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Turkey Trot – A Reflection in Song

guest post by Theresa Welch, Wired Educator Squad member

 

I have a running playlist that ranges from Ludacris to Luke Combs and Bruce and Bon Jovi to OutKast with a lot in between. I find it a great way to keep my mind occupied while running. And the other day was a 5k that is a new beginning for me.

Little back story – former fat kid that grew into a fat adult who lost weight (like 80+ pounds.. twice!) and put it back on after health issues and setbacks (including an Achilles repair surgery 2 years ago). But between watching my son run the NYC Marathon earlier this month to the other day’s (albeit not great) 5k, I’ve been re-inspired in so many ways!

Back to today…. a 5k in the books at the slowest I’ve ever done (including one this past summer with crazy hills). But rather than feeling down about it, I had the following ah-ha moments along the way:

1.) It’s My Life (Bon Jovi) – it is my life and I get to CHOOSE how I let stress and other things impact me. I can choose to get stressed or remember that whatever it is likely won’t matter a year from now. What does matter is at home under my roof.

2.) Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma (Luke Combs) I was lucky enough to get to see Luke Combs this summer with my daughter, who is a big fan! He sings: “I got saved in the same Red River, the same Red River tryna drown me. It ain’t knocking me down, I’m standing my ground with the whole world falling all around me. I keep running, but I’m standing still; Pray for peace, but I need thе thrill. So I keep chasing that same old devil down the samе old dead-end highway.” Oof. This one definitely describes my relationship with running. It is what I used to lose weight before but damn if it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to kill me now! So, I’m gonna keep chasing it; keep looking for the thrill that’s in it and try to remember that each subsequent time won’t try to kill me quite as much…

3.) Rosalina (Bruce Springsteen) at a point in this song, The Boss references the swamps of Jersey. And while I was running on the trail in Trumbull next to the river it reminded me that whether in the swamps of Jersey, the trail in Trumbull or the classroom in Bridgeport – we’re all in this together. Teachers around the world all face challenges, but in supporting each other and building each other up, we in turn build up ourselves. Remember that as loud as the naysayers are, there is an even louder crowd of cheerleaders out there rooting for you. It’s just sometimes hard to hear them above the noise. And sometimes you need to cheer for yourself too!

There were other moments on the run that made me smile (the beautiful river), frustrated me (uggg smokers on the trail 😡) and even made me laugh (just when I thought the dog was going to be good, he managed his way out of the harness – a 7-year-old dog that still fancies himself a puppy 🤣). And isn’t that like teaching? Our days run through a range of emotions that would give acting coaches a run at their money! But at the end of the day, I’m reminded of a message that’s a big part of Race4Chase – a kids triathlon organization that my family is involved with. Each year at the beginning of the finale event where 500+ kids swim, ride and run in honor of a Sandy Hook Angel, there is a minister who prays and reminds the kids that they can do hard things! It’s just we have to keep moving. We all do. So, here’s to the moving, the learning and the growing. Let’s finish 2024 strong!

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/235ff9b9486042e1829998c5eb707221sune?ref=dm_sh_OZuKbEenh6GwwBZHm03mJY86B

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WEP  243: The Importance of Vision and Goal-Setting for a New School Year

Kicking off a NEW season of The Wired Educator Podcast!

Welcome to episode 243 of The Wired Educator Podcast! This episode is all about the importance of vision and goal-setting as we embark on a new school year. If you’re an educator, administrator, or school leader, this is the perfect time to set your sights on the goals that will make this year extraordinary.

Click here to listen to this episode. 

Image Created Using ChatGPT 4.0

In this episode, I reflect on how critical it is to establish clear goals for yourself and your students. Whether you’re guiding a classroom or leading a team of teachers, a well-defined vision will ensure that you start the year with a sense of purpose. Here’s what you can look forward to:

I am going to give you six keys to setting your goals for the school year, achieving them, and having your best year, yet!

Your leadership and commitment to education make a difference every single day. I’m so excited for this season of The Wired Educator Podcast filled with amazing interviews, insights, and inspiration. Let’s make this school year the best yet!

 

Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

 

 

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Overcoming Adversity: A Story of a Resilient Student and The Power of Relationships

Overcoming Adversity: A Story of a Resilient Student and The Power of Relationships

A Guest Post by Heather Loomis

“According to the American Psychological Association, 17% of teenagers engage in self-harm. This staggering statistic reflects the silent struggles many of our students face, often unnoticed.

Image created using Chat GPT 4.0 based on this post’s content and prompts.

One such student in my class taught me an invaluable lesson about resilience and the power of relationships.” When we encounter these students we need to assume that no one is checking in on them, that they are not receiving support, or that they are continuing with the things they need to do to stay mentally well.  They are middle school students who don’t necessarily have the skills to navigate difficult roads and can take care of themselves.  As teachers and human beings, it is our responsibility to be kind and open the door for those students to walk into and help when we can.  

One year, a new student, taught me a powerful lesson about relationships and the ability to bounce back. She was a very beautiful girl who was quiet and had a kind heart.  She started at the middle school as a new student, knowing no one, had no friends, and was so shy that I was truly worried about her both socially and academically.  

I looked out for her throughout the year.  I spoke with her daily and checked in just to see how she was doing.  We both got to know each other and she would tell me things about her life at school and home.  She was split between her parents because they were divorced.  Which is difficult for both her and her parents and the relationships seem rocky at best.

As the year went on she started to blossom.  She gained friends, started to smile, and actually sat with other students at lunch.  Her grades were stellar and she was academically ahead of most of the students in that class.  I still checked in with her and saw the counselor regularly and all seemed well in her world.  

Then the tears started.  Her grades were still good, but she started missing school.  She still had friends and even a boyfriend, but she was turning inward and just wasn’t herself.  I wasn’t quite sure what was going on.  There was no new information or concerns, but something was definitely off.  I’m always careful not to push or ask too many questions.  If a student wants to share most of the time they will.  She wasn’t, tears in her eyes, I finally asked, “What’s going on?”  She claimed she was fine, but I told her that if she needed to talk we could or I could get the counselor.  She stood there with tears in her eyes and told me her story.  There were more issues with the family and now the courts were involved. She was devastated and didn’t feel heard by either side.  They never asked her what she wanted.  She felt alone and powerless.

After listening and supporting I asked if there was anything I could do to help her.  She said, “I’m 14 days clean”.  Completely thrown off I said, “That’s great, what are you clean from?  She said, “cutting”.  I looked at her and told her how proud I was of her and that just because she was having a bad day was no need to break her 14-day streak.  She agreed and went on to her next class.  I immediately contacted the counselor and let her know everything. She needed help and more than I could give her. The counselor contacted the student’s mother and let her know what we had learned.  At that time I had no idea how things were going with the family.  Hoping she is okay and that whatever happens, she will be able to work through it all.  Feeling powerless but knowing I did the right thing in getting her help and having the counselor contact her mom was best.

Relationships are everything!  Between the counselor and my care for her,  we had at least been able to intervene and get her some help and support along this journey.  We only had a short time left in that school year.  My hopes were that there would be support in place before all was said and done.  God Willing!

Before that year ended I received a note from this beautiful young woman.  Thanking me for being there and listening.  She was back on her streak of days not cutting and was smiling again.  That year it was hard to say goodbye.  I still have her note in my box of special things and I will treasure it always.

What are some things I have learned from this experience?  Put building relationships above everything else!  Always be willing to listen and sometimes you need to ask if they need help.  Some students just can’t verbalize what they are going through. Students are resilient and can bounce back once they have the support they need. 

Last, but certainly not least make sure that either you or the school counselor are in touch with the parents.  Communication with home is key.  If you don’t have that then nothing can get better.

~ Heather Loomis

Follow Heather on Twitter (X) at: Loomis_h

——

Thank you, Heather, for another wonderful post. The power of building authentic relationships can never be underestimated. Heaather’s approach to take on the genuine and tough situations that occur every day in our schools is to be commended, and the advice she is offering current and future educators should be valued and applied. This particular situation is one I personally would have had great difficulty facing. Heather’s courage and experience is incredibly helpful and appreciated.

Kelly

If you’d like to blog for Wired Educator, please send us a short bio and writing sample/idea for consideration. Include your role in education, school and the driving purpose behind your post. Thank you for supporting educators. 

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

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Why Every School District Should Kick Off the Year with an Opening Day Speaker

Is Your District Ready for Opening Day with Staff?

Why Every School District Should Kick Off the Year with an Opening Day Speaker

As one school year concludes, the groundwork for an exceptional 2024-2025 school year begins.

Everyone needs some summertime to relax and rejuvenate, especially educators, but the planning for an awesome next year can’t be completely put off. There’s one event that can set the tone for an entire year: an inspiring, energizing, and unifying opening-day speaker.

A great opening day speaker should do three things:

1. Celebrate Every Role

Let’s face it, the magic of a school year doesn’t happen without a great team. Teachers are legends, and they need to be celebrated! They need to feel the support and appreciation for their work. While doing this, let’s not forget the unsung heroes of the EDU team. From the bus drivers who ensure our students arrive safely, to the cafeteria staff who provide nutritious meals, to the maintenance crew who keep our schools running smoothly, our counselors, secretaries, and EVERY single position. An opening day speaker can spotlight these contributions, making each member of the staff feel seen, valued, and integral to the school’s success. It’s a powerful way to honor and celebrate the work that often goes unnoticed. A great opening day speaker makes everyone feel proud to be on the team and feel valued.

2. Set a Positive Tone

There’s something electrifying about a well-delivered presentation from a passionate, veteran educator who wants to help others make a difference. A great opening day speaker can get everyone excited and set a positive, collaborative tone for the year. A great speaker can ignite passion, inspire new perspectives, and renew a sense of purpose (as well as get people laughing and see the joy, purpose, and fulfillment of their important roles). It’s a chance to remind educators why they chose this noble profession and to reignite their commitment to making a difference in students’ lives. Starting the year with a burst of inspiration can have a lasting impact, fostering a supportive and enthusiastic school culture.

3. Build Unity and Morale

A school is much more than a collection of classrooms and offices; it’s a community. An opening day speaker can bridge gaps between departments, bringing everyone together under a common goal. Whether you’re in transportation, maintenance, the cafeteria, counseling, or administration, everyone plays a pivotal role in the educational journey. Celebrating this unity and reinforcing the importance of each department’s contributions can boost morale and create a more cohesive and motivated team.

At the end of the day, investing in an opening day speaker is investing in the heart and soul of your school district. It’s a chance to show appreciation, inspire greatness, and foster unity. And who better to deliver this impactful message than someone who has lived and breathed education?

Bonus: Practical Skills for Life and Work

One of the hidden gems of having an opening day speaker is the chance for everyone to learn a skill or two that they can actually use in their work and their life. Imagine the power of gaining insights that help you better approach challenges, both in and out of the classroom. The opening day speaker isn’t just about motivation; they offer excellent leadership training because we are all leaders somewhere in the district. Whether you’re guiding students, managing a team, or supporting your colleagues, the practical benefits you gain from an inspiring speaker can enhance your effectiveness and enrich your daily interactions.

Meet Kelly Croy

Kelly Croy is a seasoned educator, renowned speaker, and author who has dedicated his career to uplifting and empowering educators. With a unique blend of humor, insight, and heartfelt stories, Kelly has the ability to connect with audiences and leave them feeling inspired and appreciated. Interested in making your school year unforgettable? Reach out to Kelly Croy at www.kellycroy.com and bring the spark of inspiration to your opening day.

Let’s make this upcoming school year the best one yet by celebrating every hand that contributes to shaping the future. Here’s to a year filled with joy, unity, and relentless passion for education!

Kelly Croy is the Director of Innovation and Instruction for Port Clinton City Schools and the host of the popular Wired Educator Podcast. He has author Along Came a Leader:  A Personal and Professional Guide to Leadership and he is the author and illustrator of Unthink Before Bed a children’s book on anxiety that teaches students skills in coping with anxiety, preparing for the next day, and getting a good night’s sleep. Kelly taught ELA 7 for 26 years and has been the Director of Innovation & Instruction for the past seven years. He has spoken to over 100 schools/conferences around the globe.

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?
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Behavior, What Does it Really Mean?

Challenging Students and What Drives Their Behavior. A Guest Post by Heather Loomis

As adults, educators, and parents, we navigate countless challenges daily. According to busyteacher.org, we make on average 1,500 decisions a day.  That’s four decisions every minute of our six to seven-hour day.  WOW!  So the big question is how do we cope? How do we manage all these challenges while still balancing other aspects of our lives? For some, it’s about unwinding with exercise, a hot bath, a good book, or simply enjoying a moment of silence.

Being an adult we find ways to relax and deal with the stress of the day and keep moving forward, but what about our students?  Do they have that skill set?  Do they know how to problem-solve issues that arise with their peers, home, and school?  Depends on the district and the students. At the middle school where I teach, we serve a highly diverse and economically disadvantaged community. All our students receive free breakfast and lunch.  A lot of my students have very limited coping abilities to handle what’s going on in their homes let alone school and their peers.  I affectionately refer to my students, who bravely face tough challenges while learning to navigate life’s difficulties, as ‘The Tough Ones.’ This term is used with the utmost respect and care. One of my goals is to write a book titled “The Tough Ones” to support myself and other educators in helping our most at-risk children.

One of my “Tough Ones” was recently being particularly strong-willed. I’m usually very patient, but on this particular day, I was exhausted and not at my absoulte best. The student had been particularly challenging recently. We always pick our students up from lunch and he was the last one there, hood up, and refused to leave with everyone else.  I fussed at him and told him to take his hood down, get up, and get to class. He completely ignored me. I asked again in a not-so-nice voice.  He refused. One of the administrators was there and I let them take care of him and continued on my way to class. Normally, I handle situations like this with passion and ease, but on this particular day, it was especially challenging. As I was leaving the cafeteria two girls from our team told me I shouldn’t talk to him that way, that he was being bullied.  Confused, I asked the girls to clarify and explain to me what was going on.  I have often found that when students are defending someone there is a reason. They are not always so willing to report the issue, but in this case, they knew I would listen and that I would help.  Turns out that someone had access to his social media account and had posted some very negative and inappropriate information about him.  The posts were very damaging.  So what does my “Tough One” do?  He shuts down, becomes defiant, and is now more vulnerable and likely to get into trouble.

Most often the “Tough Ones” behavior is a way of communicating.  When things get difficult and you don’t have the strategies or skills to problem-solve you are going to see less than awesome. True for students and teachers alike.  I was wrong for being short-tempered and impatient.  I didn’t ask what was wrong, if there was something he needed help with, or if he’d like to talk to a counselor.  I just reacted to his defiance because I wasn’t in the mood to deal with it.  That happens too.  We do get tired and some days are just tougher than others. 

Takeaway: As educators, we need to stop, reflect, and think about what’s happening with our students. Each and every time. We may not catch everything, we can’t, but when we do we need to make sure that our students are taken care of and get the help they need.  Not just for our “Tough Ones” but for ALL.

~ Heather Loomis

Follow Heather on Twitter (X) at: Loomis_h

——

Thank you, Heather, for this wonderful post. A great opportunity for all of us to reflect on and grow as educators. I love your passion and vulnerability; I admire your willingness to grow and try new ways to make a difference in the lives of students!

Kelly

If you’d like to blog for Wired Educator, please send us a short bio and writing sample/idea for consideration. Include your role in education, school and the driving purpose behind your post. Thank you for supporting educators. 

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

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Ian Formaz: Featured Educator of The Month

Physical Education: Taking Care of Our Body and Health Begins Early in Life

I am proud to feature an exemplary educator each month to celebrate and honor for the difference they make in education. This month I feature Ian Formaz, a physical education teacher in Central Ohio. Too often I fear, physical education teachers are overlooked on professional learning days and sometimes aren’t recognized for their essential contribution to a child’s education and their important role in schools. Ian is an obvious choice for his dedication and passion for making a difference. Join me in celebrating all physical education teachers, and this particular outstanding representative, Ian Formaz. 
~Kelly 
Ian Formaz is a husband, father, teacher, and coach.

Ian believes that taking care of our body and health begins early in life, and that is why he is a dedicated and passionate physical education teacher for some of our youngest students!

Currently, Ian is a physical education teacher in the Columbus City school system. Ian has been providing a positive impact in the lives of students and athletes at various levels for the past 19 years through his work teaching and coaching. He was involved in college athletics for 18 years as a football coach, strength coach, and college professor.

Recently, Ian has transitioned back to the classroom as an elementary physical education and health teacher, while still being involved in coaching football at the high school level.  He is passionate about helping students become the best versions of themselves and using sports, movement, and health as a vehicle to impart lifelong lessons that students and athletes can translate to all aspects of their lives.  He enjoys helping students and athletes of all stages and skill levels find joy and meaning in movement and being healthy, in an inclusive environment that allows students to be the best version of themselves and hold themselves to a higher standard.

He hopes to form lasting relationships with students and athletes as a positive impact and example and feels lucky to still maintain contact with a great many of his former players and students.  He hopes that as a leader and mentor, he can continue to be a resource for the young people he has worked with no matter what stage or where they are in life.

Ian is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University with a degree in health promotion and education and physical education with an emphasis is in fitness management. He also has a Masters Degree in Behavioral Science from Concord University.

Thanks, Ian.

You are awesome!

Kelly

If you’d like to nominate an educator, please send us a short bio, headshot, and reason for nomination for consideration. Include your role in education and connection to the nominee. Thank you for supporting educators. 

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

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WEP 242: Teaching and Learning with the Magic of Artificial Intelligence An Interview with Jeni Long

This is Wired Educator Podcast Episode 242:

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Teaching and Learning with the Magic of Artificial Intelligence, my interview with Jeni Long who has been at the forefront of educational innovation as an EdTech speaker, consultant, and author helping educators. Jeni has a new role as Senior Community Strategist at MagicSchool AI is helping educators in fascinating new ways by leveraging artificial intelligence. Dive in. You’re going to love this episode. 

Click here to listen to my interview with Jeni Long.

Jeni is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience in the field. She is a respected EdTech speaker, consultant, and author dedicated to providing unwavering support for teachers both in and out of the classroom. Jeni empathizes with the daily challenges educators encounter and strives to offer guidance, resources, and encouragement to all educators. In her role as the Senior Community Strategist at MagicSchool AI, Jeni’s primary goal is to ensure that every teacher on the platform feels supported, motivated, and empowered to positively impact their students’ lives. She strongly believes in the strength of community and understands that collective collaboration among teachers can foster magic within classrooms. Jeni is actively engaged in organizing events, delivering professional development sessions, fostering community growth, and establishing partnerships with school districts in collaboration with MagicSchool. 

Mentioned in this Episode: 

StreamYard: Our sponsor for this episode. This is the app I use to record interviews with my guests. It’s the best way to record audio and video. Go to www.StreamYard.com and turn your browser into an awesome recording studio.

Magic School AI: This is where Jeni works and it is an amazing tool for using Artificial Intelligence as an educator. More to come on this, but I must say… I am so impressed by Magic School. Check it out.

Wired Wednesday Chat and Live Stream: Follow @wirededucator @kellycroy #wiredwednesday and the entire squad for a unique video live stream and Twitter chat on Wednesday at 9PM.

Here’s the link to ALL of Jeni Long’s social media, website and information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEbRxl2tN4/AFSz0bNzL9PrPIOVJNod9Q/view

Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

 

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WEP 241: Inspiring Students to Have Fun, Read and Become Financially Literate an Interview with Ty Allan Jackson

Ty Allan Jackson: Author, Speaker, Advocate and My Favorite Follow on Instagram.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, where we’re dedicated to helping educators make a real difference. I’m your host, Kelly Croy, and today we have a very special episode that promises to inspire and energize.

Our guest is the dynamic Ty Allan Jackson, an author, speaker, and fierce advocate for children’s literacy and diversity in children’s books. Ty’s enthusiasm is absolutely infectious, and his commitment to teaching kids about financial literacy through his popular books like “Danny Dollar Millionaire” and “Make Your Own Money” is truly motivating.

Click here to listen to my interview with Ty.

In our conversation, Ty shares the joys and challenges of his journey as an author and speaker. He opens up about the impact his work has on young minds, emphasizing the importance of having diverse characters that kids can look up to. His positivity shines through everything he does, making him a joy to follow on Instagram and a favorite among his followers.

So, tune in, get inspired, and discover why this interview with Ty Allan Jackson is an absolute must-listen for anyone passionate about education and making a difference in the lives of young learners.

Ty is an award-winning children’s book author, literacy advocate, captivating motivational speaker, and honorary Doctorate recipient. In 2011 he founded Big Head Books, LLC (now Ty Allan Jackson, LLC,) a literacy organization that aims to introduce children to the joys of reading. Ty travels around the country (or, nowadays, does virtual visits via Zoom from the comfort of his couch) inspiring children and educating adults about the impacts of illiteracy.  A three-time TedX presenter, Ty believes that literacy is the foundation for a successful life and promotes it with humor and enthusiasm.

In 2021, Ty received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for his work as an author and community leader. Ty’s work as an author and literacy advocate also earned him the Massachusetts inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award, as well as citations from the Massachusetts Governor, Senator, and the House of Representatives.

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Ty’s books have been featured on Good Morning America, Disney+, CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Steve Harvey Show, PBS. In 2012, Ty’s books were gifted to former First Lady Michelle Obama by his hometown mayor.

Projects
Ty is the co-founder of READ OR ELSE™, a literacy movement that was created to shine a light on the impacts of illiteracy.

In collaboration with Northern Kentucky University, Ty also co-founded Danny Dollar Academy, a revolutionary financial literacy program created for elementary school students to learn the basics of Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Economics.

Mentioned in this episode: 

www.TyAllanJackson.com

Follow Ty on • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter• LinkedIn

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Ty’s Books: 

• Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade
• The Supadupa Kid
• The Supadupa Kid 2: MOVE
• When I Close My Eyes
• You Are Amazing/I Am Amazing
• Make Your Own Money: How Kids Can Earn It, Save It, Spent It, and Dream Big, with Danny Dollar, the King of Cha-Ching

Thanks for taking time out of your busy week to listen to The Wired Educator Podcast.

You are awesome!

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

Do you like what you heard? Invite Kelly to speak at your school.
Interested in booking Kelly for your Next Event?

 

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Excellent Advice For Teaching 002: Smart Ways to Make Your Money Work Harder

Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in My Career in Education

Smart Ways to Make Your Money Work Harder as an Educator

Lesson: Take Action Early in Your Teaching Career to Put Your Money to Good Work. You can get big results over time with just a little bit of money.

Image created by description from Kelly Croy put into Chat GPT4

Even though teachers might not make as much money as some other jobs, being a teacher is really rewarding and important. But, there are smart things teachers can do with their money right from the start.

When I first started teaching, I used to run out of money all the time. By my third year, when Christmas came around, I didn’t have much money for gifts. That’s when my teacher friends told me about starting a Christmas savings account at our local credit union.

I started putting a little bit of my paycheck into this account every time I got paid, without even seeing the money first. My friends told me to just forget about it and let it grow. And it really worked! Every year, I had money saved up for Christmas and vacations. And when I got a raise, I would save a bit more.

I’ve also learned that teachers have some really good benefits, like retirement plans, that a lot of other jobs don’t have. This is because a little bit of our paycheck goes into retirement savings automatically, which is actually a pretty cool thing. I’ve met people who make three or four times my salary and have nothing saved for retirement. It was sadly ‘something they were always going to get to doing’ but didn’t it. Most people lack the discipline needed to have money.

Even though I wish teachers got paid more, I’ve decided to focus on making the most of what I earn. I was lucky to have friends who gave me great advice.

Here are some smart money tips I’ve learned and you should think about too:

1. Start a Vacation Fund: Put a bit of your paycheck into a savings account that you can’t easily take money out of. Only use this money for special things like Christmas or vacations.
2. Save in a Tax-Free Account: Even starting with a small amount can add up over time. I started an annuity early in my career.
3. Join an Investment Club: It’s a fun way to save money with friends and learn about investing. It inspired me to invest on my own. I had fun. I earned money too, that has really helped my family.
4. Side Hustle: If you can get paid for extra jobs like coaching, use that money for fun activities or to save. Every human should have a side hustle, or two. I chose fun ones for myself like: speaking, writing, artwork and education consulting. Find a fun hobby that can make you some extra money, but remember to save some of it. It’s easier to out-earn financial challenges than out-budget or out-save them. FYI.
5. No Credit Card Debt: Always pay off your credit card every month. Always! No exceptions. So many people get crushed with this one and can’t dig out.
6. Budget: Use a budget to make sure you’re saving money. Know where your money is going. Adjust and adapt. I use Rocket and YNAB.
7. Learn About Money: Read a book or take a class to get smarter about money.
8. Live Within Your Means: Be careful with spending too much on things you don’t need. I see so many people with incredibly high car and home loans! Wowzers! Don’t live like the pretenders on Instagram. This is hard for a lot of people. They want to eat out all the time. Pack your lunch. It pays off.
9. Plan Your Spending: Decide what each part of your paycheck will go towards before you get it. Prepare for upcoming events as best you can. Don’t get alarmed when a surprise expense hits, have some money hidden away for a rainy day.
10. Enjoy Teaching: Remember, being a happy teacher is more important than how much money you make. I know this might tick a lot of teachers off, and I get it. Teachers deserve more money. I agree. My point is that you can’t put a price tag on happiness. If you enjoy teaching, that is priceless. So many people hate their jobs. I don’t.

Remember, saving a little bit at a time can really add up and make your life better.

The following is from Yahoo Finance: 

“However, popular personal finance expert Dave Ramsey recently shared that teachers are becoming millionaires despite having low salaries. According to a study conducted by Ramsey Solutions of over 10,000 millionaires, the top five careers for millionaires were engineer, accountant, teacher, management, and attorney. Feb 18, 2024”

Challenge: Talk to the payroll department at your school to automatically save a small part of your paycheck. Also, start with $20 to $40 each month for an investment in some stock or start a club. At the end of your career, like my 33 years, you’ll be thankful you did. It’s a good start!

Take Action Early in Your Teaching Career to Put Your Money to Good Work. It’s about making good decisions. The more most people make, the more they spend. Use your money smarter!

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

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Excellent Advice For Teaching 001: Record The Journey

Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in My Career in Education

Record the Journey

Lesson: Everyone you meet has something they can teach you. Yes, everyone! It doesn’t matter how old they are, or if some people think they are super successful or not. Everyone knows something you don’t. But here’s the trick: you have to really listen and be open to learning new things.

Image created by text description written by Kelly Croy in Chat GPT 4

Sometimes, we think we know a lot about something, but there’s always more to learn. So many teachers, young and old, just do things their way. Teaching is about collaboration, an eagerness to learn and apply it.  It’s important to listen and keep our minds open to new ideas.

Everything good I’ve accomplished as a teacher I learned from someone else. Sometimes they were teachers in my school, or people I met at conferences, or even someone I learned from online. I saw the awesome things they did, and I wanted to learn how to do them too. So, I asked a lot of questions and tried my best to learn, put my spin on it, and try them out. Sometimes it took many attempts, and a few times it worked great the first time.

Sometimes, people teach us exactly what to do. Other times, they show us what not to do. Both are really helpful.

Don’t be shy to ask others when you need help or have a question. And if you find something that works well, share it with others! That’s how you can be a leader.

Watch what other teachers do and learn from them. Try out what you learn in your own way.

Challenge:  No matter where you are in school or what you’re learning, try to keep track of your adventures in learning. You could write it down in a journal, make a video, or even keep notes on your phone. When you learn something new, write it down and think about how you can use it.

I’ve been keeping track of my teaching journey by making podcasts, writing blogs, and speaking at educational events and conferences. I’ve even written a couple of books. It’s been really fun! I’ve met so many awesome teachers and learned so much. It has even helped my students meet experts in areas they are interest in and learn about places all around the world. It’s provided me with opportunities to travel the world and even helped my family with additional income streams. Most importantly, it made me better and my district better. When we listen to learn and share to help, we level-up and make a difference in the lives of others.

I’m going to write some short posts here about what I’ve learned about teaching in a series titled: Excellent Advice for Teaching. I hope you enjoy them, and maybe even comment and share.

Every single person has something to teach you if you’ll listen and have an open mind, but the thing is most people don’t ask, don’t listen, and don’t apply. An eagerness to learn is better than saying, I’m a life-long learner. Let’s practice learning and model it.

Record the Journey.

Always forward,

Kelly

I would like to speak at your event!

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

Sign-up for Kelly’s newsletter here.

I had this idea over the weekend to  take a few minutes each day to jot down a short piece of advice I believe I have learned about teaching and post it on @wirededucator to pass it along to the next generation of teachers. That’s how I learned. So, here is my first. (This will be a good practice in consistency too.) #LeadEveryDay #WiredEducator