S2 EP 031 | Slow Living & Productivity: a conversation with Productivity Coach & Consultant, Dr. Kate Henry

In Episode 31 of Making the Grade, Georgia & Christine chat with Dr. Kate Henry, a former academic turned independent scholar and productivity coach. A local colleague of Christine’s, Kate shares her account of shifting her career goals once completing her PhD & adjusting to living with chronic illness. She explores how the philosophy of slow living changed her life, highlighting its core values and practices that contrast sharply with our modern fast-paced lifestyles.

Dr. Henry discusses the numerous benefits of slow living, including improved physical and mental health, better boundaries around work, & space for rest. She debunks the myth that slow living hinders productivity, sharing practical strategies to integrate mindfulness and intentionality into daily routines, recognize invisible labor, and set boundaries around availability.

Kate also provides insights into her practices, such as structuring her day with designated tasks, time blocking, and current self-care routines (everyone shares their love for books!). She offers realistic steps for slowly starting new projects. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in adopting sustainable well-being practices and enhancing productivity through the principles of slow living. Tune in to hear Georgia and Christine reflecting on how they plan to implement Dr. Henry's advice to set slow productivity goals and hold each other accountable.

This episode is the perfect content for your summer road trip - listen & explore how slowing down can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life!

Find out more about Dr. Kate Henry

Dr. Kate Henry’s links:

IG: thetendingyear

Website: https://katehenry.com/

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S2 EP 030 | Student Advocacy & Activism: a Conversation with Advocate & Consultant, Kristen

For the 30th episode, a local MA teacher shares how she successfully fulfilled her dream of becoming a business owner. Kristen, a fellow MA teacher, transitioned from special education teacher to building an advocacy and consulting company focusing on student well-being. An avid activist for students with disabilities and education reform, Kristen has worked mostly with middle and high school students since 2012.

Kristen discusses how COVID impacted education and what led her to pursue consulting advocacy for students and families. This passion ultimately inspired her to launch “L&F Educational Associates,” where she works with districts & families for a top-down & bottom-up approach.

After 13 years in the field, Kristen has seen a lot and discusses the importance of doing what’s best for kids, even if it’s challenging. As she says, “One misstep can change the trajectory of a child’s life”. This episode covers student equity & well-being, the lack of transparency in education & the importance of amplifying student & family voices in the community.

You’ll want to listen to discover how Kristen is making a difference in the education community, bringing about positive change & how the “lightbulb” moments keep her going!

Find out more about Kristen here!

Kristen’s links:

Website -https://www.lfeducational.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lfeducational?mibextid=LQQJ4d

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kristenflannery?_t=8n58rdg3YB4&_r=1

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S2 EP 029 | Next Step Education: a Conversation with Former Classroom Teacher & Co-Founder, Meghan

On this next episode, a local guest from the Boston podcast scene (thanks Kim!) shares how she successfully founded and scaled her learning center, "Next Step Education”. Meghan’s journey from the classroom to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of curiosity and passion in shaping the future of learning.

Despite her fulfillment in the classroom & having a “dream class”, Meghan’s curiosity about exploring new avenues in education led her to launch "Next Step Education." Her dedication to empowering young learners shines through as she works with early elementary-age students, guiding them on their educational journey.

Meghan explores the importance of following curiosities, the journey of starting something new, and the importance of staying true to what feels best for you. This episode covers the power of personalized education, the possibilities for supporting young learners outside the traditional classroom, & how she holds a high bar for all students.

Tune in to discover how Meghan is making a difference in the lives of students and learn practical tips for navigating the world of education entrepreneurship!

Find out more about Meghan here!

Meghan’s links:

Website -https://www.nextstepeducationtutoring.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenextstepeducation/

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S2 EP 028 | Encouraging Creativity in Early Childhood Education: a Conversation with Pre-K Teacher, Hannah

In this episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia & Christine sit down with Hannah, a passionate PreK teacher from Fort Worth, Texas. With eleven years of experience in both public and private settings, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for early childhood education to the table.

Hannah shares her journey in education, from her beginnings as a teacher to her current roles as a member of NAEYC and a valued member of the Scholastic Advisory Board for three years running.

As a team leader in both public and private schools for early childhood education, Hannah's dedication to fostering a love of learning in both children and families shines through.

The episode delves into Hannah's blog, "Creative Pre-K Minds," where she shares insights, tips, and resources for educators and parents alike. Through her blog, Hannah advocates for the importance of creativity in early childhood, emphasizing its role in nurturing young minds both inside and outside the classroom.

Join in exploring the power of creativity in early childhood education, and learn from Hannah's wealth of experience and passion for making learning a joyful experience for all.

Whether you're a teacher, a parent, or simply curious about the world of early childhood education, this episode is sure to inspire and enlighten you!

Find out more about Hannah here!

Hannah’s links:

Website: https://www.creativeprekminds.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeprekminds/?hl=en

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S2 EP 027 | Beautiful Stuff Project: a conversation with former teacher & founding executive director, Marina

On the 27th episode of Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine connect with Marina, a former teacher & executive director of the Beautiful Stuff Project. The Beautiful Stuff Project increases access to play and the arts through the creative reuse of materials. Marina is passionate about allowing children the space to explore & create, and this is possible through the organic roots of this project.

Marina’s story highlights the viewpoints of a lifelong educator: her curiosity, advocacy & belief in access for children & families began when she first started teaching in Cambridge Public Schools in 1986. She has some great wisdom from her teacher years, being a mom, and growing Beautiful Stuff in her community. She highlights some of the reasons why she left the classroom in 2002 with reasoning around the lack of play in early childhood settings, and you don’t want to miss how she got her nickname!

This episode covers a lot: how early childhood teaching has changed over the years, parenting children who thrive outside traditional classroom settings & the importance of unstructured play in classrooms. Marina’s idea of making the world a bit better by everyone doing their part to move the needle is so inspiring & hearing the story of how her idea to help people has snowballed. Tune in if you want to hear the grassroots approach of a community project turned success story!

Find out more about Marina here!

Marina’s links:

Website: https://thebeautifulstuffproject.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautifulstuffproject/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulstuffproject/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCELBPD2Ex18FQLN_PqAYCYQ?app=desktop&fbclid=IwAR2kgB-Qo7KQ_onZun0eifrPyZbwD3Y_3J-n23QV9j50vj9U-mvMeqCNgXI

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MAKING THE GRADE

S2 EP 026 | Teacher Career Transition Academy: a Coversation with Co-Founder, Lisa

With teacher burnout being a buzzword in the news lately, it’s nothing new that teachers are considering new careers after many struggles in the classroom. What would it be like for teachers if they had a playbook of how to handle the stress & a way to figure out their next chapter? With 15 years of experience as a tech CEO, Lisa shares her story about what drove her to create Teacher Career Transition Academy, a team of experts and playbook for transitioning teachers.

The Teacher Career Transition Academy simplifies the career pivot process with a step-by-step approach. There is a group of trusted experts offer diverse areas of expertise; providing teachers with all the resources needed for a seamless career transition in one place.

This episode covers exploring education curiousities, different roles in education, & the Teacher Career Transition Academy platform. Lisa’s encouragement will make you want to explore the possibilities available to you as a teacher, both in and out of the classroom. Tune in if to hear Lisa’s #1 tip for transitioning teachers, & stay for the crazy but true story of a teacher who didn’t want to miss PD!

Find out more about Lisa here!

Lisa’s links:

Website: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/

Instagram: teachercareertransitionacademy

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/626869095257238

Exclusive Discount for MTG listeners:

Code: makingthegrade

Redeem for the 1 year membership $497 on this page: https://www.learnworldtraining.com/course/teacher-career-transition-academy

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• Website: https://www.mmfasolutions.com/category/all-products
• Book: “It’s Time to Get Your $#!@ Together”

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S2 EP 024 | Believing Beyond You: a Conversation with Education Entrepreneur, Rebecca

In this episode we’re chatting with Rebecca, an incredible educator and entrepreneur, and basically sunshine in human form. We recorded this episode back in October (eek!) but reliving our conversation with Rebecca was exactly what we needed during a cold February in Boston! She speaks to our soul and we know you will love her wisdom, advice, and motivational words, too!

We cover Rebecca’s extensive 15+ years in education taking on multiple roles in both public and charter school settings, from reading interventionist to special education teacher, to testing coordinator, to school leadership! She’s an inspiring reminder of the many roles one can have in education depending on their current circumstances and passions.

We chat about Rebecca’s adult gap year, her incredible program for Educators turned Entrepreneurs, and how excellent she is at pausing when necessary to think about her purpose and pivoting accordingly. As educators, the “go go go” mentality can get the best of us, and though Rebecca fell victim to this lifestyle too, she has since learned to make slowing down a priority and chooses a holistic approach to success.

Rebecca’s an educator at heart with an entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a successful tutoring business, online reading course for students, and consulting business. She reminds us that being a teacher is not limiting - it’s expansive! There is so much you can do in and out of the classroom to reignite your passion and all it takes is putting one foot in front of the other even if you’re unsure of the outcome.

Tune in and be reminded to celebrate all the things you’ve accomplished, find your teacher besties and support system, and remember that no matter how hard it gets you’re never stuck - you have the power! Plus, stick around to the end to hear the crazy story of the time her cell phone went missing in her classroom for three entire days!!!

Find out more about Rebecca here!

Rebecca's Links:

Website: https://www.believebeyondyou.com/

Instagram: believebeyondyou

Podcast: youtube.com/@believebeyondyou

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