Podcast appearances and mentions of nancy flanagan

Dr. Tim Slekar delves into the unfiltered realities of teaching in today's politically charged environment with today's guest, Nancy Flanagan. Known for her fearless blogging and candid discussions, Nancy shares insights from her latest blog, "Ignoring the Real World in the Classroom," challenging the directives that prevent educators from addressing significant current events with their students. Nancy recounts powerful moments from her teaching career, including the reactions and administrative challenges during major historical events like the September 11 attacks and the January 6 insurrection. The episode highlights the crucial role of teacher professionalism and the need for courageous administrators who support educators in addressing real-world issues. Join this engaging discussion as Nancy Flanagan explores the intersection of education, politics, and the essential need for honest classroom conversations.

In this stirring episode of Busted Pencils, Dr. Tim Slekar and Dr. Johnny Lupinacci dive into the heart of what it means to foster core democratic values in today's classrooms. With the insightful Dr. Nancy Flanagan, author of the blog "Teacher in a Strange Land," as their guest, they explore the contentious debate surrounding the integration of democratic principles within the educational framework. The conversation sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions educators face when teaching values such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—principles that form the bedrock of a functioning democracy. They unpack the mistaken conflation of partisan politics with the universal ideals that guide our nation, emphasizing the role of public education in cultivating informed, responsible citizens. This episode is a clarion call to recognize the importance of core democratic values, not just as academic concepts, but as lived experiences that shape students into active, engaged members of society. Listeners will be treated to an enlightening discussion that goes beyond the classroom, touching on the broader implications of these values for societal well-being and the enduring health of our democracy. With anecdotes and expert insights, the hosts and their guest navigate through the complex landscape of education policy, partisan interference, and the foundational role of truth, diversity, and justice in crafting an equitable future for all.

Get ready to smash through the holidays with a jingle-jangling episode of Bust-Ed Pencils, the education show where Dr. Johnny Lupinacci and Dr. Tim Slecker crank up the volume, and Anya keeps the chaos together. In this holiday special, our hosts tackle the pit of challenges faced by music teachers gearing up for Christmas in the classroom. Joining the rebellion is none other than the education icon, Nancy Flanagan – music educator, blogger, author, and teacher in a strange land. Together, they're thrashing through the complexities of celebrating the season while Nancy shares the importance of injecting joy into a world plagued by war, suffering, poverty, and stress. Find out why some teachers are hitting pause on a Christmas classic, join us for this punk rock protest in a one-horse open sleigh.

In education, what calls us to step up and speak out? As a teacher, how can you show up for the profession and your students? Today on #3PsinaPod, Nancy Flanagan shares what we need to do if we want policy leaders to hear us — it’s more than writing in our journals. The 45-year teaching veteran and published author chats with Donnie and Danielle about why blogging in today’s world can be so powerful.

The coarseness of the world has invaded our classrooms. How can we cultivate respect between students and for teachers? Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Karen Stephens, MS in Education is Director Emeritus of Illinois State University Child Care Center after serving since 1976. She previously taught child development and early childhood program management for the ISU Family and Consumer Sciences Department. She is author of the textbook Child Care Today: Becoming an Early Childhood Professional. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

(https://alwaysalesson.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Untitled.png) Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT is a former educator turned Career Transition and Job Search Coach. She is an expert on teacher burnout, teacher stress, and general stress management techniques for those who are experiencing the pain and heartache of teacher burnout—a specific form of burnout that differs to some degree from the job burnout of other professionals. Kitty provides one-on-one and group coaching specifically for teachers who are ready to break free of the stifling confines of today’s classroom. With her assistance, her clients explore their career alternatives, learn effective job search strategies, and ultimately change their career path for a new, more satisfying direction. One of Kitty’s strengths is that she understands teachers and their burnout first-hand. From 2008-2012, after a 33-year career as a teacher and elementary school library media specialist, Kitty served as President of the Virginia Education Association, Virginia’s largest teacher association, serving over 55,000 members across the Commonwealth. During the time she served in that role, she traveled all over the state and she talked with hundreds of teachers about the teaching conditions they were facing. Since leaving the VEA and starting her coaching enterprise, she has talked with dozens of individuals who are seeking to make a change in their career because of their own burnout, boredom, or disillusionment. As an expert on teacher burnout, Kitty also offers workshops for teacher groups and school divisions on stress management techniques that teachers can use in an effort to ward off symptoms of burnout. Quotables A burnt out teacher isn’t having any fun and neither are their students. There is a shortage of people who WANT to teach. If teachers can manage their stress they can delay the sense of burnout and perhaps stay in the profession. It takes a toll on the students to have a new teacher every year. We do a disservice to students when we don’t allow them to share their gifts. Get in touch with your true gift- work you were born to do! Don’t cry over water over the dam! If I were to give up any one of my degrees, I would give up everything but my National Boards When you continue to raise the bar and make it impossible for people to be successful, it ensures burnout will occur….teachers have been set up to fail Kitty’s Stamp of Approval National Association of Education (http://www.nea.org/) [NEA] Diane Ravitch (http://dianeravitch.com/) Mary Hatwood Futrell (http://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/mary-hatwood-futrell-40) Nancy Flanagan (http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teacher_in_a_strange_land/) of Education Week Mary Tedrow  (http://walkingtoschool.blogspot.com/) Connect with Kitty Email: kittyboitnott@gmail.com (mailto:kittyboitnott@gmail.com) Phone: (804) 404-5475 Teachers in Transition: http://teachersintransition.com (http://teachersintransition.com) Teachers in Distress (Blog): http://teachersindistress.wordpress.com (http://teachersindistress.wordpress.com) LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/kittyboitnott (http://linkedin.com/kittyboitnott) Facebook: http://facebook.com/boitnottcoachingllc (http://facebook.com/boitnottcoachingllc) Twitter: http://Twitter.com/kittyboitnott (http://Twitter.com/kittyboitnott) Connect with Gretchen Email: gretchen@alwaysalesson.com Blog: Always A Lesson Facebook: Always A Lesson Twitter: @gschultek Instagram: Always.A.Lesson Linkedin: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Google+: Gretchen Schultek Bridgers Book: Elementary EDUC 101: What They Didn’t Teach You in College Leave a Rating and Review: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/always-lessons-empowering/id1006433135?mt=2...

Tips for teachers on ways to take the best practices of teaching in Finland and apply them in your classroom. Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 @timdwalk @NancyFlanagan #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Tim Walker is an American teacher living in Finland and the author of the new book Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators. Twitter ID (if applicable): @timdwalk @NancyFlanagan

More breaks matter. Learn how giving students more free time during the day improves outcomes. Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 @timdwalk @NancyFlanagan #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Tim Walker is an American teacher living in Finland and the author of the new book Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

Join us as we talk about adding another dimension to learning that can engage hearts and minds more deeply. Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 @NancyFlanagan @KimberleeFowle1 #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Lois A. Lanning, author and co-author of several books focusing on literacy and Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction (CBCI) and more recently, an international education consultant. Kimberlee Fowler has been an educator for 23 years. After 18 years in the private school setting as the IB primary years program Coordinator, Concept Based Trainer and Division Leader, she returned to the public school setting this year. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

Join us as we look at practical ways to tap into your students' curiosity and wonder. Follow: @bamradionetwork @raepica1 @NancyFlanagan @NancyFlanagan #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Ashley Roberts is the literacy coach at Oakland Elementary School. She serves as the school RTI coordinator and has facilitated numerous workshops on the topics of inquiry, literacy, and differentiation. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, has a master’s degree in literacy and Administration. She is an ASCD Emerging Leader Class of 2016. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

Our guest shares an insightful view of how education has evolved over the last 30 years. Follow: @intoy2014 @mr_abud @nancyflanagan @bamradionetwork Nancy Flanagan is an education writer and consultant focusing on teacher leadership. She spent 30 years in a K-12 music classroom in Hartland, Mich, and was named Michigan Teacher of the Year in 1993. She is National Board-certified, and a member of the Teacher Leaders Network.

The holidays can bring both great memories and controversy to your classroom. Our guest share their advice on making the most of the season. Follow: @bamradionetwork @LundyPonce @NotJustCute @NancyFlanagan @RedleafPress #edchat #edreform #ece #earlyed #AskingWhatIf Amanda Morgan, MS, has nearly 20 years of experience teaching children, parents, and teachers in a variety of environments. With degrees focused on early childhood education and child development, she currently writes at the blog, Not Just Cute. Giselle Lundy-Ponce has been working in the field of PreK-12 education policy and advocacy for the last 22 years. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

Our guests share why starting the school year with rules for students is a bad idea. They follow by offering a superior alternative. Follow: @markbarnes19 @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork #edchat #teaching #edreform #AskingWhatIf Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land. Mark Barnes is a longtime teacher, education author and creator of the new Hack Learning Series for educators. (www.markbarnes19.com)

I this segment we explore the need to amplify teacher voice and teacher leadership in education policy decisions. Follow: @CohenD @phylis_hoffman @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork #echat #teachers #edreform Phylis Hoffman is a NBCT 2nd grade teacher at Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington, CA. She spent 10 years out of the classroom as a categorical program advisor and literacy coach. David B. Cohen is a NBCT at Palo Alto High School in California. A veteran of multiple teacher leadership projects, he is currently on leave from his teaching position, traveling around California to work on a writing project about public schools and teachers. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Flanagan is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land, is featured on Education Week's Teacher division.

I this segment we explore the need to amplify teacher voice and teacher leadership in education policy decisions. Follow: @CohenD @phylis_hoffman @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork #echat #teachers #edreform Phylis Hoffman is a NBCT 2nd grade teacher at Harry Bridges Span School in Wilmington, CA. She spent 10 years out of the classroom as a categorical program advisor and literacy coach. David B. Cohen is a NBCT at Palo Alto High School in California. A veteran of multiple teacher leadership projects, he is currently on leave from his teaching position, traveling around California to work on a writing project about public schools and teachers. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Flanagan is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land, is featured on Education Week's Teacher division.

Our guests are behind an initiative to get scrap grades. Can we achieve academic goals without grades? What are the obstacles? Follow @mssackstein @markbarnes19 @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Mark Barnes is a teacher and author of five education books, including Assessment 3.0: Throw Out Your Grade Book and Inspire Learning (due in February). Starr Sackstein, MJE, JEA New York State Director / High school educator, author, reformer, recovering perfectionist. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land.

New programs are being introduced into education at an accelerated rate. This is leading to something called initiative fatigue. In this segment our guests offer practical tips for coping with the new speed of change in education. Follow: @NancyFlanagan @mrkevinparr @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Dr. Vicki Caruana is a professor of education currently at Regis University in Colorado who has written a variety of books to educate and encourage educators to strive for excellence. Her book, Recess for Teachers: Taking Time out for your Body, Mind, and Soul, is available to help teachers find rest and balance in their lives. Kevin Parr is a 4th grade teacher at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Wenatchee, Washington. A 2014 ASCD Emerging Leader, he is also a regular guest blogger for the Whole Child Blog and Inservice. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Flanagan is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land/Edutopia.

New programs are being introduced into education at an accelerated rate. This is leading to something called initiative fatigue. In this segment our guests offer practical tips for coping with the new speed of change in education. Follow: @NancyFlanagan @mrkevinparr @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Dr. Vicki Caruana is a professor of education currently at Regis University in Colorado who has written a variety of books to educate and encourage educators to strive for excellence. Her book, Recess for Teachers: Taking Time out for your Body, Mind, and Soul, is available to help teachers find rest and balance in their lives. Kevin Parr is a 4th grade teacher at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Wenatchee, Washington. A 2014 ASCD Emerging Leader, he is also a regular guest blogger for the Whole Child Blog and Inservice. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Flanagan is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land/Edutopia.

Managing challenging behavior is part and parcel of being a classroom teacher. In this segment our guests explore the drivers of disruptive behaviors, discuss traditional methods of responding to disruptive students and offer proven strategies. Follow: @docrappaport @jesslahey @NancyFlanagan bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Dr. Kaye Otten is currently a behavioral and autism specialist for the Lee’s Summit R-VII School District in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and co-author, How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behavior. Dr. Nancy Rappaport is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of School-Based Programs at the Cambridge Health Alliance and co-author, The Behavior Code: A Practical Guide to Understanding & Teaching the Most Challenging Students. Jessica Lahey is an educator, writer, and speaker, a formermiddle and high school English, Latin, and writing teacher, and is currently a correspondent for the Atlantic, a commentator for Vermont Public Radio, and writes the bi-weekly "Parent-Teacher Conference" advice column for the New York Times Motherlode blog. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist.

As we look back, all guests agreed that 2013 has been and exceptional year in education. Events cited included developments with Common Core, the focus on connected educators and universal kindergarten. Tune in to hear the expectations and hopes for 2014. Follow: @coolcatteacher @NancyFlanagan, @ECEPolicyWorks, @stumpteacher @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Vicki Davis is a classroom technology teacher and author of Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist. Annie Fox, M.Ed. is an educator and award-winning author. Susan Ochshorn is founder of ECE PolicyWorks, a consulting firm specializing in early care and education policy research. Josh Stumpenhorst is an award winning junior high Language Arts and Social Science teacher.

The academic achievement gap between girls and boys is now well established and growing. The reasons are complex and in this segment we explore some of the more obscure causes. We close by looking at what can be done to narrow, if not close, the gap. Follow: @BloomfieldDavid @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D. is a psychologist who currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Boys' and Girls' Lives. He has written numerous publications, including Reaching Boys, Teaching Boys... Dr. David Bloomfield is Professor of Education Leadership, Law, and Policy at the City University of NY Graduate Center. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools.

It's well known and accepted that failure is part of the learning and growth process. But how do we get students parents and even some teachers to embrace this in practice? In this segment our guests share their insight on embracing failure. @bodymindchild @NancyFlanagan @Annie_Fox @bamradionetwork Justin Minkel is an award winning Arkansas Teacherof the Year, teaching 2nd and 3rd grade at Jones Elementary, a high-achieving public school. Jessica Lahey is an educator who writes about parenting and education for the New York Times, the Atlantic. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist. Annie Fox, M.Ed. is an educator and award-winning author.

Parents are partners in the process of educating students, with a shared interest in the outcome. But what happens when that partnership is not a love connection? How do you deal with parents when the relationship is a rocky one? Our guests offer some time-tested advice. @teachakidd @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Jessica Lahey is an educator who writes about parenting and education for the New York Times, the Atlantic and Vermont Public Radio. Dr. Allen Mendler, trainer, author, develops effective frameworks and strategies for educators to help difficult youth succeed. Lee Kolbert is a blogger, educator, and self-proclaimed geek. She has been with Palm Beach County Schools for over 27 years. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist.

A recent Gallup poll found that within one to three years of teaching less than a third of teachers are still deeply enthusiastic about their work and actively contributing to their organizations. For the most part we know why so many teachers become demotivated. What we don't broadly know is how to prevent it. Our guests today have spent decades in the classroom and are still passionate and engage. They've come to share the keys to staying excited about teaching. Tune in... @TeachaKidd @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Rafe Esquith, award-winning teacher, is in his 31st year of teaching and is author of four books, including the bestseller Real Talk for Real Teachers. Dr. Allen Mendler, trainer, author, develops effective frameworks and strategies for educators to help difficult youth succeed. Lee Kolbert is a blogger, educator, and self-proclaimed geek. She has been with Palm Beach County Schools for over 27 years. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist.

A recent Gallup poll found that within one to three years of teaching less than a third of teachers are still deeply enthusiastic about their work and actively contributing to their organizations. For the most part we know why so many teachers become demotivated. What we don't broadly know is how to prevent it. Our guests today have spent decades in the classroom and are still passionate and engage. They've come to share the keys to staying excited about teaching. Tune in... @TeachaKidd @NancyFlanagan @bodymindchild @bamradionetwork Rafe Esquith, award-winning teacher, is in his 31st year of teaching and is author of four books, including the bestseller Real Talk for Real Teachers. Dr. Allen Mendler, trainer, author, develops effective frameworks and strategies for educators to help difficult youth succeed. Lee Kolbert is a blogger, educator, and self-proclaimed geek. She has been with Palm Beach County Schools for over 27 years. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist.

What happens when you introduce students into the standard parent-teacher conference? Our guests report many benefits and a few challenges that need to be considered. Tune in to learn more about student-lead conferences. @edrethink @NancyFlanagan Jack Berckemeyer, author, A School-Wide Approach to Student-Led Conferences, is the Director of professional development for Incentive Publications. Bob Lenz, CEO of Envision Education, a leader in high school redesign, and performance assessment. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. John Spencer is currently a sixth grade ELL teacher in a low-income urban school in Phoenix, Arizona.

What really motivates teens? Our guests contrast the authoritative parenting style with the authoritarian and permissive styles and their impact on teen motivation. Follow: @Larryferlazzo @bamradionetwork Larry Ferlazzo, author of Helping Students Motivate Themselves and Self Driven to Learn, is a high school teacher. Dr. Jann Gumbiner is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent psychology and writes a blog for Psychology Today titled The Teenage Mind. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools.

Our guests say that having a classroom management plan and setting the right expectations for students on the first day is critical. What's the best way to achieve this? Tune in now and find out... Follow: @NancyFlanagan @Teach_Preschool @bamradionetwork Harry Wong is co-author of The First Days of School. The book has sold 3.8 million copies and has been translated into five foreign languages. Nick Romagnolo taught Math before co-founding Aspire - East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. Deborah J. Stewart, M.Ed. is the Executive Educational Director over three childcare campuses.

While one of our guests refers to some advanced certifications as "meaningless credentials,” another says the move to discount advanced degrees is dumbing down teaching. Listen and tell us what you think Follow: @bodymindchild @stumpteacher @bamradionetwork John Wilson is former executive director of the National Education Association and a senior fellow with the Pearson Foundation. Marcus A. Winters is an assistant professor in the Leadership, the College of Education at the University of Colorado. His research focuses on K-12 education policy including teacher compensation policies. Nancy Flanagan is a retired National Board Certified Teacher. Josh Stumpenhorst, is a junior high Language Arts and Social Science teacher.

While one of our guests refers to some advanced certifications as "meaningless credentials,” another says the move to discount advanced degrees is dumbing down teaching. Listen and tell us what you think Follow: @bodymindchild @stumpteacher @bamradionetwork John Wilson is former executive director of the National Education Association and a senior fellow with the Pearson Foundation. Marcus A. Winters is an assistant professor in the Leadership, the College of Education at the University of Colorado. His research focuses on K-12 education policy including teacher compensation policies. Nancy Flanagan is a retired National Board Certified Teacher. Josh Stumpenhorst, is a junior high Language Arts and Social Science teacher.

What teacher or parent hasn't said it, "quit day dreaming." Turns out that teens need to daydream and allowing time for teens to reflect is actually beneficial. Learn how to do it right. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Ed.D., a neuroscientist and human development psychologist, is an Assistant Professor of Education at the Rossier School of Education, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Brain and Creativity Institute, and a member of the Neuroscience Graduate Program Faculty at the University of Southern California. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land, is featured on Education Week's Teacher division. Shannon McClintock Miller is the district teacher librarian at Van Meter Community School in Van Meter, Iowa.Twitter @shannonmmiller.

In addition to dealing with a generation of students who feel entitled to good grades and special treatment, teachers are often finding they have to deal with parents who feel equally entitled. How do savvy teachers handle parents in the age of entitlement? Dr. Mari Cortez is co-autho of Parents as Partners in Education. Karen Deerwester is the owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, as well as the Mommy & Me director. She is the author of The Entitlement-Free Child. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

In addition to dealing with a generation of students who feel entitled to good grades and special treatment, teachers are often finding they have to deal with parents who feel equally entitled. How do savvy teachers handle parents in the age of entitlement? Dr. Mari Cortez is co-autho of Parents as Partners in Education. Karen Deerwester is the owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, as well as the Mommy & Me director. She is the author of The Entitlement-Free Child. Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist. She is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators.

Starting a new school year is both exciting and challenging. Taking the right actions can help you get off to a great start. Our guest offer a few great do's and don'ts to help you put your new class of students on the right track. For over 30 years Dr. Fred Jones has studied highly successful teachers - the "naturals" - to see how they make success look easy and the author of, "Tools for Teaching." Nancy Flanagan is a retired teacher, with 31 years as a K-12 Music specialist in the Hartland, Michigan schools. She was named Michigan Teacher of the Year (1993) Flanagan is co-founder of the Network of Michigan Educators and her blog, Teacher in a Strange Land, is featured on Education Week's Teacher division.