Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl

Embrace Uniqueness!

Mission

🎉 It is Teacher Appreciation Week! Although gratitude can and should occur at any time of the year, this week is dedicated especially to teachers – anyone who has supported, educated, and inspired you. I have been fortunate to acquire many remarkable mentors along my journey and I intentionally continue to acquire new ones to keep growing, learning, and remaining motivated. Two of my greatest teachers have been my parents. They taught me (and continue to teach me!) many facets of life. My dad (also my elementary and high school band director) instilled discipline, consistency, and unity in me. He always encouraged me to try new things. One of his best pieces of advice: “So, what? What you don’t know you’ll learn.” My mom (always my cheerleader and most recently my editor) instilled creativity, enthusiasm, and kindness in me. She always encouraged me to think outside the box. The quote she often recites: “What you focus on expands.” Who are your educational mentors? Have you thanked them lately?

In this month’s article, I partnered with a new friend and colleague, Dr. Kris Cosca, a 30-year educator/administrator, former Superintendent of Schools in northern California, and Founder of Next Level Leadership Services.  In our piece, "The Three-Legged Stool: Creating and Maintaining Stability in Education," we discuss the need for educators to be seen, heard, and valued in their work. Educators want to be recognized and appreciated for their daily efforts in their classrooms, schools, systems, and communities, as well as included in the decision-making process. When this acknowledgment occurs, educators are more likely to achieve stability and continue in their educational careers by positively impacting the lives of those they serve and lead. Our perspective on the three-legged stool encourages educators to find fulfillment in the work, achieve student-centered success, and improve work-life balance.

Registration remains OPEN for my two online summer graduate courses. Click on the registration link to read course descriptions, view course advertisement videos, and peruse the syllabi.
 

NOW is the time to make a key change – in your life, in your profession, in your community, in your home . . . anywhere! OWN your influence! When you do, all those around you will have WON!

I am available for speaking, conducting, mentoring, and motivating opportunities. Reach out if you have an interest or need.

Please continue to support and celebrate one another. Most importantly, tell those you admire, love, and respect what they mean to you.

How will we show appreciation to educational staff this week and beyond?

 

 

Consider choosing some of the most influential people in your educational journey and reconnecting with them. Show gratitude and share with them how their influence has impacted you. You may have done this before, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it again. Kind remarks are worth repeating.

Questions for Reflection

• How can you locate these inspirational figures if they are no longer working at the same location?
• If they are no longer living, could you send a message to their family?
• How will you show gratitude?
  • Will you visit them?
  • Might you write them a note?
  • Could you make a video to send to them?
  • Could you create a scholarship or event in their honor?

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." — Benjamin Franklin

• Read the full article: "The Three-Legged Stool: Creating and Maintaining Stability in Education"

Prepare for Next Year: Reflection, Excitement, and Initiation Must Start Now

This section of the newsletter is an opportunity to collectively share and/or respond to comments, testimonials, or questions. Feel free to email Lori, too!

Each Wednesday Lori posts a quote on social media. Below are the quotes that have been posted since the last newsletter was published.

Lori was recently interviewed by Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover for the Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students Podcast. Episode 43 is entitled "Lori Schwartz Reichl: Why Everyone Should Take the Time to Reflect."

Music Reading Class

Music Reading Class (MRC) is considered the most unique online music reading course of its kind. Consider this resource for anyone who would like to learn to read music. 

• Explore: Music Reading Class

Continuing Education Courses 

Keynote or Professional Development 

One-on-One Coaching

Respond to the newsletter!

Contact Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl if you would like to sponsor a future project. Your help is appreciated! 

I owe my public speaking skills to my 3rd-grade teacher, Mrs. Billet of Clarence R. Orendorf Elementary School within the Northeastern School District in Manchester, Pennsylvania. Apparently, I was very soft-spoken when I was young. To help me learn to speak better, Mrs. Billet made a fake microphone for me to use in class. She gathered yellow clay, rolled it into a ball, and placed it on top of a thick black marker. Every time I spoke in class, I was required to stand up and use the microphone. Mrs. Billet would insist that I stand tall and speak louder, more slowly, and clearly. The image of her smiling, when I spoke in an acceptable voice, remains in my memory.