Take Notes with Jen Rafferty
Are you caught in the whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities, forgetting the fiery passion that once fueled your teaching journey? Do Sundays fill you with dread, and does the very thought of Monday morning send chills down your spine?
It’s time to toss those feelings out the window!
Welcome to Season 3 of the Take Notes podcast, where you get to give yourself a permission slip to disrupt the status quo, reclaim your agency, and step into a world where you get to make yourself the priority in order to show up as your best-self.
I’m your host Jen Rafferty - a former music teacher, Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, mom of 2, and founder of Empowered Educator, and I’ve been where you are.
In this season, we’re not just talking about surviving; we’re diving deep into thriving!
We’re rewriting the educator’s narrative and tearing down the walls of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and that crippling guilt that has held you captive. It’s time to liberate yourself from the chains of conventional education and step into a world of empowerment and freedom.
This is a space where your well-being is the core curriculum, where taking care of yourself isn’t just encouraged – it’s a requirement. Where your empowerment translates into the transformation of lives, creating a ripple effect that shapes future generations.
In these electrifying episodes, we’re moving from mere inspiration to tangible integration. Each conversation is a stepping stone to transform your practices, breathe life into your passion, and ignite the change to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. We’re about taking action and turning those “how’s” into now’s!
The transformation begins HERE and NOW. Say goodbye to the mundane, and hello to a world where you are unstoppable. Buckle up and get ready to explore territories unknown because, in this space, we are unearthing the extraordinary in every educator.
Are you ready to take the lead in your life? To not just be an educator, but a revolutionary and make transformational generational change?
Let’s do this!
Episodes
90 episodes
How to lead by example and inspire future generations through personal empowerment
Have you ever wondered who you are when no one's watching, or who you could be if you never doubted yourself for even a second?In today's episode, I’m shedding light on how to overcome obstacles that might seem too big to hand...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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27:48
Embracing failure as a path to success with Theresa MacPhail
As educators, we've all seen the fear in our students when they're afraid to make a mistake, the anxiety that bubbles up at the thought of failing. We can recognize it in ourselves too.It's a common experience.....
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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48:21
How to enhance learning experiences and make meaningful connections by understanding neuroscience with Chantel Prat
How can we continue to keep students engaged and motivated? If we’re being honest, the traditional education system falls short in meeting everyone's needs. In today’s episode, join me and the brill...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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51:40
The power of vulnerability in leadership. How to build a stronger team with Dr. Walter Polka and Dr. John McKenna
Are you eager to be a leader who truly connects with your team but not sure how to get there?Many leaders find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their positions, struggling to connect with their teams and make a positiv...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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31:59
How to build safe spaces for effective communication in education and work with Dr. Teresa Peterson
Have you ever been frustrated by the feeling you're not being heard? It's a common feeling, especially in schools and at work, and even more so when power plays a role in the relationship dynamic. B...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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37:31
How positive language in the classroom elevates learning and support systems with Shauna F. King
Ever wondered how much impact your words have on those listening?It can be easy to forget the big role that language plays in education. Language affects the students’ behavior, self-confidence, and overall engagement.
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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34:50
Need a more supportive work culture? How to build it through authentic connections with Sarah Noll Wilson
Feeling stuck in a job where you can't be yourself? Tired of shallow work interactionsMany of us spend our days in environments where we have to wear masks, playing roles that don't fit us. But what if there was a way to break free from...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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43:01
How to create a better work-life balance for dads in leadership roles with Larry Dake and Jeff Evener
Feeling stuck in the endless cycle of work, family responsibilities, and personal growth?Many dads find themselves caught in struggling to balance their professional ambitions with the demands of fatherhood. It's a juggle that...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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36:16
Overcoming health challenges: Discover how to listen and respond to your body with Crissy Florio
Do you ever feel like life's challenges are too much to handle? Whether it's the stress of daily responsibilities or something as life-altering as health crises, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselv...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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37:06
How to overcome teacher burnout? Tips for sustainable teaching career with Lily Jones
Are you struggling with teacher burnout and longing to rediscover the joy and purpose in your teaching career?You're not alone, and there's a path forward to help you find that fulfillment again.Join us in to...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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31:42
No time to eat well on busy work days? How mindful eating can help with Hannah McKitrick
Do you find yourself too busy to eat healthy as an educator? What if I told you that nourishing yourself on busy work days is possible?Join me and Hannah McKitrick as we talk about practical tips for making healthy eating sim...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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33:18
How to develop your voice and deal with hard conversations for effective communication with Jennifer Abrams
Ever wondered how to voice your concerns without sparking conflict?Even though teachers have credentials to teach and work with students, it is a different skill set to talk effectively with adults.Effective communication with adu...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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32:23
Feeling tired as a teacher? Overcome burnout and spark your passion again with Taylor Nardone
Feeling stuck in your career or searching for purpose in your life? Join me and our guest, Taylor Nardone, a dynamic speaker, coach, and former teacher, in today’s episode where we discuss finding your truth and power dur...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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32:15
Transforming Education: Authentic Leadership and Systemic Change with Sarah Johnson
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be a great leader, especially in the challenging world of education? Join us in today’s episode as we explore simple, yet powerful insights into authentic leadership with our ...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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39:12
Empower every student and teacher: Tailoring education for neurodiversity with Dr. Matt Zakreski
Imagine a world where every child's unique learning style is not just recognized but celebrated.That world is closer than you think! Join us today as we explore neurodiversity in education with Dr. Matt ...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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41:40
How teachers advocate and ally for transgender rights in education with Flint Huffman
Creating a safe and inclusive environment is crucial not just in our homes and workplaces, but also in our schools.In today’s episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Flint Huffman, a veteran transgender teacher and conte...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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32:13
How the Feldenkrais Method remarkably transforms learning and wellness with Carol McAmis
Ready to explore a holistic approach to movement and learning?In today’s episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Carol McAmis, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method.Carol shared her personal journey and the transformative power of Felden...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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45:09
Can storytelling revolutionize classroom learning? An inspiring talk with Michael Katz
Can you recall a moment when a story deeply resonated with you and made you feel seen and heard?In today’s episode of Take Notes we are joined by Michael Katz, a professional storyteller and educator. We dive into how st...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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37:14
Seeking self-growth? How does overcoming personal challenges empower us with Jillian Seibel Pawlowski
As an educator, putting yourself first isn't selfish – it's transformational. When you prioritize self-care, you become a better version of yourself for those around you. In today’s episode, join me...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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36:35
Can Social-Emotional Learning unlock academic success and personal growth? With Dan Wolfe
Do you wonder if our education system might be overlooking crucial elements beyond academics, such as emotional and social readiness for real-world challenges?In today's episode, we're joined by Dan Wolfe, an educator and Assi...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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29:58
Why embracing your authentic self is the key to unlocking success and peace with Stacey McFarland
Do you feel your success isn't enough? And as you keep chasing it, at the end of the day it still doesn't feel satisfying, right?It’s time to redefine success, and today, I'm joined by a special guest, Stacey McFarland, a mind...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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35:04
8 Steps to Tackle (and Triumph) Teacher Burnout with Amber Harper
Feeling burned out from the classroom?Remember that navigating burnout is an ongoing journey and not a quick fix. The good news? You can initiate positive change today.On episode 2 of the Take Notes podcast, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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36:06
Journey to compassionate parenting: A comprehensive guide to understanding and managing emotional triggers with Synthia Praglin
Ever feel overwhelmed and unsure if you’re doing this whole parenting thing rightYou’re not alone, and in this episode, I dive into the real and raw moments of parenting with Parent Coach, Synthia Praglin.We unpacked the...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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37:24
Welcome to Season 3 of Take Notes with Jen Rafferty!
Are you caught in the whirlwind of overwhelming responsibilities, forgetting the fiery passion that once fueled your teaching journey? Do Sundays fill you with dread, and does the very thought of Monday morning send chills down your spine? ...
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Season 3
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2:18
Feeling unappreciated in your profession? How to take ownership and create lasting impact as an educator with Stephanie Haynes
Are you feeling a bit disconnected from your love for teaching?Today is the day to reignite the lost spark! In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Stephanie Haynes, an educ...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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40:57