Podcast appearances and mentions of barbara gruener

Are you ready to lead with clarity and purpose in 2025? Join me on Monday, December 30, at 3 PM ET for a FREE webinar: Take Control of Your Leadership: Clear Priorities, Real Results. In just one hour, you'll learn actionable strategies to define your priorities, recognize and reinforce values, and reclaim your time for the work that truly matters.Save your spot today at www.theprincipalacademy.com/realresults—let's kick off 2025 as your best leadership year yet!Are you feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize your time as a school leader? In this episode, I share some exciting news about my upcoming digital course, Take Control of Your Leadership:. This course is designed to help you overcome overwhelm, focus on what truly matters, and lead with clarity, and it's LIVE - go to theprincipalacademy.com and check out Take Control of Your Leadership.In this engaging conversation, Dr. Darrin Peppard and Barbara Gruener explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the importance of relationships in education, and the therapeutic power of writing. Barbara shares her inspiring background, her transition back to teaching, and the significance of self-care for educators. They also discuss Barbara's latest book, Birdie and Mipps, which reflects on the themes of nicknames and relationships, and the feedback it has received from readers. The conversation concludes with Barbara's insights on leaning into leadership and supporting others in their journeys.TakeawaysEntrepreneurship can lead to meaningful connections.Teaching experiences shape our understanding of education.Relationships are at the core of effective teaching.Self-care is essential for educators to thrive.Writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for emotions.Birdie and Mips explores the significance of nicknames.Feedback from readers can highlight the impact of a book.Mentorship plays a crucial role in leadership.Inspiration and kindness can transform lives.Everyone is fighting their own battles, and empathy is key.Find Barbara at:corneroncharacter.combarbaragruenerauthor.com

Today our guest is Barbara Gruener a seasoned consultant, mentor, author, and coach. Barbara sheds light on the significance of names in fostering respectful and compassionate relationships, particularly in school settings. We explore how using names thoughtfully can help nurture a more inclusive and caring environment for both students and staff. Barbara also introduces her latest book, which delves into the power of understanding and respect in personal relationships, offering valuable insights for educators and beyond. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Learn more about the NEW Tier 3 Solution Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website A nationally-recognized speaker, veteran counselor, and author of three Mom's Choice Gold Award books, Barbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing character change, passionately helping people stay in the moment to create caring connections, and intentionally improving school climate and culture. Her innovative, inspirational ideas are sparked by 40 years in education growing alongside learners from every age and stage on her home campus as well as in myriad schools where she is a mentor. Barbara's high energy growth sessions have captivated educators and encouraged them to connect by heart as they spread hope and joy in their character building. Though Barbara's farming roots will always be in Wisconsin, she and her husband raised their now-grown family in Friendswood, Texas. She was just promoted to Grammy, most certainly her best gig yet.

We are Barbara Gruener and Barbara Bray excited to talk about “Gratitude” which is close to our hearts. We discuss why it is important to have gratitude as a daily habit.   The post Reflection #19: Power of Gratitude with the Barbaras first appeared on Rethinking Learning.

In this episode, I chat with Barbara Gruener, a passionate and connected educator embarking on her 40th year in this field and who is blessed to have grown alongside thousands of children and adults of all ages and stages. This nationally-recognized and sought-after speaker and coach holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and two MS degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, but more importantly, she gets to hold and dynamically shape the hearts of the people whom she has the delight to teach, mentor, coach and love. Barbara truly thrives on connecting by heart and unwrapping the present as she works with intention to help school stakeholders and leaders create a climate of acceptance, belonging, compassion and love. She is the author of two Mom's Choice Gold Award-winning books and the proud mom to three amazing adult children. Barbara grew up on her family's dairy farm in Wisconsin, but today she and her husband John call Friendswood, Texas, home. During our conversation, we talked about the role that choice plays in education. Barbara points out that choice is often discussed but done so through the lens of student voice. And while this is important, she acknowledges, it is also limiting. Barbara shared how providing choice communicates trust, a necessary foundation for building strong, healthy relationships. By telling students that we trust their ability to make good choices and that we are available to guide them through inevitable poor choices, we are building relationships. Barbara also suggested that providing choice improves the mental health for our students thereby enhancing our approaches to SEL in our schools. When students feel that they do not have options, their stress levels rise and this leads to a basic physiological response - fight, flight, or freeze. Yes, student choice is important in our classes but it's so much more than amplifying voice.  Ready to hear more? Let's go. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecounternarrative/support

Barbara Gruener is an author, school counsellor, and educator who has been in education for over 30 years. She has just written a book called Mr. Quigley's Keys which has won several awards and is highly acclaimed throughout the education community for it's beautiful approach to inclusion and kindness. In our conversation, we discuss the power of serendipity, creativity, and our ability as human beings to be resilient. 

Subscribe: iTunes I  Spotify I Google Play Music    In this episode of All the Write Marketing, Maria Dismondy talks with Barbara Gruener, a teacher and school counselor about how she connects with heart and why it's so important.   All we need is love, simple but not always easy. As parents, authors, and educators, etc.  We can change a child's life by listening with intention, and showing them with our words and actions that they matter and have a voice in this world.  In Barbara Gruener's book Mr. Quigley's Keys, she brings connecting with heart to life by sharing the story of a school handyman and how he serves and connects with the students by showing love, empathy and kindness. Her book reinforces the power of connection and how by serving others with heart we can make a difference one person at a time.      In this episode, you will learn:   How can you connect with Heart? What are some words of wisdom to help you live with heart? When looking for books in your classroom, what do you look for?    Find out more about Barbara Gruener here:   Website:  CorneronCharacter.com,  BarbaraGruenerauthor.com Instagram: @BarbaraGruenerauthor Twitter: @barbaragruener

Sarah reflects upon her conversation with Barbara Gruener from episode 120 and the power of collaborating in creativity. Connect with Barbara: Barbara's Website Barbara on Twitter Episode 21: In AWE of Barbara Gruener-Motherhood Series Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkdIN Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to the Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inawepodcast/message

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Barbara Gruener. Barbara is an amazing human being who embodies kindness and compassion. Barbara is a master people connector and her passion for uplifting others is truly special. Be sure to order a copy of her latest book, Mr. Quigley's Keys which will be available June 1st! Connect with Barbara and learn more about her work on her website barbaragruenerauthor.com. She can also be found on The Corner On Character and on Twitter @BarbaraGruener. Thank you Barbara for your support of RISE for Educators and of us as humans! We are truly grateful for you. Love, Julie and Holly --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/holly-lannert/message

Author of The Corner on Character blog and the book, What's Under Your Cape?, Barbara Gruener is a beloved school counselor, speaker, mentor and coach who works passionately to influence school culture and climate change while helping to foster healthy habits and nurture caring connections among school families and their stakeholders. She positively thrives on stretching empathy. In addition to spending time connecting with family and friends, Barbara loves inspiring people to savor being in the moment as they unwrap the present with gratitude and hope. She and her husband John live in Friendswood, TX. In this episode, we discuss: Barbara’s love for creating experiences that serve others both in the act of spreading kindness and the joy in collaborating to do it. She shares about a new project she has been working on in partnership with two other creators and the beautiful backstory of the book they will be launching soon, And she provides insight for the process of writing and publishing a children’s book. This is the second time that I have had the honor of featuring Barabara on the podcast, and I encourage you to check out her first episode from a series on Motherhood back in 2018. I have it linked in the shownotes for your ease. Barbara’s generous and kind spirit is such a balm for my spirit, and I am deeply energized every time we connect. I know her story will inspire you as you hear how she weaves in so many powerful details into her creator story. With great joy, I am happy to share with you Barbara Gruener’s Creator story. Connect with Barbara: Barbara's Website Barbara on Twitter Episode 21: In AWE of Barbara Gruener-Motherhood Series Sarah Johnson: Sarah's Website Sarah on Twitter Sarah on IG Sarah on LinkdIN Sarah on Facebook In AWE Podcast Subscribe to the Podcast Need a high-energy, authentic presenter for your organization? Contact Sarah Johnson for presentations on Going Beyond Balance, Leadership Foundations, Affirming Purpose, and many more. Review the Podcast The ranking of this show is 100% tied to subscriptions and reviews. You can help amplify more women and reach more who need their messages by subscribing to the show and leaving an honest rating and review on your favorite podcast platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inawepodcast/message

This week we had the pleasure of talking to virtual second grade teacher Melisa Hayes. We met Melisa through Barbara Gruener, a former guest and now friend. This inspired us to take a deeper look at the power of these kinds of connections- the ones that aren't in our lives everyday- and in this case, people we've never met in person. The research is really interesting- "weak ties" have the power to uplift and inspire us in so many different ways. We are grateful for our chat with @hayes_melisa! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/holly-lannert/message

Nationally-recognized speaker, counselor, and author Barbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing character change, passionately helping people create caring connections, and intentionally improving school climate and culture. Her innovative, inspirational ideas are sparked by her 37 years in education growing alongside learners from every age and stage and helping them to find their purpose and pursue their passion. Her 2014 Mom's Choice Gold Award Winner, What’s Under Your Cape?, is filled with engaging empowerment strategies to serve all stakeholders stretch and soar. When she's not working, Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband John and their adult children.

Feeling worn down, discouraged, or burned out? Join Toni and special guest, Barbara Gruener, to learn what self-care REALLY is (it's doesn't only mean a spa) and why you should absolutely be practicing it.We'll talk about self-talk, saying no, and how to avoid feeling guilty for giving your best self to the world.Links mentioned in today's episode: Blog post with Self-Care Boosters: https://teachertoni.com/selfcare/SEL blog post: https://teachertoni.com/sel/Barbara Gruener's blog: http://corneroncharacter.com/Primary Teacher Friends Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/primaryteacherfriends

SHARING MY STORY Growing up on my family's dairy farm in Wayside, Wisconsin, I learned what it meant to work hard and make a living off the land. My parents always welcomed people into our home including foreign exchange students and foster children, so I learned to cook and manage a household at a fairly young age. I also grew to appreciate diversity and culture! These skills have all served me well as an adult. I got my education at a parochial grade school, a public high school and a Big 10 University. I love the challenge of being an educator and staying current as things trend in and out of our field. I especially enjoy working with people as they discover who they are, what they stand for, what motivates them, and what they want and need. Check her out on Corner on Character Blog 

Primary grade students count on us for content and for emotional support. Today, Barbara Gruener and I are going to share 3 strategies for social emotional learning that you can start using in your classroom now, whether you are in person or meeting virtually for distance learning. These strategies are actually routines that, with a little practice, can be completed quickly every day in your class and still bring vital growth to your students' ability to manage their emotions.Links mentioned in today's episode:Primary Teacher Friends Facebook Community: https://facebook.com/groups/primaryteacherfriendsBlog Post with FREE Resource: https://teachertoni.com/selBarbara Gruener's blog: https://corneroncharacter.com

Today we have a lovely discussion with Barbara Gruener. Barbara is a counselor, author, speaker, life coach, and an expert on character education. Her website The Corner on Character is chock full of SEL resources for kids and adults. Her book What's Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind is an inspiring read, take a look at the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WhatsUnderYourCape/ Be sure to check out her Virtual Classroom Survival Guide on Teachers Pay Teachers! She also has an amazing collection on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/bgruener/ Find the “pep talk” tool for this episode on Instagram at RISEforeducators. Follow us on Twitter @RISEforEducator Reach out to us at RISEforeducators@gmail.com, we would love to hear from you! Thanks for listening! -Julie and Holly (SIL's) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/holly-lannert/message

Rick Atkinson gives lessons from the founding fathers, Barbara Gruener explains how to teach kids about voting, Josh and Amy discuss the best Independence Day snacks, Daniel Carpenter explains the power of petitions, Taya Kyle talks about the American Spirit, Gina James gives ideas for things to do during summer.

I reflect on a previous blog post from 2016 on the 6th anniversary of reading Teach like a Pirate by Dave Burgess thanks to Barbara Gruener. This episode is about what lead me to teaching and the 5th grade teacher who influenced my life since. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/pixelclassroom/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/pixelclassroom/support

In part 2 of "The Helper's Risk Trifecta" series, we explore compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is similar to burnout, but the root causes are different. In order to alleviate a problem, we have to understand the cause, so join in to discover how compassion fatigue may be impacting you or your colleagues. Additionally, I share a behind-the-scenes clip with Barbara Gruener as she shares insights on her perspective of Compassion Fatigue and her personal journey through it.As always, I give simple yet effective strategies to help.Enjoy the show.___________________________________________Let's change lives together! Join our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassionateeducationresources/  for more resources.Visit https://www.compassionateeducators.com/ or email support@compassionateeducators.com to learn more about working directly with Marie and services she provides to educators and schools.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/CompassionateEducators)

Join me as I have an enlightening conversation with Barbara Gruener about empathy. We discuss the significance of teaching children empathy in schools and how we need to build empathy "like a muscle." Discover simple yet effective strategies for incorporating empathy and SEL activities into your classroom!Barbara is a published author whose work has appeared in magazines such as Teaching Tolerance, Teaching K-8, and Daughters. She writes at The Corner on Character blog and guest posts over at the Character Educator every month. On May 30, 2014, her first book - What's Under Your Cape: SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind - was published by Ferne Press. In the Fall of 2000, Barbara became a certified trainer for Character Counts! and recently joined the Josephson Institute of Ethics National Faculty. She enjoys presenting her high-energy, motivational workshops to plant seeds, influence and inspire other educators nationwide. She will be the kickoff keynote speaker at the 21st annual National Forum on Character Education in Washington D.C. on Halloween this year. In her spare time, Barbara likes to knit, bake, read, write, take long walks, visit with friends, and hang out with her family. She lives in Texas with her husband, John, and their three children.Connect with Barbara and discover more empathy and SEL activities at https://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/Enjoy the Show!___________________________________________Let's change lives together! Join our Facebook community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/compassionateeducationresources/  for more resources!Visit https://www.compassionateeducators.com/ to learn more about working directly with Marie and services she provides to educators and schools.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/CompassionateEducators)

Barbara Gruener thrives on positively influencing change, passionately helping people create caring connections, and intentionally improving a school's climate and culture. Her innovative and inspirational ideas are sparked by 34 years as a Spanish teacher and school counselor growing alongside students from every age and stage, Pre-K through 12th grade. A connected educator, Barbara loves leading supercharged character-development growth sessions with students, parents, teachers and administrators. Her book, What’s Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind, earned a Mom's Choice Gold Award for supporting caregivers with stories and strategies to use as they help develop character strengths in young people in school and at home. Though she grew up on a dairy farm in WI, Barbara and her family now call Friendswood, TX, home.

Episode #82 Podcast and Post with Barbara Gruener is about "Being Where Your Heart." She enjoys working with people as they discover who they are, what they stand for, what motivates them, and what they want and need. Barbara is a coach, mentor,  consultant, speaker, and author of What’s Under Your Cape.

Among being a coach, mentor, speaker, and author, Barbara Gruener is an educator with many years of experience teaching all grade levels K-12! Our conversation is full of laughs, advice, and amazing teaching stories. Let's connect on Twitter and Instagram @SFecich - share all that you are learning with #EduMagic. Please subscribe, rate, and review! Check out the show notes: https://www.sfecich.com/blog/kids-before-content-a-conversation-with-barbara-gruener Contest time! To win a signed copy of EduMagic and a signed copy of What's Under Your Cape - just follow these 3 steps! The contest closes on June 30th at 11:59 EST! Best of luck EduMagicians!Follow @Sfecich & @BarbaraGruener on Twitter.Post your favorite takeaway from our conversation.Tag @Sfecich & @BarbaraGruener in the post and add #Whatsunderyourcape and #EduMagic too!Remember friends, you have the EduMagic in YOU!

AGAPE, the word that started New York teacher and Character Strong team member Andy DiDomenico on his journey down Character Road. Enjoy Andy’s passion for the power of influence and the promise of a life of selfless service. Transcription Hello and welcome back to the corner on character, where character speaks a podcast in partnership […]

Veteran school counselor Barbara Gruener had the pleasure of working with kids from every age and stage, preK - 12th, during her 34 years in public education. Author of the blog The Corner on Character and the book What’s Under Your Cape? SUPERHEROES of the Character Kind, Barbara enjoys positively influencing change through her inspirational keynotes and interactive workshops. When she’s not working, you can bet Barbara is knitting, baking, writing, reading, walking, gardening, napping, or spending time with her husband and their three children. Wonderfully, AWE is Barbara’s one word for 2019 and through her story, we learn how critical it is to be a model even in our most challenging times, to see where we can be grateful, learn to lean on others to receive their service in our times of struggle, and other incredible wisdom golden nuggets. I am in AWE of Barbara Gruener know you will no doubt be as well. Welcome to Barbara Grueners’ Motherhood story. Connect with Barbara: Barbara on Twitter What's Under Your Cape on Facebook Barbara's Blog: The Corner on Character What;'s Under Your Cape by Barbara Awe Inspiring Recommendations: Bethany Hill on Twitter Unselfie by Michelle Borba --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inawepodcast/message

Barbara Gruener enjoyed the gift of growing alongside learners from Pre-K through High School for  34 years, first as a Spanish teacher and then as a school counselor. She is the author of The Corner on Character blog and the book What’s Under Your Cape? Her newest passions include hosting her Character Speaks podcast, being a Character Strong teammate, and serving as a mentor and coach. We talk with Barbara about the launch of PurposeFull People, CharacterStrong’s new K-5 Character Toolkit coming in the Fall of 2019.  

Hope. Purpose. Collaboration: Tune in today as Virginia principal, speaker, learner, and author Evan Robb talks about living his why and igniting passion and purpose while he helps people grow. Transcription Hello and thanks for tuning into the corner on character, where character speaks a podcast in partnership with pro signed design to spotlight passionate […]

Savor a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) smorgasbord as Texas teacher Elyse Hahne shares how she consistently weaves the SEL competencies into her school rituals and routines to reach ALL students. Transcription Hello and thanks for tuning into the corner on character, where character speaks a podcast in partnership with pro signed design to spotlight […]

Tune in today for a booster shot of inspiration and joy and prepare to fall in love with 5th-grade Texas teacher Jessica Chandler. Savor a breath of fresh air as she shares actionable strategies for our calling while calling out greatness in her character building.

Just in time to celebrate Jeff Kubiak’s picture book One Drop of Kindness, today’s episode featuring this California Principal and Consultant will fire you up. Find out why this advocate fro ALL kids chose the word YOU as #oneword2019 as well as how he has chosen to move from me to WE in his daily […]

Listen in as these 7th-grade podcasters, who’ve interviewed giants in the field of SEL like Dr. Michele Borba, Dave Burgess, Sean Covey, and James C. Hunter, share the story behind their experience on the air chatting with these edu-heroes. Find out why their counselor, Mr. Appel, has made it his mission to amplify student voice […]

Today’s interview invites us to engage with Sheila Sjolseth, the Founder of Pennies Of Time, who started her Kindness Crusade with her boys when they were toddlers; find out how one family intentionally carved out time every day to practice kindness at home and out in their community. 

Kick off Season Two of Character Speaks by welcoming the fresh new voice of second-year teacher Carrie Taylor to see how she celebrates the small wins as she grows alongside of her first-grade learners. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Finish off Season One of Character Speaks through the beating heart and beautiful lens of the incredibly passionate child psychologist, author, wife and mom, Dr. Jody Carrington. Listen in as she honors the holy work, what educators get to do every day as they hold the hearts of our children; don’t miss her coaching tips […]

Meet nationally-recognized transformational speaker John Norlin, a passionate co-founder of Character Strong, a servant leader, and an expert in the {heart} work of character development, leadership, and social emotional learning; prepare to workout with us as we talk about connections, core values, critical feedback and Camp. Check out our sponsors: prosigndesignco.com

Suit up for today’s episode with New York teacher, father, and author Gary Armida. See what he considers his wins and his losses as he reflects through his career coaching on the court and in the classroom and score some tips for seizing connections and fostering relationships. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Tune in this week to hear Lisa King, school counselor and author of Mindset Matters, talk about the importance of infusing her passion, growth mindset and brain science, into daily rituals, habits and routines in your character building. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Travel with us to New York to meet up with edu-hero Kris Felicello; prepare to be inspired as this Assistant Superintendent, writer, and father of 3 shares some leadership ideals that include nurturing a growth mindset, fostering a caring climate, and righting wrongs through Restorative Practices. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

What if we valued and focused on empowerment over excuses, not just for our students with special needs, but for all students? Tune in today to hear secondary educator Meghan Kestner’s ideas and feel her passion for #nomorelabels as she individualizes for her students of promise. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

In today’s episode, technologist , writer, and kindness advocate Tamara Letter shares how she engages her students and sparks their #passionforkindness using ordinary things like rocks, journals and some seed money to do extraordinary things. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

In this episode, Andrew Epperson discusses incentivizing students and staff alike in his role as a marketing technologist who specializes in supporting educators in PBIS schools. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Today’s guest, veteran Superintendent Gary Smit, has been intentionally building character for more than twenty years since his district in Illinois first discovered the Character Counts! framework in 1997. Now, though retired from the public school system himself, Gary is still out in the world living his deep-purpose why, to make the world a better […]

Shhhhhh; today’s guest has a secret. Tune in as motivational speaker and author Keri Wilt shares not only the bounty of her own life’s harvest, but also who her great great grandmother, Frances, was and how a lovely lady she never even met continues to positively plant seeds of hope in her garden. Check out […]

Prepare to be supercharged by kindness warrior Laurie McIntosh, a passionate Kindergarten teacher in Canada, as she shares how she and her students spread kindness through classroom rituals like Kindness Capes, the DNA project, WIN {What I Need} time and more. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

“Newbie” Principal Dr. Ryan Andrews comes to us today from The Show-Me State to share why vulnerability and transparency are so important as he makes sure all students have a chance and a champion. After borrowing the idea to change the mindset of a visit to the Principal’s office, this King of Awesome Office Visits […]

Today we welcome Lead Learner Bethany Hill from Cabot, Arkansas, who shares the secrets behind what has fueled her why to inspire a Culture of Yes in her character building as well as her #JoyfulLeaders sunshine campaign globally through two decades as an edu-hero and leader. Check out our sponsors: prosigndesignco.com

Tune in for our visit with Wendy Kane in Colorado as she discusses the challenges and shares her celebrations in her role as an elementary school counselor and a campus PBIS leader. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Listen in as Professor Christian Miller, author of the book, The Character Gap, discusses his research and subsequent findings on how good (or bad) we really are. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Teacher, Blogger, Instructional Coach, and Literacy Consultant Tonya Gilchrist shares her passion for learner agency as she grows alongside students in Japan and schools around the world supporting Readers and Writers Workshop and Inquiry-Based Learning. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Today’s episode invites our listeners to tune in as Linnea McFadden, author of the chapter book It’s Cool To Be Kind, talks about the writing process, her author visits, and her Cool To Be Kind crusade to make our world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time. Check out our sponsors: prosigndesignco.com

Today’s episode features edu-hero Gary Gruber, author of The Educational Leadership blog; tune in to find out how this lifelong learner has planted, cultivated, and harvested seeds as well grown personally and professionally through his seven decades in education. Check out our sponsor prosigndesignco.com

Canadian Assistant Principal Kristina Rentz steps out of her comfort zone and shares how her farming roots have shaped her leadership journey. Take note as she explains how and why she’s still planting seeds to promote resilience and relationships so her harvest will reap greatness and grit every day.

Elementary educator, blogger, and host of the Kindsight 101 podcast, Morgane Michael shares a wealth of information on how to create and model kindness for those around us. Listen in as she challenges us to ask the question, “What would you tell a friend to do?” to help us not only be compassionate toward others, […]

In this episode of Character Speaks, Canadian teacher Roman Nowak discusses the why behind his kindness crusade and how he’ll use picture books to engage and grow his high school students this year. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

In this episode, teacher and author of Gateways, Tammy McMorrow talks about writing her book, using class mantras, and creating a climate of greatness with her first graders. Check out our sponsor: prosigndesignco.com

Listen in as Assistant Principal Joshua Stamper shares how a grass-roots approach to restorative circles and trauma-informed practices not only helped the students on his middle-school campus heal, but also served to decrease discipline referrals while creating a culture and climate of connection and caring. Find out how this edu-hero carves out time for self […]

Listen in as Allyson Apsey talks about how she leads and grows alongside of her school family at Quincy Elementary by focusing on a caring climate, choices, and character development. Savor every second as she shares her story about authoring The Path To Serendipity and encourages you to forge and follow your own path. Check […]

Today's visit features a co-founder of Character Strong, Houston Kraft; prepare to be inspired by this nationally-and-internationally known kindness crusader. Listen in to find out why Houston believes that people struggle with making kindness normal, and walk away empowered and ready change all of that as we all warm the world, one kind act at a time.

Barbara Gruener interviews Amanda Symmes, a school adjustment counselor, about relationships, bullying, and education.

Some people believe that empathy is intrinsic, something you’re either born with or you’re not. Well, my guest today believes that all children have the capacity to be kind, compassionate contributors, we just have to be willing to teach them how. You’ll come away from this conversation inspired to start the 21-day kindness challenge, with a ton of easy to implement tips and strategies for the classroom, with lesson ideas, and with service-based projects to dig into with your students. Enjoy! Currently having completed her 34th year school counselor in Friendswood, Texas, Barbara Gruener, has had the unique opportunity of growing alongside learners in every age and stage, preK through 12th. A passionate, connected educator, Barbara enjoys positively inspiring and influencing change through her high energy, engaging keynotes and interactive learning sessions. The author of the Corner on Character blog and the book, What's Under Your Cape?, Barbara firmly believes that we have the power to change the world, one kind act at a time. Influenced by the recent school shooting in in Santa Fe, just 15 miles from her home, she felt moved to take a bigger stand for kindness. She has just recently taken the leap into consulting work. When she’s not working, you can bet Barbara is knitting, baking, writing, reading, walking, gardening, napping, or spending time with her husband and their three children. You can find her on twitter: @BarbaraGruener On facebook: www.facebook/WhatsUnderYourCape on pinterest (bgruener) and by reading her blog www.corneroncharacter.com Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bgruener/ For more information visit my website smallactbigimpact.com and search for episode #17.

The root of kindness is empathy. It gives kindness the fuel it needs to be acted out. It’s important to help students by giving them the voice and choice they need to express empathy. Energetic author Barbara Gruener shares her tips and practical ideas to weave empathy into the lives of young people and gives important advice regarding how we can express empathy for ourselves too.  Empathy works so spread it like confetti! The Edspiration Inbox Answers… “What things can we actually manage when it comes to bullying prevention in our school since there seem to be a lot of things out of our control that influence it?” Amanda, Arizona About today’s guest Barbara Gruener is an author, speaker, school counselor and character coach at Bales Intermediate in Friendswood, Texas. With 32 years of experience she has worked with every grade level, pre K-12th. Author of the “The Corner on Character” blog and the book, “What’s Under Your Cape? Superheroes of the Character Kind,” Barbara enjoys positively influencing change through her counseling, keynotes and workshops.    Recommended Resource(s): What’s Under your Cape? Superheroes of the character kind, by Barbara Gruener Those Shoes, by Maribeth Boelts The Sandal Artist, by Kathleen T. Pelley Dr. Michele Borba: http://micheleborba.com/blog/tag/empathy/ Mary Gordon elevates empathy using babies: rootsofempathy.org  Sesame Street Empathy Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_1Rt1R4xbM Kid President's SOCKtober: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YIK5UOnOM Knit For Service club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR8A8f90ufU   Guest Links: Twittter: @BarbaraGruener Elevating Empathy Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bgruener/elevating-empathy/ Blog: corneroncharacter.com     Connect with Us Connect with the show at www.Edspirationpodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impactschoolclimate Twitter: Follow us @schoolclimates Newsletter: Sign up on sidebar at www.Edspiration.org   Questions / comments for John in the Edspiration Inbox: Edspirationpodcast@gmail.com   Show Sponsors International School Climate Institute – Provides practical training, workshops, coaching, and speaking to create positive school climates. Contact us about school climate improvement, planning and climate survey support, bullying prevention and upstander intervention training, restorative justice practices, school safety, youth development, and more.  

School bullying gets an awful lot of media coverage. Character education, not so much. And yet if we are truly serious about reducing peer conflict in school, we've got to be educating kids to be empathetic, compassionate humans with the social courage to do the right thing, online and off. Annie talks with school counselor Barabara Gruener about her new book "What's Under your Cape? Superheroes of the Character Kind". They also discuss why character counts and why teaching kids people skills needs to be a top priority for 21st century parents and educators. About Barbara Gruener School counselor and character coach Barbara Gruener grew up on her family's dairy farm in Wisconsin. She says her parents "always welcomed people into our home including foreign exchange students and foster children—so I learned to appreciate culture and diversity!" She currently works her friendship skill building and character magic with the K-5th grade students at Westwood-Bales Elementary School in Friendswood, TX (I didn't make that up!) Learn more at http://CornerOnCharacter.com Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.