Gang, I have exciting news to share! The National Speakers Association (NSA) designated me a Certified Speaking Professional at Influence 2024 in Denver, Colorado! I am honored to be among the top echelon of professional speakers who have earned this international designation, which only about 17 percent of NSA speakers worldwide have earned. WOW! 

I am in and out of schools worldwide, working with teachers and school leaders, while Meg is still a classroom teacher on the front lines. We know how teachers all over the country are feeling right now with the start of school around the corner. One of the best things to help you get started this year is to reflect on what you respect and value. Move aside Sunday Scaries; we have work to do. 

Values should be the driving force behind the climate and culture of your classroom, school, and district. Once you identify your keywords, classroom management becomes even easier. Refer back to this list frequently, and be sure to recognize students or staff who demonstrate these values. If you do not know where to start, utilize this resource RespectValue One Sheet.pdf Email me at [email protected] for the survey for your staff to complete. 

The power is in the repetition!
#StandTallStatements

Classroom Level

Use this list of what you respect and value to guide the climate and culture in your classroom. Meg uses “The Big Three” in her third-grade classroom, and it is the heart of her classroom management. How great is that?! Imagine your entire class (no matter their age or grade level) agreeing to focus on respect, truth, and accountability. On one hand, it is mindblowing, on the other, it just makes sense. 

Header/Footer

From new teachers to seasoned staff members, this next tip can be a game changer for communication with families.  For any papers you create, letters you send home, homework, class trip information, everything and anything- you should put your name and contact information in the header or footer of that document.  While you are at it, add your respect and value words! Jazz it up and make a logo in Canva. Create, copy, paste, repeat.

Families will instantly know how to contact you right away. And yes, I know it is posted on the school’s website, Google Classroom, the student handbook, and probably even more places! But make it easy for families to reach out for help.  It reinforces what you respect and value! 

Recognize Students

When you see students of any age exhibiting the values in their daily actions, praise them! Verbal praise and a smile are powerful things! High fives, hugs, and kind words are fuel for continued behaviors. Act like they are the grand marshall of the parade! The others will see and want that for themselves. It only takes a few moments of your time and saves you from putting out little fires all day. Refrain from giving tangible rewards; that is a different topic.  

Do not weaponize values!

Constantly pointing out when people are not exhibiting the behaviors is weaponizing what you respect and value. This will only connect a negative experience with the set of words, and you will lose the relationship you spent so much time building. There are ways to flip the conversation to make your point.

 “I noticed ____ happened. How are you feeling about it? How could you have changed your behavior to reflect our values? How can I help?”

 “That’s a great idea! I can’t wait to see you have the courage to try a new way.  We will celebrate together. If you need help, I am here.”

Building Level

Administrators, complete the survey with your staffulty the first day.  Start the conversation with, “What do we respect and value? What is most important to us?” Inviting the professionals to this conversation is important, not just telling them. Give your staff a voice, and you are on your way to building better relationships and improving the climate and culture of your school. You are creating an anchor to keep the leader-ship safe in stormy seas.  

Keep referring back to these words! Don’t let it fade off as the rhythm of the school year continues.  You will save yourself time in the long run by keeping the leader-ship steered in the right direction, and your list of words is the map. The words you have selected are purposeful. 

Internal Branding and Visibility

Crew, there is a reason why sports teams have mascots and color schemes, products have logos, and commercials have jingles.  It is all a part of successful branding.  How are you branding yourself as a school leader? If you are not using internal branding, START NOW!

When it comes to your values, they need to be visible. Let these forward-thinking questions get the conversation started:

• What's it going to look like? 
• What's it going to sound like? 
• How often are we going to talk about it? 
• Where are we going to post it?
• EVERYWHERE!!!!
• Front Doors
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Bathrooms
• Morning Announcements
• Start of Meetings 
• Meeting Agendas
• When are we going to highlight kids when they do it?

Gang, I have worked with schools worldwide- and this WORKS! Putting in the time to have this conversation about values will be the heart of your classroom management. It will build relationships, give voice, and set the tone for a successful year.  No need to rinse; just repeat. So, what will your three or four words be for this year? Share in the comments below! 

If you work with a co-teacher or have consistent team expectations- share this blog and video to start the conversation.  How to Make Classroom Rules That Actually WORK (Tips From a Pro Teacher)

 Are you looking for more tips for values? Check this out.

Ten Minute Classroom Openers: Your Back-to-School Building Relationships Goldmine

 Do you want to transform your classroom into a lively, engaging, and connected space in five to ten minutes? 

Ten Minute Classroom Openers is a game-changer. Co-authored by Steve and Tina Dietrich, a seasoned counselor, this book is like a treasure chest of brilliant ideas for the classroom. It's not just any book; it's your secret weapon for nurturing a welcoming, inclusive, and exciting classroom environment. It is packed with quick, fun, and interactive activities that you can effortlessly incorporate at the beginning of each class. They are designed to get everyone settled, focused, and ready to learn. It's not just about teaching subject matter; it's about fostering that all-important connection between you and your students.

Tina and I were guests on the “Leading Out of the Woods” podcast. This interview is a must-listen! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/classroom-relationships/id1507447161?i=1000663469655 

If you're ready to transform your classroom into a place where students can't wait to come and learn, you need to get your hands on "Ten Minute Classroom Openers." It's available on Amazon, and YouthLite has ensured it's easy to access. Your students will thank you, and you'll see the difference in your classroom from day one. Transform your teaching and make every minute count with this fantastic resource. Get your copy today! 

Within Our Ranks

Are you looking to make a real impact in the field of education? Do you want to join a community of passionate educators and take your career to the next level? 

With the beginning of school approaching, you know what is next? Terrible professional development.  While you are sitting through boring trainings, lecture-like keynote speakers, and just mediocre PD sessions, if you find yourself tuning out and thinking:

• I could do this.
• I could do this better.
• How much money is this person getting paid?
• This is a waste of my time. Can I get back to my classroom already?

This an exclusive opportunity that you will want to take advantage of. It's called Within Our Ranks, and it's your ticket to making a real difference in the world of education. It's more than just a program; it's a transformative experience for educators who aspire to be professional speakers and make their voices heard.

Here's the deal: "Within Our Ranks" is an intensive training program that equips educators (with at least ten years of K-12 experience) with the skills and knowledge they need to step into the world of professional speaking, training, and consulting. It's a chance to unlock your full potential and share your insights around the globe.

Think about it for a moment. Have you ever felt like you have a message that could change the lives of educators or students? Do you dream of inspiring others, but you need help figuring out where to start? "Within Our Ranks" is your golden opportunity to turn your dreams into reality.

This program isn't just theoretical; it's hands-on and practical. The Within Our Ranks Team will provide the tools, strategies, and insights you need to become a confident and impactful educational speaker. Even better, you'll join a community of like-minded educators who share your passion for making a difference. It's a year-long journey that covers a wide range of topics, from crafting powerful messages to marketing yourself as a speaker and everything in between. It's not just about speaking; it's about creating lasting change in the education field.

Within Our Ranks is hosting a summit in November in San Antonio. It's the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in and see what the program is all about. This summit is a chance for you to connect with Steven Bollar and other educators who are ready to make a change.

Space is limited for the summit because this differs from your typical, overcrowded conference. Within Our Ranks focuses on quality over quantity. I want to give every attendee personalized attention to ensure you get the most out of the experience. So, if you're serious about making a change, don't wait. Head to withinourranks.com for more information. Join us for this incredible event and take the first step toward becoming a professional educational speaker. Your journey to impact and influence starts here.