Teacher Talk

Another Engagement Strategy #teacher #highschool #middleschool #gradeschool #studentengagement
What happens when teaching feels impossible? When student trauma feels too heavy to bear or curriculum demands seem overwhelming? Teachers reach for their secret weapon: a collection of thank you notes from former students. In this emotional episode, we pull back the curtain on a treasure that sustains educators through their darkest professional moments. I share my own journey from a small folder of student letters that expanded into an overflowing basket spanning 30 years in education. These aren't just nice compliments—they're lifelines on days when teachers question their effectiveness or calling. The letters reveal extraordinary stories of transformation: students who found their voice after trauma, discovered their self-worth after neglect, or realized their potential after being discounted by others. One former student wrote, "You are the first authority figure who taught me that authority is love," while another called me their "soul mother" who showed them how to be a strong, powerful woman. These notes arrive precisely when an educator needs them most, providing the emotional fuel to continue making a difference. For those who aren't educators, this episode offers a powerful reminder: for every thank you letter a teacher receives, hundreds more go unwritten. That teacher who changed your trajectory? They might be having their toughest day today. Your words of gratitude, whether through email or a simple card, could be exactly what they need to find the strength to continue changing lives. Ready to make a difference? Pause this podcast right now and reach out to thank an educator who impacted your journey. It's never too late, and your words matter more than you know. //FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Follow us and get updates from our website: https://www.toolsforsuccessindy.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFSIndyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-tooley-330133a9?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=2gRS&locale=en_US&srchid=3855086281466603325786&srchindex=1&srchtotal=10&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A3855086281466603325786%2CVSRPtargetId%3A385508628%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH&challengeId=AQGPfvEYs-VzVgAAAYxAAptybeh-H4KKua_ggf6EDi51alRjJXKLiDUA-vf6ayagxankT4qfNARVvQgmGQxb6PO36Q3tQ7E7EA&submissionId=c879daad-b74b-9e17-e700-dce0aa4b8e18&challengeSource=AgHcLwt0a2FQjAAAAYxAA7OJ_gedvX6uyrYpT6Rg4cvzbMnqwYbEfRHxb_I8GxA&challegeType=AgGh3rN6ar8TeQAAAYxAA7OMZ5eV7Gi1t6gfX2WfPE5LomCkYAV3TbU&memberId=AgHncKD7of0HpAAAAYxAA7OPNXztN-0hXip30Fwj9CfL6Ks&recognizeDevice=AgHCp4zMJg9rGAAAAYxAA7ORTuEjvWiTBBsHOAWOHvDS5wjkbX5qInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolsforsuccessindy/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ctooley19/?...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToolsForSuccessIndianapolis/ Send a "thank you card for teacher" today, don't delay showing your "appreciation video"! Your "thank you" could make all the "teachers make a difference" in their day. It's time to recognize the people in "education"!
The Treasure Trove: A Letter To My Teacher | Epi 3
A Strategy for Creating Highly Effective Assessments #teachingstrategies #highschool #middleschool
Creating constructive feedback between teachers and school administration. #schooladministration #teachers #highschool #middleschool #gradeschool FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Follow us and get updates from our website: https://www.toolsforsuccessindy.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFSIndyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-tooley-330133a9?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=2gRS&locale=en_US&srchid=3855086281466603325786&srchindex=1&srchtotal=10&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A3855086281466603325786%2CVSRPtargetId%3A385508628%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH&challengeId=AQGPfvEYs-VzVgAAAYxAAptybeh-H4KKua_ggf6EDi51alRjJXKLiDUA-vf6ayagxankT4qfNARVvQgmGQxb6PO36Q3tQ7E7EA&submissionId=c879daad-b74b-9e17-e700-dce0aa4b8e18&challengeSource=AgHcLwt0a2FQjAAAAYxAA7OJ_gedvX6uyrYpT6Rg4cvzbMnqwYbEfRHxb_I8GxA&challegeType=AgGh3rN6ar8TeQAAAYxAA7OMZ5eV7Gi1t6gfX2WfPE5LomCkYAV3TbU&memberId=AgHncKD7of0HpAAAAYxAA7OPNXztN-0hXip30Fwj9CfL6Ks&recognizeDevice=AgHCp4zMJg9rGAAAAYxAA7ORTuEjvWiTBBsHOAWOHvDS5wjkbX5qInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolsforsuccessindy/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ctooley19/?...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToolsForSuccessIndianapolis/
Creating a Feedback Culture: Inspiring Growth Through Constructive Conversation
The Far Reaching Effect Teachers Make #teachersmatter #teaching #makingadifference #thankateacher
Teacher Appreciation Made Easy: 2 Strategies for Administrators #teacherappreciation #teachers
Are teachers just educators — or secret social workers, therapists, and supply closets rolled into one? In this powerful episode, veteran educator Cathy Tooley pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to teach in America’s classrooms today. From heartbreaking stories of kids carrying trauma to the invisible burdens teachers shoulder daily, Cathy shares raw truths and inspiring moments that reveal the humanity behind the profession. 🎓 Highlights: -The real reasons students act out in class (and why sending them to the office doesn’t solve it) -A moving story of a teen who’d never been told she was beautiful — until her teacher said it -How teachers balance lesson plans with feeding hungry kids, navigating abuse, and being emotional anchors -Why teaching is a calling, not a “fallback career” -Words of faith and hope for educators questioning if they can keep going Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or simply curious about what’s happening behind classroom doors, this episode will open your eyes — and your heart. 📚 Cathy Tooley is the author of “The Education System is Broken” and a passionate advocate for educators everywhere. Get the book on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9vf5e0E Listen, subscribe, and share this episode to support the unsung heroes of education. ///// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Follow us and get updates from our website: https://www.toolsforsuccessindy.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFSIndyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-tooley-330133a9?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=2gRS&locale=en_US&srchid=3855086281466603325786&srchindex=1&srchtotal=10&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A3855086281466603325786%2CVSRPtargetId%3A385508628%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH&challengeId=AQGPfvEYs-VzVgAAAYxAAptybeh-H4KKua_ggf6EDi51alRjJXKLiDUA-vf6ayagxankT4qfNARVvQgmGQxb6PO36Q3tQ7E7EA&submissionId=c879daad-b74b-9e17-e700-dce0aa4b8e18&challengeSource=AgHcLwt0a2FQjAAAAYxAA7OJ_gedvX6uyrYpT6Rg4cvzbMnqwYbEfRHxb_I8GxA&challegeType=AgGh3rN6ar8TeQAAAYxAA7OMZ5eV7Gi1t6gfX2WfPE5LomCkYAV3TbU&memberId=AgHncKD7of0HpAAAAYxAA7OPNXztN-0hXip30Fwj9CfL6Ks&recognizeDevice=AgHCp4zMJg9rGAAAAYxAA7ORTuEjvWiTBBsHOAWOHvDS5wjkbX5qInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolsforsuccessindy/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ctooley19/?...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToolsForSuccessIndianapolis/
Teaching in the Trenches: The Reality Behind Classroom Doors | Epi 2
A Strategy To Help Teachers Bond with Their Students #teaching #teacherstrategy #studentlife
When you have a highly engaged classroom or school, these 3 critical components are in place. #teaching #classroom #schools #highschool #middleschool #gradeschool FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL Follow us and get updates from our website: https://www.toolsforsuccessindy.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TFSIndyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-tooley-330133a9?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=2gRS&locale=en_US&srchid=3855086281466603325786&srchindex=1&srchtotal=10&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A3855086281466603325786%2CVSRPtargetId%3A385508628%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH&challengeId=AQGPfvEYs-VzVgAAAYxAAptybeh-H4KKua_ggf6EDi51alRjJXKLiDUA-vf6ayagxankT4qfNARVvQgmGQxb6PO36Q3tQ7E7EA&submissionId=c879daad-b74b-9e17-e700-dce0aa4b8e18&challengeSource=AgHcLwt0a2FQjAAAAYxAA7OJ_gedvX6uyrYpT6Rg4cvzbMnqwYbEfRHxb_I8GxA&challegeType=AgGh3rN6ar8TeQAAAYxAA7OMZ5eV7Gi1t6gfX2WfPE5LomCkYAV3TbU&memberId=AgHncKD7of0HpAAAAYxAA7OPNXztN-0hXip30Fwj9CfL6Ks&recognizeDevice=AgHCp4zMJg9rGAAAAYxAA7ORTuEjvWiTBBsHOAWOHvDS5wjkbX5qInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolsforsuccessindy/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ctooley19/?...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToolsForSuccessIndianapolis/
3 Components to a Highly Engaged Classroom or School
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