coaching program- The Breakup To Badass Formula.Connect with Tal:IG: @thetalyardeni

Ready to unlock the wisdom of your inner child and embrace the power of reinvention?In this episode, we're diving deep into the importance of healing our inner child and the transformative nature of reinvention!I had the pleasure of chatting with Liz Svatek, the CEO of Warrior Women Inc and the host of the Conversations with Warrior Women podcast. We talk about healing our inner child and the importance of embracing our emotions. During our conversation, we explored the importance of stillness, emotional release, and the power of community. Liz shared her personal experience of suppressing emotions in the past and how embracing emotional release has expanded her capacity for joy.This episode is going to leave you feeling inspired and ready to make some positive changes in your life. 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 Liz:Liz is the CEO of Warrior Women INC, a 6 figure personal growth business founded upon women unleashing their inner warrior and becoming the most powerful versions of themselves. She is the creator of the Warrior Women Experience, a transformational live event bringing women together across the country, and she is the host the Conversations With Warrior Women Podcast- which is globally ranked in the top 1.5%. Liz travels all over the world speaking, healing and empowering women to live into their Limitless Possibility, Reclaim their POWER and HEAL their Little Girls.Connect with Liz:Website: lizsvatek.comIG: @liz.svatekLinkedIn: Liz SvatekGet your magic back! Come to Warrior Women Camp!https://www.lizsvatek.com/camp

Have you ever felt like you're stuck in a rut and can't seem to break free from your fears and limiting beliefs?Well, I've got some exciting news for you! In this episode, I interview Lauren Best, a certified hypnotherapist, who shares how hypnotherapy can help you access your subconscious mind and release those emotional blocks that are holding you back.We discuss the significance of self-love and discovering a supportive community that fosters your personal development. Lauren also shares her own journey of discovering hypnotherapy and how it helped her build a connection to her intuition.Do you want to learn more about the power of hypnotherapy and how it can help you achieve personal growth? Tune in now!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Lauren:Lauren Best is a Certified Hypnotherapist and Provoker of Possibility. She works with Curious Individuals, Creative Entrepreneurs, and Conscious Companies who are ready to explore how they can do things differently in their work and life. She creates spaces and experiences that share with them the tools to dive into a world of self-discovery and growth where they can unlock an even greater potential inside of themselves using their subconscious minds. Lauren has collaborated with public and private sector organizations, small businesses and solopreneurs across the globe from Canada to the UK, Netherlands, Australia, The United States and Singapore to help these folks move through the noise, envision and come up with new ideas, and create bite-sized plans of action that support their desired area of transformation.Connect with Lauren:Website: lauren-best.comLinkedIn: Lauren BestDownload the FREE Visualize a Life You Love Hypnosis Audio Transcript

Do you sometimes struggle to stay present and focused in the classroom?It’s time to transform your teaching experience and find inner peace.In this episode, I am joined by Dan Tricarico, a high school English teacher for over thirty years and an author. Dan shares insights on how to incorporate zen practices into your daily life as a teacher. We also discussed the importance of mindfulness, acceptance, and self-care, and provide practical tips for staying present in the moment. If you’re ready to take your teaching to the next level, find inner peace, and create a more positive classroom environment, then tune in to this episode.Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Dan:Dan Tricarico has been a high school English teacher for over thirty years. He is also the author of The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom (DBC, Inc. 2015) and Sanctuaries: Self-Care Secrets for Stressed Out Teachers (DBC, Inc. 2018). In his spare time, he enjoys writing, listening to music, reading mystery novels, watching movies, and staring out of windows.  One of his first loves is writing poetry, and he has published many poems both in print and online.Connect with Dan:Website: thezenteacher.comTwitter: @thezenteacher IG: @zenteacher FB: The Zen Teacher

Feeling burnt out and overwhelmed as an educator? Want to prioritize your well-being and make a positive impact on the lives of the children you serve?In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Katie Raher, an expert in social-emotional learning and well-being, and founder and CEO of Constant Love and Learning. Katie shared some incredible insights with us. In our conversation, we delve into the significance of prioritizing our own well-being and how it directly influences the well-being of the children in our care. Katie opens up about her personal journey, recounting the times she neglected her own well-being as a teacher and school psychologist, and the pivotal moment when she recognized the importance of self-care. Today, through her business, she guides and empowers educators and changemakers in cultivating their own well-being and fostering social-emotional learning.Ready to rejuvenate your passion for teaching, prioritize self-care, and create a positive ripple effect in the world around you?Tune in now!Stay empowered,Jen  Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Katie:Dr. Katie Raher is the Founder and CEO of Constant Love and Learning, an award-winning teacher turned School Psychologist, a Certified Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator, and a Kimochis Certified Trainer. She helps soul-led educators and change makers cultivate well-being and social emotional learning within themselves, the children they serve, and their larger systems, so they can expand and sustain their impact while living their best lives.Connect with Katie:Website: constantloveandlearning.comIG: @constantloveandlearning_FB: Constant Love and LearningTranscript

Struggling with adult ADHD? Feeling overlooked by doctors and mental health professionals? There's a place for you here.In this episode, I got to delve into an enlightening conversation with Shane Thrapp, a certified ADHD life coach and advocate. His personal journey with ADHD has empowered him to help others like him find their unique purpose and steer through the ordinary bustle of daily life.Shane shares his frustration with the lack of information and support for adults with ADHD and how he became an advocate for the condition. We discuss the importance of self-advocacy in seeking a diagnosis and treatment and how individuals with ADHD can navigate professional environments by identifying their strengths and needs and communicating them to HR.A focal point of our discourse was the imperative of spreading education among parents, teachers, and students about neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and autism. This consciousness can be a cornerstone in crafting a society that welcomes differences and fosters understanding and acceptance.So, are you ready to take the reins of your ADHD and become your own advocate? Tune into this conversation with Shane Thrapp, and gain a fresh perspective on adult ADHD, self-advocacy, and education. Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Shane:Shane Thrapp is a Certified ADHD Life, Relationship, and Career Coach. He is the founder of Creating Order From Chaos, an ADHD coaching and consultation business aimed at empowering individuals with ADHD to discover their true purpose and conquer their goals. Alongside his work with individuals, he collaborates with businesses, facilitating their understanding of neurodivergence and implementing necessary accommodations.In addition to his coaching endeavors, he holds the position of Operations Director for the nonprofit Men's ADHD Support Group, and he also proudly serves as a board member for the Inattentive ADHD Coalition. Through these roles, he passionately advocates for ADHD awareness through public-speaking and podcast or YouTube appearances.His mission is to make a lasting impact in the lives of neurodivergent people, guiding them on their unique journeys through the chaos of life with ADHD, and empowering businesses to provide the support that neurodivergent people deserve.Connect with Shane:Website: creatingorderfromchaos.comFacebook: Creating Order From Chaos ConsultingIG: @creatingorderfromchaosconsultMen’s ADHD Support GroupTranscript

For the first day of Pride Month, I wanted to bring you an episode about how we can spread love and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.Today, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with two remarkable individuals, Gidget Galore and Ginger Minj, who share their personal journeys and shed light on the power of drag.Gidget Galore educated us on the world of Drag Queen Story Hour—a program that sparks love and acceptance in young hearts. She shares her firsthand account of the profound influence it has on shaping young minds and fostering inclusivity.The LGBTQ+ community still faces intolerance and misunderstanding. In the face of adversity, Gidget Galore and Ginger Minj will share their stories of resilience and strength, reminding us all of the power of celebrating diversity and respecting one another.Get ready to be moved, motivated, and inspired by the transformative potential of embracing one's true self!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeAbout Ginger Minj: Originally hailing from small-town Leesburg, Florida, Ginger Minj made her first splash on the global stage as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7. As a fan favorite and triple threat she was invited back for Drag Race All Stars 2 and made it to the top 3 of All Stars 6. She has starred in the Anne Fletcher helmed “Dumplin” for Netflix alongside Jennifer Aniston and Dove Cameron, in the Netflix series “AJ & The Queen”, and most recently in the Disney + Original Movie,  “Hocus Pocus 2”.  When she is not touring the world or appearing in movies and live theatrical shows, Ginger can be heard on her three studio albums, Sweet T, Gummybear and her newest EP, Double Wide Diva!About Gidget Galore:Gidget Galore has been working in the entertainment industry for as long as he can remember. He has costumed, wigged, and dressed many shows and special events in and around Central Florida at theme parks and theaters including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, Hard Rock Live, House of Blues, The Orlando Repertory Theatre, The Winter Park Playhouse, The Orlando Opera and The Orlando Philharmonic. Gidget has worked on the wardrobe team for entertainers including Donna Summer, Diana DeGarmo and The Jacksons. He has even created fabulous looks for the one and only Ginger Minj for Ru Paul’s Drag Race! Gidget has also designed for and performed in the Orlando International Fringe Theater Festival for many years. Currently,  He took on the role of Rose, from the hilarious Golden Girls television hit series in 2018 when Gidget and Ginger decided to dive head first into the theatrical parody world of the “Golden Gals” and hasn’t stopped laughing since. Gidget Galore has been a professional Orlando female impersonator since 2006. Gidget has enjoyed entertaining the night club circuit, corporate galas, public (and private) events and, most recently, was honored by the Mayor of Orlando with his Matching Grant as the hostess of “Drag Queen Story Hour” reading to the wonderful youngsters of Orlando at the gay and lesbian center.Connect with Ginger and Gidget:Ginger’s IG: @gingerminjGinger Minj's cookbookGidget’s IG: @gidgetgaloreSew FierceI Am What I Am single

Do you feel like your students hate the idea of going to school? Are you running out of ideas to keep them engaged and excited about learning new things? In this episode, I had a conversation with Elijah Carbajal, a teacher whose main drive is to make school a place for students to love. We dive into how he views school culture and how he transforms the teaching norms into what young kids would understand.Elijah emphasizes how much better learning could be by using language or games or pop culture references that kids would understand. And by telling captivating stories and incorporating the subject matter within it as moral lessons, the students are kept engaged and wanting for more. As his book says, school becomes “A Place They Love.”We also talked about the ways of keeping the school fun, engaging, and safe, and we challenged the notion that learning can either be fun or rigorous and hard. Elijah dials in on the truth that when things get more fun, learning becomes even more rigorous, except it becomes less hard and more engaging for the students. Elijah’s stories will encourage you to be bolder, more creative, and more engaged with your students more than ever. Ready to transform your classroom into a place that the students will love? Tune in to this episode filled with inspiring stories and valuable takeaways!Stay empowered,JenLet’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Elijah:Elijah is a teacher, like his mom, uncle, and grandparents before him. He has been teaching in the state of New Mexico since 2014, currently working in the Albuquerque Public School district. Elijah enjoys podcasting about all things educational and listening to podcasts created by his friends in education, some of which he has been honored to be a guest on. He is the host of The Shut Up and Teach Podcast and the author of the book A Place They Love: Creating a Healthy School Culture and Positively Impacting Students. Elijah strives to make school a place that students love to be at by creating fun, safe, and engaging experiences and environments for all students. By challenging the norms of what education should look, act, and feel like, Elijah has created exciting opportunities for authentic learning to take place. Outside of the classroom, he can be found running, listening to or creating music, reading, or relaxing with his cat, Nala.Connect with Elijah:Twitter: @carbaeliIG: @carbaeliTranscript

Are you tired of the duality of either continuing to drink or being completely sober? While the road to sobriety is important and valid, there needs to be a different conversation that allows for freedom and responsibility.In this episode, I’m joined by Holly Krivokapich, a life coach on a mission to lead a sober uprising for high performers. Together, we explore the concept of "sober-ish" and how it can be a way to approach alcohol with intention and find a balance that serves your life. We'll also talk about the personal process of getting sober-ish, and the need for educators to talk about this who are using alcohol to self-medicate.Today is all about drinking on purpose and finding a balance that works for you! So, if you’re eager to learn this sober-ish approach, tune in now and take the first step toward a different relationship with alcohol. Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Holly:Holly Krivokapich, a certified coach and founder of Sober·ish Uprising, has done many things over her career. From marketing and communications with the Olympic movement to fundraising for a celebrity foundation to an International TedX speaker coach, her biggest accomplishment is one off the resume. Her sober·ish journey. Holly, a self-proclaimed former heavy drinker starated a sober·ish journey in 2021 and her world has never been the same. She believes you don't have to be an alcoholic to have a drinking problem and that finding freedom from alcohol is the ultimate power move for women. She believes like in all things in life we have to choose a path that works for us and is dedicated to sharing her sober·ish story so that others can see they can create their own path to sober·ish.Connect with Holly:Podcast: Sober·ish UprisingWebsite: hollykrivo.comIG: @hollykrivoTranscript

Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out as a teacher? Want to reignite your passion for teaching and make it a truly rewarding experience? You've come to the right place!In this episode, I chat with Brian Mendler, an educator who specializes in helping teachers connect with hard-to-reach kids. We dive into his transition from being a teacher to supporting other educators, and explore the gap between teacher training and real-world classroom experiences.Brian underlines the importance of remembering why we become teachers and shifting our focus towards teaching kids, not just content. He also emphasizes the value of building relationships with students and concentrating on self-improvement.Together, we tackle the challenges of reaching and communicating with students who have unique needs and face different obstacles. Brian shares his personal journey of living with ADHD and struggling with reading, which made school a tough environment for him. He stresses the need to understand and empathize with struggling students, and to find ways to uplift them instead of making them feel defeated.So, if you're eager to make a lasting impact on your students' lives, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation. Here’s to transforming your teaching approach and embracing a more joyful and rewarding path! Stay empowered,Jen Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Brian:Plagued by severe undiagnosed ADHD and reading difficulties, I began disrupting class in 4th grade. I believed my peers would laugh at me for being “dumb” so I made sure they laughed at me for being “bad” instead. I was defiant, disruptive, and relatively unmotivated. By sixth grade, my academic skills were so below grade level that I was pulled/kicked out of school.During my senior year, I started gambling. The next five years were a cycle of lying, cheating, and stealing to feed my addiction. In 2001 I entered recovery. I am now clean 21 years.Today I am a certified teacher, presenter, and international motivational keynote speaker for educators. I have co/authored seven books, including the best seller, That One Kid, 2nd Edition,  Tips for Teachers, Power Struggles, Turning Tough Parents into Strong Partners, and Watch Your Mouth.Connect with Brian:Website: brianmendler.com IG: @brianmendlerPodcast: The Brian Mendler ShowTranscript

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed in the education system? Are you ready to make a real impact and create generational change for our kids? Join me as I interview Veronica Sopher, a renowned school communications leader with over two decades of experience in K-12 leadership. Veronica and I dive into the heart of the problem in education today - the need for appropriate mindset professional development for all adults in schools, not just teachers and leaders.In this episode, we uncover the importance of self-care and reflection in the education system, especially in light of the ever-evolving expectations of parents, teachers, and staff. We explore the impact of COVID-19 on the education system and how we can recalibrate and rebuild for the future.Veronica brings a wealth of knowledge on how to achieve a balance between masculine and feminine energy in leadership by embracing vulnerability. She shares her own experience of wearing pink and how it transformed how people responded to her. We also discuss how mindset professional development can shift traditional structures in education and create new models for the future.If you're ready to reignite your passion for education and be part of the crucial time of school culture building, tune in to this episode of Take Notes. Veronica's wisdom will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to make a change for the better. Stay empowered,Jen  Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Veronica:Veronica V. Sopher is a dynamic school communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience in K-12 leadership. She has served as the Chief Communications Officer for several large and mid-sized school districts. Sopher provides leadership, vision, direction and execution of major district communication programs, strategies, events, and activities. She now consults full time in the K-12 Communications space.Sopher believes in the power of selfcare and its dynamic impact on customer service, leadership development and teambuilding, especially in the K-12 space. After years of burning the candle at both ends and pushing herself to achieve, she realized that her physical and mental health were preventing her from creating balance in her home and her two teenage daughters and husband were not getting her best self.Sopher changed course, started investing in herself and reignited her mindset. This shift created a healthier homelife for her family, stronger and more effective productivity for her school district and leadership team and created a passion for sharing her learning with other K-12 leaders.Throughout her career, she has earned numerous professional awards and has led national award-winning teams. Sopher serves as a mentor to several school communications professionals and has held leadership positions for the Texas Schools Public Relations Association, including serving as President in 2021.Connect with Veronica:FB: Veronica V. Sopher IG: @veronicavsopher Website: www.veronicavsopher.comTranscript

Do you ever feel empty or lost deep inside? Are you hungry for more happiness and fulfillment?As we strive to create career success for ourselves, we can get so focused on our job that we forget to slow down and acknowledge our thoughts and feelings, which causes us to feel disconnected from ourselves.So how do you reconnect with yourself?Welcome to episode 34 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! Today, I’m joined by Ben Yeh. He is an entrepreneur, business/conscious leadership coach and creator of transformations.As you join us today, Ben will share the importance of having a heart-centered approach to your life. By discovering how to slow down, you’ll be able to listen to your intuition which will help you learn about yourself and really understand what makes you happy.Are you ready to embrace a life that empowers you?Stay empowered,Jen  Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Ben:Benjamin Yeh is a Business & Transformation Coach.  Ben's career has evolved from being a real estate consultant, investment officer for a family office where he invested over $1 billion dollars, serial entrepreneur, husband, father, speaker, advisor/coach and overall student of life. Combining his investment experience, business coaching and spiritual journey, Ben empowers heart-centered entrepreneurs on how to gain clarity in their purpose (their 'True North'), and live an enriching life: physically, mentally and spiritually.  Ben launched his Boom Vision Podcast in 2021, a show all about health, wealth and higher self! This show dives deep on how to create a fulfilling, abundant life: it starts with a powerful mindset!Connect with Ben:IG: @benjaminyehLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminyeh

As an empowered educator, how do you spend your time? Do you make aligned decisions on what to prioritize in your life?When it comes to living a full life, knowing how and when you spend your time is important. The decisions you make with your minutes define how your day and week will look.Welcome to episode 33 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! Today, I’m joined by Laura Vanderkam. She is a notable writer, author, and speaker on topics surrounding work-life balance, time management, and productivity.As you join us today, Laura will share tips and tricks you can use to optimize time management in your week. She also shares strategies that will help you get stuff done! Are you ready to establish good habits that will make your life easier?Stay empowered,Jen  Let’s keep the conversation going! Find me at: Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty Room About Laura:Laura is the author of several time management and productivity books. Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters, which was published on October 11, 2022, shares strategies that have been proven to help busy people feel like life is more sustainable and joyful on normal days. Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done (Portfolio, May 29, 2018), I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time (Portfolio, 2015), What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast (Portfolio, 2013), and 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think (Portfolio, 2010).Laura is also the author of a time management fable, Juliet’s School of Possibilities, published by Portfolio in early 2019. Another novel, The Cortlandt Boys, is available as an ebook. Laura’s work has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, City Journal, Fortune, and Fast Company. She has appeared on numerous television programs, including The Today Show and CBS This Morning, hundreds of radio segments, and has spoken about time and productivity to audiences of all sizes. Her TED talk, “How to gain control of your free time,” has been viewed more than 12 million times. She is the co-host, with Sarah Hart-Unger, of the podcast Best of Both Worlds. She hosts the every-weekday-morning podcast Before Breakfast, featuring productivity tips designed to take listeners’ days from great to awesome. Connect with Laura:Website: lauravanderkam.comIG: @lvanderkamFB: Laura Vanderkam