![Double Dutch & Being a Cool Girl](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1680803509191-VMSEI4BTOKLC8VLXR35N/pexels-pavel-danilyuk-6339686.jpg)
Double Dutch & Being a Cool Girl
In the late 1960s, entrance into the cool girl gang on the playground of Aloysius Fitzpatrick Elementary School was given for a number of reasons—natural beauty, cool clothes. But, if you possessed neither of those (which I did not), then your last resort entrance could be found in being able to jump rope double dutch.
![Ask Yourself: Why?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1680217938960-CRY6MSW5MZNIU8C47KR2/ana-municio-PbzntH58GLQ-unsplash.jpg)
Ask Yourself: Why?
How to examine what you’re teaching and make sure it has relevance to your audience.
![Needing Help — And Being Smart Enough to Ask For It](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1679603409842-OVRBJX52UHOAZQJZT6VD/annie-spratt-9VpI3gQ1iUo-unsplash.jpg)
Needing Help — And Being Smart Enough to Ask For It
I recently applied for the opportunity to be a student in a ten-week small business incubator course, run by a local non-profit (ASSETS). The point of this class is to help you move forward in your new business endeavor.
![Finding Our Superpowers](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1679069094129-J0JLQ2L3IL0ZVQTEUOLI/tk-qJDkJRTedNw-unsplash.jpg)
Finding Our Superpowers
For me, one of the true joys of being an educator was the ability to connect students to employers, people, books, movies, and more that enhanced their interests or solved their problems.
![The Power of Bringing in an Expert](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1678301744316-JT2PK2Q6A89TMP0E6R6H/tempImageglRCe0.gif)
The Power of Bringing in an Expert
Exercise has always been a part of my DNA — but it took Chelsea Christmas, owner of At Her Core Fitness, to make each movement truly effective.
![What if Princess Di Had Been Given a Support System?](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1677807535196-KO06RM6WOBXHO9LZPDWV/nick-fewings-nbbQ-YAFQqU-unsplash.jpg)
What if Princess Di Had Been Given a Support System?
Are you old enough to remember Princess Diana of Wales? The once wife of King Charles, mother to Princes William and Harry, forever appreciated fashionista, and — most importantly to those who loved her, like myself — a true humanitarian.
![It’s More About Balance Than Bravado or Therapy](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1677167171340-X3MHXFOG1S2LM579P5VJ/aziz-acharki-U3C79SeHa7k-unsplash.jpg)
It’s More About Balance Than Bravado or Therapy
Some perform for the crowd, some become an in-classroom guidance counselor—neither amounts to effective teaching.
![Cottagecore, Marie Antoinette, and Microscopes](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1675970927290-RQ5M6U9DZ0B8065DOPLC/john-mark-strange-1JPwWvH7Uh0-unsplash.jpg)
Cottagecore, Marie Antoinette, and Microscopes
Recently, a client of mine who is teaching a graduate level class lamented that every time she tried to incorporate some much-needed team building exercises, her students appeared hesitant, distracted, and wanted to instead find refuge in their phones.
![I’m Not a Doctor, but I Play One on TV](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1674601339590-2QGTDCPR4EPX2NHFMSSN/national-cancer-institute-701-FJcjLAQ-unsplash.jpg)
I’m Not a Doctor, but I Play One on TV
![Presenting is Not Teaching](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1669676502223-UB17OJ10KDS4KTTYQXN9/annie-spratt-6SHd7Q-l1UQ-unsplash.jpg)
Presenting is Not Teaching
My goal is to help experts in their field — who are now expected to teach their expertise — be as effective as possible. To not present their material like a preacher, a TED Talk, or a podcaster — but to use simple techniques to help students retain the information being shared.
![Finding Inspiration Everywhere](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1670258466917-JSBVQFLNAF1NH10WY90S/justin-peterson-5iYJoPXTd4o-unsplash.jpg)
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
Be curious, be interesting, be aware, and be ready to share that new podcast, television show, article, or event with your students.
![What We Can Learn From Magic Johnson and Babe Ruth](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1670257971526-3P5BEI6Y4PLCDPMFC080/tom-briskey-HM3WZ4B1gvM-unsplash.jpg)
What We Can Learn From Magic Johnson and Babe Ruth
As you read the histories of two incredibly successful athletes—Magic Johnson of the LA Lakers and Babe Ruth of NY Yankees—similarities emerge. They both had a bounty of natural talent, both earned winning championships as players… and both failed miserably as coaches.
![What Chefs and Teachers Have in Common](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6385132801197028e2d539e0/1669675110082-G31CUWO068SX14086P9K/frank-holleman-rN_RMqSXRKw-unsplash.jpg)
What Chefs and Teachers Have in Common
A recipe does not make a chef, and a lesson plan does not make a teacher.