Unlock Your Teaching Potential

Have a question for the show? Text us here! Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial not just in our homes and workplaces, but also in our schools. In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Huffman, a veteran transgender teacher and content creator. Flint is not only a figurehead in transgender advocacy but also an inspiring voice in education policy. Flint shared...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! Ready to explore a holistic approach to movement and learning? In today’s episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Carol McAmis, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method. Carol shared her personal journey and the transformative power of Feldenkrais, a method that emphasizes body awareness and learning through movement. We explored how this approach has revolutio...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! Can you recall a moment when a story deeply resonated with you and made you feel seen and heard? In today’s episode of Take Notes  we are joined by Michael Katz, a professional storyteller and educator. We dive into how storytelling can make a big difference in elementary education and help with mindfulness in schools. Michael talks about his path to bec...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 Certi...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 p...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! Ever feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re doing this whole parenting thing right You’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 perspect...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 gi...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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....

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 insi...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 an...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 worl...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 suppor...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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 e...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! 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!...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! As empowered educators, we understand our students need a classroom culture where they can express themselves, honor others, and celebrate differences. But how do you create a safe space for diversity in the classroom? Welcome to episode 32 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty podcast! Today, I’m joined by Dr. Nia Nunn who is a teacher, scholar, and diversity...

Have a question for the show? Text us here! What does it take to bounce back from a traumatic event? How do you thrive and survive the toxic stress and trauma? As educators, we often see certain behaviors that can be barriers to success for some students. And the ultimate goal is to help them get past these conflicts and challenges by encouraging them to focus on their future and success.  But mos...