We have reached the finish line! The school year has ended (or will shortly end, depending on where you live or work). Regardless of when the summer begins or ends for you, please take the necessary time to unplug and recharge. This process may look, sound, and feel different for all of us. It may last for varying lengths of time, too. Do whatever is needed to ensure that you will be ready to lead, care for, and inspire students at the start of the next school year. This is needed for every role — educator, administrator, parent, and/or volunteer. 

As one school year ends, the next one is being planned. Will you be ready? Will your staff be ready? Will your students be ready? What do your staff members/colleagues need? What do you need? What do your students need? Please let me know. I've received requests for specific upcoming article topics and newsletter content. This has been amazing and allows me to focus my energy more specifically on ways to best serve! I'm also enjoying designing/presenting professional development sessions for school systems for a single presentation and/or year-round visits. 

If you never ask, you'll never know! Ask school leadership if you can provide input on future professional development (PD) opportunities to be offered. Let leadership know what you would like and what could best support you, your students, and the school community. If you feel that previous PD topics/sessions have not benefited you, your students, a subject area, or a particular program, then recommend a topic, speaker, or resource to your administrator that would be beneficial. If you are unsure what exactly is needed, how to go about this, or are uncomfortable doing so, I'm happy to help navigate this conversation.  

Thank you for the many recommendations! I have individual coaching/mentoring sessions available, too. Many people have reached out for guidance on considering or making a change in their career, strengthening classroom management, gaining ideas for building programs, maintaining inclusive learning environments, and more. If I can't help or it's not my area of expertise, I'll recommend a colleague who can!

Please continue to support and celebrate each other. Reach out if I can help you achieve your dreams! 

Embrace uniqueness!
💗 Lori

Will you be ready to lead, care for, and inspire students at the start of the next academic year? What will you do this summer to ensure that this will occur? Watch/Listen to Lori speak.

More than anything, the pandemic taught us that our programs and professions are not linear. There are curves to maneuver, mountains to climb, and valleys to roll down at all stages of our careers. Passion, priority, and purpose may have centered us during this historic educational era. However, we may have also been led to new interests, dreams, and aspirations. No matter our choices, our students deserve support from leaders who will mentor and motivate them. Our colleagues expect effort from teammates who will collaborate and unite. We owe it to ourselves to reignite our spark by using our skills and talents to keep our flames and our students' flames burning brightly. How will you recharge this summer and ensure that your flame is burning brightly at the start of the next academic year?

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” — Albert Schweitzer

As the academic year comes to a close, let’s examine this educational chapter: own the year, embrace the lessons learned, and remember the memories made. Take a few moments to reflect on the survival, success, and growth of your program, your students, and you. Is your flame still burning?

Thank you to Pennsylvania Music Educator, Dr. Jenny L. Neff, for collaborating on this article last year. It is still relevant! 

Read the full article: “Has Your Flame Burned Out or Have You (Temporarily) Lost Your Spark?"

5 Things Teachers Can Do to Recharge over the Summer

 

Private Saxophone Lessons

• Information and Availability on private saxophone lessons

Registration remains open for my summer in-person music course "Making Key Changes: Refresh Your Music Program.” It is a 3-credit graduate course designed for K-12 music educators of every area/level - anywhere! Assignments are specific to YOU and your placement.

• Information & Registration This link includes a description of the course, dates/times, testimonials from former students/practicing teachers, and the registration link.
  • The University of the Arts 
    • July 18 - 22, 2022  (5 days)
    • 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EDT
    • ON-CAMPUS at Villanova University (lodging available)

One-on-One Coaching

• 1-hour mentoring sessions are available
• Schedule a session

Ask me to design and/or present meaningful and reflective sessions to mentor or motivate staff or students in your organization. Review popular sessions.

How has the newsletter impacted you?

 

Please contact Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl if you are interested in sponsoring a future project or engagement.