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Written by: Jennifer Appel  “The hard days are what make you stronger.” -Aly Raisman Recently...3 little words turned my life upside down... It began with a NIGHTMARE. I woke up in the middle of the night in a sweaty panic. My vivid imagery informed me that I had breast cancer. We’ve all had those horrifyingly realistic visions in the night that wake us up but later reveal themselves to be nothing. This wasn’t one of those.  Instantly, I sprung awake and did a quick self breast exam. In a half groggy state, under the warm covers in the pitch dark, I awkwardly felt around my left breast like an unsure teenager nervously pawing at a girl for the first time. The large lump was present and unavoidable. My mind went straight to denial. According to Emmanuel Acho, Denial stands for: “Don’t Even Know I Am Lying.” Immediately, I lied to myself assuming I was in the middle of some disturbingly lucid dream. Yeah, that’s it! I just need to get some more rest and it will be all fine in the morning, I said to myself. Unfortunately, I woke up the next morning with a pesky feeling of deja vu...indeed, the bulge was still there. If you haven't read some of my personal story or heard me speak of my previous medical history, let’s just say that I had some traumatic experiences as a teen that caused me to question my own instincts about my health. I thought about this nodule and didn’t want to alarm my husband or overreact. It could just be all in my head. I pondered on it for a few days, before slowly coming back to the facts of the situation. I knew in my heart that I was right and decided to share my concern with Hans. “Will you feel this”, I questioned with a shaky voice. Putting language to fear is an act of bravery. He felt the bump and looked at me, uttering my deepest worry, “that has to be cancer.” The bold and blunt proclamation wasn’t what I wanted to hear; but, our best friends have a way of telling us the stuff we need to hear. I knew he was right and quickly made an appointment with my doctor and started the scary process of identification, verification, and confirmation. Receiving a diagnosis requires a lot of steps. Because of insurance, you have to go to your regular physician and get a referral for the proper tests. Suspected breast cancer entails a mammogram, ultrasound, and then biopsy. Luckily, I saw my primary doctor and he immediately ordered everything. I was able to move through the early steps as efficiently as possible. A few long days later I showed up for the first step. The gal who did the mammogram saw the knob right away and said they would get me into the next phase immediately; as I was whisked away to do an ultrasound. While lying on the table, the nurse performing the ultrasound said, “I can definitely see the lump and we’re gonna get you in for a biopsy right now.” The urgency in her voice shook me to my core. Understand, these appointments sometimes take days or at the very least hours. But this medical crew was expediting my diagnosis like I was a VIP with a fast pass at CANCERLAND. With the speed of these medical actions, I knew they could tell it was cancer as well. However, naturally they can’t tell you anything until the results come back from the biopsy, so you just wait. And wait. And wait some more. Did I mention patience is a growth area for me? My doctor called me two days later and gave me the disturbing results: “You have CANCER.” Three words you never want to hear from your doctor...Even when you know it's coming, those three words are completely SHOCKING. No matter how much you prepare for the outcome, no one is ever ready to hear it. I asked the doctor a few questions to make sure I had the right referrals to the next doctors. Holding it together in the mirror of your own mortality is the ultimate test of endurance and grit. I listened to every word as my mind echoed his 3 words like a broken record. Each time he stopped for a breath or paused my brain lit up like a neon sign with those three horrifying words tattooed on my soul: "YOU HAVE CANCER!!!!!!"  Hanging up the zoom call I broke down and cried. Not a slow weepy cry like when you're watching The Notebook or The Fault in Our Stars. This was a thunderstorm of violent tears like a Florida rainfall that left me soaked. Hard. Quick. Sudden. But...Immediately sunny afterwards. The storm had given way to a beautiful bright skyline of HOPE. CANCER SUCKS....BUT I AM GOING TO KICK ITS ASS! I instantly started focusing on my recovery. Afterall, I’ve still got more books to write, more kids and staff to teach, and joy to inspire. I’ve got work to do and life to live.  I refuse to be a victim or patient. I’m a SURVIVOR! I’m a THRIVER! I’m an INSPIRER! “I am WOMAN--hear me ROAR!” -Helen Reddy Since my diagnosis, nearly a month has gone by. In fact, tomorrow, I brace myself for a bilateral mastectomy followed by months of intense treatment. As I write this, I reflect back on my upside down life of bone scans, MRI’s and pre-op appointments with gratitude for my medical team who are committed to my health. As an unwitting passenger on this roller coaster ride of hell, I’m prepared to take one day at a time as I intentionally discover the lesson cancer has gifted me. Each week I’ll post a life lesson or two on my survivors journey to joy. Make no mistake...this isn’t some polly ana attitude through rose colored glasses. Finding the bits of wisdom, in between the hurdles of life has always proved to be an award winning strategy for me. And now, in these challenging times, believing that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON will continue to be my therapeutic self-mantra. Here’s a few lessons for life:  This week I urge YOU to REACH OUT to a student you haven’t connected with recently, HUG a friend a little tighter than normal, and LINGER a little longer with a loved one. ---Relish the ordinary moments with others. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo. But what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” -Oprah Those three horrifying words may have broken me down but I’m excited to explore their true meaning this year on a new ride… HERE WE GO--JOIN ME ON THE BUS-- NEXT STOP CANCERLAND ABOUT THE AuthorJennifer Appel is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer. She’s the Chief Heart Officer for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. In addition to being the author of the highly anticipated sequel to Award Winning Culture, she’s the author of a line of picture books focusing on Social Emotional Learning and Character Ed which includes, “Award Winning Dog and I’m WHO.” Furthermore, Jennifer has been a contributor on two books: "Teacher’s Deserve It" and an upcoming project yet to be titled.  
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Written by: Hans Appel
When my friend Barbara asked me to contribute to her incredible WHY-INSPIRED project, I was absolutely pumped. As a huge fan of Simon Sinek, Start With Why Movement, I was eager to see how Barbara would attack and apply this vision to education. This book is outstanding! And a must read for all educators. My contribution is found on pages 195-198 as I share a story about creating a culture where students can find purpose and passion by bringing amazingness into the world.
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“Barbara Bray wrote Define Your Why from the process she went through to figure out her WHY and through coaching others who did not feel valued, appreciated, or why they needed to live on purpose. Barbara tells her story with 26 inspirational thought leaders along with quotes, resources, questions, and activities to help you on your journey to define you WHY so you own your story.” 
As a long time fan of reflection through journal writing, I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this powerful resource. On pages 26-27 I wrote a question impact story that a student taught me. It’s a story I’ve never told or written about before but has had a profound influence in the way that I think, feel, and behave towards all of my students.
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“You may be your own harshest critic at times but you can also be your own best teacher. With A Teacher’s Reflective Impact Journal: Pursuing Greatness Every Day as your guide, you’ll develop reflective habits to help you focus on your goals, improve what needs improving, and celebrate what you’ve gotten right. Filled with quotes to ponder and prompts to organize your thoughts, this is the perfect journal for any teacher who’s committed to pursuing greatness all year long. Have you ever written in a journal or diary before? This is pretty much the same, except it’s focused on your work as a professional educator. The Journal gives you weekly open-ended writing prompts crafted to help you develop new habits of thinking.” 
Teachers Deserve It: What You Deserve. Why You Don’t Have it. How You Can Go Get It.
by Adam Welcome & Rae Hughart
Truth be told, I had no idea Jennifer and I would be featured in this incredible sequel to the mega successful book, Kids Deserve It, until the project was nearly completed this past summer. We love all of the amazing content being created by Adam and Rae and felt uber grateful for the opportunity to share our LOVE of education in their incredible book. On pages 66-67 we share our passion for magnifying the lens to real sustainable JOY!
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“Every day, educators across the country give students their very best. Yet all too often, the passion teachers put into their work--and the why that led them to it in the first place--goes unrecognized. Too many teachers feel overwhelmed, stressed out, underpaid, and unheard. That needs to change. Teachers deserve respect. Teachers deserve time. Teachers deserve better. Whether you're an educator, an ally, or an advocate, if you’re ready to ignite change in your community, consider this your invitation to be a spark.” 
VEGAS BABY!! Who doesn’t love fabulous Las Vegas. I was so stoked to read this book. It’s a brilliant collaboration between award winning educators at the classroom and district level. I love how Kristen and Jacie push against status quo as they reimagine a bold new learning environment for students. It’s a book that every parent should hope and pray their own child’s teacher studies. The best educators I’ve ever worked with have always had one thing in common...THEY ARE RISK-TAKERS! On page 76-79 I had the privilege of sharing a time that I “cashed in” on an opportunity.
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“WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS… Unlike Nevada’s slogan of “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, this book reminds us that what happens in the classroom, should never stay within the classroom! It spotlights a unique relationship between a forward-thinking teacher and a future-focused district administrator. By going “all in” with their relationship and creating an opportunity for chance, risk-taking, and rolling of the dice, they have begun to fuel change within their school district and extend learning beyond their very own walls. Are you ready to bet on education? Are you ready to take a chance on what’s best for every child? Are you willing to be the risk-taker? Are you ALL IN? It is time to gamble and take a bet on YOU in order to create the invaluable change needed in education! This book describes 27 Bets that need to be made for the betterment of every child. Following each Bet, is a Jackpot filled with important takeaways that you can put into action today! In addition, the Double Down will challenge you to create changes of epic proportion for your students, colleagues, community, and you! With a professional learning network built on change agents in education, ANTE UP affords you the opportunity to see how other educators from around the globe have raised the bar for all kids! Are you ready to pull the lever of the slot machine one more time?” 
These inspiring books were four that helped shape my professional development this year. I love taking book recommendations from other educators. What’s a book you read this year that every educator MUST READ?
about the AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. 
Written by: Hans Appel
I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.
-Martin Luther King Jr
Have you ever been confronted with your own inadequacy in such a delayed yet profound way that shakes you to your core? It's been months since George Floyd’s viral death sparked a public outcry of anti-racism; however, only recently have I been able to write about the undeniable mirror these ongoing injustices have provided for myself.
I’ve been proudly advocating for anti-racism for as long as I could remember...or...so I thought.
An illuminated path of self proclamation begins by taking inventory of who I am and where I'm from. I’m a middle aged white male, born on the east coast but mostly raised on the west coast. Dad’s family grew up in the Midwest and Mom’s family grew up in the deep south.
I challenge you to listen to the final 8 minutes and 46 seconds of Traci Browder's Season 4, Ep #7 on the "Intelligogy The Podcast"
Visiting extended relatives in the southern most state as a young boy, meant confronting overt racism like my grandparents using the n-word on store employees, driving by angry men dressed in white capes in the backwoods, and making sense out of history textbooks filled with untruths. As a young person growing up in the pacific northwest, I hid this side of my family out of embarrassment, shame, and guilt. While the frequency of family visits lessened over my teenage years, these experiences cast a dark shadow of insecurity that I still wrestle with today.
Trips to visit my mid-west family provided completely different opportunities to learn about covert ways of discriminating. The language and behavior chosen to hurt black and brown people was dramatically different; yet, equally likely to “spirit murder” African Americans.
Racism is a societal time bomb that destroys culture--the only difference between covert and overt racism is the packaging of the bomb--but either way it’s wide spread damage is inevitable.
The northwest is certainly not immune to such systemic racism; but, to be honest, I feel like I’ve fought against oppression of others my entire life. Jennifer and I started the first Equality Club for LGBTQ students in our area (only the 2nd middle school in our predominantly liberal state). I’ve focused my career championing for minorities, ACES, marginalized, and impacted. I openly speak out against racism around me and practice constant almost obsessively unhealthy amounts of self reflection of my daily actions. I’m an ally--one of the good guys and spent my entire life desperately trying to intentionally behave, think, and feel differently than the racist role models I grew up observing.
Despite a healthy and active pursuit towards spotting blindspots...I’m NOT...yet...only BECOMING.
Here’s a story about a little black girl from our school--we’ll call her Aliyah. Aliyah came to us in 6th grade with a track record of office visits, discipline, and attendance concerns. She struggled with work completion and a history of “bullying and harassment.” Her social struggles resulted in no friends and no leeway. Her mom was labeled as a difficult parent--one who would gladly “flaunt the race card” in an effort to support her daughter’s avoidance of receiving ‘standard discipline and consequences.’ Mom and Aliyah were branded “angry black women.”
If you’re an educator, you’ve been warned about a student and/or parent with such visceral intensity that I’ll bet you’ve slightly adjusted your own approach either positively or negatively. I’d like to think that I always reach out early to new students but I intentionally sought out Aliyah on the first day of school.
Calling her into my office, I could feel and even smell the anxiety, fear, and anger upon requesting her presence in my office. It was obvious that office visits in the past resulted in negative feelings, discipline, and shame. Walking in with shoulders tensed and fists clenched she was preparing herself to do battle with another racist white guy.
As a standard get to know you check-in, I lightly peppered her with intrusive questions while interjecting lighthearted anecdotes about myself. The goal always being to create a warm comfortable space that a student might choose to return. I typically end this brief encounter with a little reminder what a counselor is and isn’t, limits of confidentiality, and how middle school students might best utilize their counselor. These conversations end with me sharing how to go about signing up to see me in the future…
“I’m never gonna come see YOU,” she challenged sarcastically.
At the time, I remember feeling a little bruised ego by the easy dismissal of my potential services but fully accepted that this relationship would take time. Trust is not built overnight.
After a long pause, I then launched into asking a follow up question I’d never asked before:
“Going through your file, I noticed that you had Mrs. Snell for 2nd grade, Mrs. Roberts for 3rd grade, Mrs. Martin for 4th grade, and Mr. Shelby for 5th grade. On top of that, your counselor throughout elementary school was Mrs. Stanley,” as I began to hesitate.
“YEAH”, she responded with a puzzled query?
“And the principals you had in elementary, Mr. Fiddell and Mrs. Sparks,” I paused taking a long deep breath unsure if I was willing to utter my actual question out loud.
“Yeah, so...what’s your point,” she reiterated with a slight uptick in irritation?
“Well...they’re all white”, I stopped briefly. “And now once again you find yourself sitting in a strange white guy’s office asking you annoying questions trying to get to know you as a person.” I froze for a moment. “What’s it like being surrounded by only white educators all the time,” as I averted my gaze trying to make myself and Aliyah more comfortable with my uncomfortable question?
“What do you mean?” She said, sitting forward making increasingly stronger eye contact with me.
“I’m just curious about what that’s like for you. I’m guessing you’ve experienced racism in real ways that I as a white guy might not really understand,” I said with a hint of vulnerability.
Aliyah’s shoulders immediately relaxed and she moved back in her chair saying, “it’s been really hard.”
"Tell me about it, I’d love to learn about your experience in and out of school," I shared.
The next 20 minutes of open and raw relationship building dialogue foreshadowed a remarkable and life-changing positive evolution.
The next 3 middle school years were followed with unprecedented success. Aliyah made the honor roll, successfully participated in activities, and developed life-long friendships. Her behavior and attendance were exemplary and she connected with countless educators at our school. She proved to be a gifted college bound student and athlete throughout high school and continues to reach wild success in all aspects of her life. I have a wonderful relationship with this former student and relish the chance to hear her first hand account of present day successes.
Careful readers might feel upset that I’m oversimplifying the slow transformation that happened with Aliyah. It’s not as if my genuine warmth and curiosity were the resounding systemic change she deserved. Her experience was far from perfect in life or at our school, as we know racism is a mega problem and finding micro changes to build trust doesn't dismiss the real societal work that needs to continue throughout education and beyond.
Sexual harassment, bullying, oppression, and injustice are probably microcosm of the bigger workplace and societal inequities that are fostered in unsafe cultures and climates. Schools have an obligation to drive societal conversation as the leaders in safe and welcoming organizations.
I’ve held tightly onto Aliyah’s story; although, many incredible details I’m intentionally leaving out. Her story served as a guide for me to find the courage to talk with students about race. Through the years, I’ve become much more culturally responsive as I strive to view all people through an equitable lens to better understand their unique world. But here’s the long winded uncomfortable insight from this blog...
For a long time, the story I told myself was that we helped transform Aliyah into an amazing kid. That our award winning culture provided the opportunity to BECOME...
Until George Floyd, I’d felt a sense of pride reflecting on Aliyah’s blossoming INTO…
Here's the cold hard truth. Aliyah always WAS…
The white lensed obtuse arrogance to think that I created an anti-racist space for learning only highlights my ignorance on race.
Award Winning Culture can't abolish racism or injustice. Instead it’s filled with educators intentionally willing to challenge and push against all forms of discrimination.
It’s not about creating perfect conditions for every learner. It’s about striving for relentless improvement to reach those conditions!
In reality, she’s ALWAYS BEEN an incredible student capable of achieving monumental success. I didn’t fix her behavior or attendance. I didn’t inspire purposeful learning. I didn’t resurrect a highly at-risk student.
To make Aliyah’s success, the standard, rather than the exception--white educators must start BECOMING...
Looking back with clearer perspectacles, I’m aware that I changed far more than Aliyah. She was always award winning. I simply helped a student remove a protective mask to avoid being hurt by continuing my journey to BECOMING…
Floyd’s murder reinforced to me that I’m…
BECOMING SELF-AWARE
BECOMING DRIVEN FOR CHANGE BECOMING OBSERVANT BECOMING INTOLERANT TO INJUSTICE BECOMING COLLABORATIVE BECOMING ANGRY BECOMING ACCOUNTABLE
AND...HOPEFULLY...BECOMING ANTI-RACIST.
WHAT ARE YOU BECOMING?
About the AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.
Written by: Hans Appel  “The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” -Thomas Berger Questions lead to answers like leadership leads to culture. While great leadership builds amazing culture, weak leadership can foster toxic culture. Educators and students are co-leaders in an Award Winning Culture. In terms of learning, in order to discover helpful answers we must learn to ask the R.I.G.H.T questions.  Modern educational thought leaders have emphasized the learning power in asking smart insightful questions. In essence, there is an entire body of research to suggest that educators should be striving for learners to question and interact with academic content rather than seeking an ongoing answer factory. Questioning helps students generalize skills beyond a limited set of circumstances. Despite our knowledge on the importance of questioning, I’ve long wondered why school seems to regularly devolve into a repetitive question/answer series of activity. It’s important to understand standardized assessments came about because of a need to make things simpler to compare, contrast, and label. For instance, it’s ‘easier’ to grade and therefore assess student knowledge if there’s an obvious answer to a predetermined common assessment. On the other hand, simplicity for educators, parents, and lawmakers does not equate to value for learners. My colleagues, who preach alternative assessment options like standard based grading or student conferencing, might be quick to point out the fallacy in traditional questioning models. Additionally, these same colleagues would explain how this limited inquiry based approach prevents learners from stretching up the pyramid of Bloom's Taxonomy or reaching higher levels on Webb’s Depth of Knowledge.  Furthermore, lower forms of questions reinforce barriers to learning like gender and racial bias. If a question doesn’t allow room for me to wrestle with big ideas while infusing my own uniqueness into the answer, it’s probably a poorly conceived question. Educators get what they model and practice in their own learning. It's time to start thinking about some of the questions we ask of our peers... Are you a part of any ongoing learning community? Maybe a PLN, PLC, Facebook group, etc. I’ll bet some of the questions below look familiar. Here’s a few common low-level questions I regularly see in online learning communities:
Some queries don’t even take the form of a question:
On the outside these targeted questions seem to drive specific shotgun answers that might help guide educators; but, in reality there’s a common thread underscoring each question. These routine inquiries from educators lack the PASSION, PURPOSE, and PRIOR KNOWLEDGE to ignite game-changing professional development. Receiving a laundry list of ideas or suggestions, is nothing more than an efficient way to poll.  It’s much more relevant and helpful to understand the thinking that goes behind the answer. Why do I value this kindness lesson, leadership book, or ice-breaker? The real answer to any of the above questions is-- it depends. It depends on your school and class culture. Please don’t assume that one educator’s must-have program, strategy, or thought is exactly what your community of learners needs. In order to answer these questions effectively, we’d need to know more about the BIG PICTURE. Where are you going? Who’s the audience? What are your goals? Why is this question important to your classroom, school, or learners? If educators hope to expect deeper levels of questioning from our students we must DEMAND the same rigor in our own learning. Sometimes the right questions are the ones we ask OURSELVES. “Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.” -Margaret J Wheatley Locating the strongest educational learners is pretty easy, they’re the ones CREATING, REFLECTING, and CONNECTING. They reframe knowledge based questions into metacognitive analysis of thought:
Before seeking level 1 input from external sources, start by reframing your basic questions into reflections to rekindle your WHY. When exploring professional development pursue multi-points of entry into your passion. Focus less on seeking answers and more on practicing an award winning mindset driven to discover and develop YOUR OWN JOY.  In Award Winning Culture, I wrote about what prevents others from asking questions, “educators in an award winning culture recognize current and past barriers toward seeking help and actively create safe and welcoming conditions to support students, parents, and educators.” Taking it a step further, the additional barrier is ensuring we’re asking ourselves and others the deeper level questions while wrestling with ever-changing answers. What’s one thing you’re struggling with this week that might benefit from a reframe? Are you asking the RIGHT question? About the AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture.
Written by: Jennifer Appel
In a time filled with trauma, inequity, and fear, creating a healthy imaginative world focused on emotional regulation seems like a revelatory antidote to the world’s disconnection and anxiety stemming from social distancing. As children navigate forced remote learning and hybrid models, parents and educators are desperately seeking a myriad of ways to infuse joy back into students’ lives.
I’m Who, beautifully lays out a high interest picture book for children of all ages to wrestle with their own uncomfortable feelings as they redefine their everyday coping strategies through the eyes of a furry dog named Ginger. The heartfelt story centers around a seemingly perfect dog who’s haunted with conquering daily negative thoughts and stress. With the help of a wise old friend, vivid imagery, and calm surroundings, children vicariously learn how to take back control of their own world.
Our children today have an overwhelming sense of anxiety. We can teach young readers how to overcome these internal barriers to joy with literacy based social emotional learning.
Growing up with childhood testing anxiety, from an undiagnosed reading disability, I recognize the immense pressure to fit it and pretend like everything’s alright on the outside. Children spend tremendous energy sustaining the illusion of what society tells us is normalcy. This dissonance between thoughts, feelings, and behavior directly interferes with a child’s ability to learn. Psychological research refers to this faking of one’s feelings as emotional labor. Emotional labor often forces people to constantly remain in an inauthentic or forced space through surface acting. Obviously, surface acting is exhausting!
Parents often experience their anxious child’s exhaustion at night, boil over after hours of ‘keeping it together’ at school. It’s critical to help our learners understand that it’s ok to not be ok and that their intense feelings are actually completely manageable.
“The average student today has as much anxiety, as the average psychiatric patient of the 1950’s” (American Psychological Association)
Picture books deliver an awesome conversation starter for kids to discover and develop their best selves by being a catalyst for teachers and parents to carve out their own Award Winning Culture.
As a long-time lover of the power of visual storytelling, I’m thrilled to have created this canine universe to help shape the minds and hearts of our young people. Teaching social emotional learning and character education are not just a good idea but are crucial to helping children thrive in an ever-changing world. From my own experience, I know that books like--I'm Who--reinforce an internal belief that young readers determine their attitude and path forward.
In addition to offering free elementary lesson plans, we’re able to provide virtual read alouds to further support literacy based SEL. It’s no longer acceptable, safe or even efficient to exclusively focus on academic content to the detriment of children’s mental health. Supporting healthy learners in this crazy world is everyone’s job!
Parents and teachers now have a wonderful resource at their fingertips to support youth mental health by instilling self hope that “I’m Who controls my own anxiety.”
This week, think of one child who might benefit from this life impacting learning.
Who knows...maybe...You Too Can Be Who.
I’m Who, is available on Amazon, Etsy, or at awardwinningculture.com.
About The AuthorJennifer Appel is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer. She’s the Chief Heart Officer for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. She’s the author of a line of picture books focusing on social emotional learning and character education which includes, “Award Winning Dog and I’m WHO.” Furthermore, Jennifer has been a contributor on two books: Teacher’s Deserve It and an upcoming project yet to be titled.
Written by: Hans Appel  “Success is more than achieving your goals. It’s living your values.” -Adam Grant I’m incessantly attracted to successful people! I love learning from leaders who are at the top in their industry no-matter what their industry might be. I know that examining what creates game-winning athletes, must see performers, or mind-bending corporate champions are often a mix of similar drive, talent, and practice. But the people who most peak my interest are the influencers who actually live out their inspiring vision-like values in their daily lives. These edu-stars teach beyond their words as they captivate with their authentic action. While William Shakespeare famously shared that “all the world’s a stage…” I would argue that: All the world’s a classroom and these culture building educators are generously sharing a VIP pass behind the curtain of life-changing learning. Welcome to my 3rd annual 50 must follow educators! This year, our list focuses exclusively on Culture and Climate edu-stars that push, challenge, and encourage me to be BETTER. With the close of 2020, I find myself taking stock of the educators who continue to inspire me to chase an Award Winning Culture. And while I generated a list of nearly 200 difference makers initially, the following 50 Culture Builders continue to reach rarified air. As a dream team of disruptors, difference makers, and dynamic do-gooders--I’m truly in awe of the work these educators are creating. Rather than simply consuming content their breathing whole child life into classrooms all around the world, by sharing their knowledge and secrets with all of us. This is not simply a list of my favorite people, PLN, or best friends--in fact, a few people here don’t even know I exist. Instead, it’s a carefully curated group of people who YOU need to be connected to. The world desperately needs to hear their messages and I encourage each of you to lean forward and listen closely. In no particular order, I present to you the 2020 TOP 50 Culture Builders: Jorge Valenzuela: Jorge is an award winning educational coach, thought leader, and author of Rev Up Robotics. He’s the creator of LifeLong Learning Defined, and offers PD for Teach Better and PBL Works. He’s a social justice advocate, SEL resource, and general superstar! Houston Kraft: Houston is a Speaker, Curriculum Developer, Kindness Advocate and Professional Hugger. He’s the Co-founder of CharacterStrong and author of Deep Kindness. He’s a must follow because he’s actively teaching the WORLD how to live, practice, and think more intentionally about kindness! Evan Whitehead: Evan is a district administrator, national consultant for the Aha Process, Mental Health Advocate, and soon to be author. His #BalanceBoundariesandBreaks platform has been a refreshing lens for understanding Self-Care in the context of valuing mental health. He makes vulnerability cool! Jami Fowler-White: Jami is an administrator, Founder & CEO of Digital PD For You, Podcaster, Speaker, and author of Educator Reflection Tips. Along with her husband, Dr. Frederick White, they offer an outstanding presentation called: Colorism: The Unspoken Ace. Randy Russell: is a Superintendent, Founder of RLR Leadership Consulting, Podcaster, and author of The 3 Ships: Relationships, Leadership, and Partnership. Randy truly lives his WHY out on a daily basis and he practices what he preaches! Livia Chan: Livia is a Head Teacher, Ambassador and Digital Content Editor for the Teach Better Team, and soon to be author. She’s a talented blogger and joyful leader who lives out Maya Angelou’s famous words into existence: “they’ll remember how you made them feel.” She’s a rising educational star who models humility, kindness, and compassion on a daily basis. Lindsay Titus: Lindsay K-12 Educational Behavior Specialist, Teach Better Ambassador, Podcast Host, Speaker, Coach, Founder of Define YOUniversity and upcoming author of the Define YOU Journal. Whenever Lindsay speaks, I find myself taking copious notes. She’s an authentic, Rachel Hollis-like educator who lifts others to incredible heights! Jeff Gargas: Jeff is the COO and Co-founder of the Teach Better Team. He’s a speaker, champion for educators and co-author of Teach Better. But more than all the accolades, accomplishments, and achievements--Jeff is on a ridiculously spectacular quest to reimagine education. Nicole Biscotti: Nicole is an educator, parent advocate, and the upcoming author of I Can Learn When I’m Moving: Going to School with ADHD. She’s the creator of ADHD Global Convo and provides incredible parental resources! Jennifer Appel: Jennifer is an award winning Educator, Speaker, Podcaster, Co-Founder of Award Winning Culture, Chief Heart Officer of the Teach Better Team, and author of multiple books: Award Winning Dog and I’m Who. Additionally, in the spring of 2021 she’ll be releasing the sequel to Award Winning Culture. Simply put--Jennifer’s a game-changing educational thought leader who believes in the power of JOY! Traci Browder: Traci is an award winning teacher, global thinker, and podcast host of Intelligogy. She’s an upcoming author of her highly anticipated BetterFlies Book. She’s a gifted communicator with a servant’s heart who’s become a go-to resource for understanding equitable education. Sheldon Eakins: Dr. Eakins is an administrator, Co-Founder of the Leading Equity Center, and Host of the Leading Equity Podcast. He has a talented way of bringing visionary clarity to complex social issues to a diverse group of educators. He’s empowering, unifying, and culturally collaborative! Tre Gammage: Tre is an administrator, educational SEL Consultant, Teach Better Speaker, Host of the Dash Podcast, and author of Every Decision Counts: 8 Lessons I Wish They Taught Me in School. Tre brings a special passion to reaching and teaching adult SEL! Mariah Rackley: Dr. Rackley is an award winning administrator, lead learning change agent. She’s built an incredible school culture by influencing student voice, choice, and agency. She inspires educators to become a digital leader! Evan Robb: is an award winning administrator, keynote speaker, co-host of the Robb Review podcast and blogger. He’s the author of, The 10-Minute Principal, Team Makers, and The Principal’s Leadership Sourcebook. Evan believes in creating a culture of reading that transforms a school of students into a community of learners! Joshua Stamper: Josh is an exceptional administrator, Teach Better Podcast Network Manager, and Host of the award winning Aspire Podcast. He’s an upcoming author and recognized speaker on Trauma and Restorative Practices. Josh has a passion for blending creative content with supportive connection to build aspiring leaders! Neil Gupta: Dr. Gupta is a Director of Secondary Education, ASCD Board Vice President, Creator of Farther Together, and a Teach Better Speaker. He’s a cultural energizer capable of walking arm and arm with educators on their quest to create exceptional learning spaces! Chad Ostrowski: Chad is the CEO of the Teach Better Team, creator and mastermind behind The Grid Method, speaker, trainer, and author of Teach Better. Chad is uber committed to supporting, connecting, and inspiring educators to be BETTER TODAY than yesterday, and BETTER TOMORROW than today! Jacie Maslyk: Dr. Maslyk is an administrator, speaker, blogger, Solution Tree Associate, and author of: Steam Makers, Remaking Literacy, Connect to Lead, Unlock Creativity, and All-In. She flourishes in leadership and learning through relationship development! Steve Sostak: Steve is the Director of Inspire Citizens, Director of IC Master Teach Endorsement, author of Global Impact School Self Study, and a facilitator of Sustainable Development Goals. Steve’s dedicated to positively influencing the whole child to impact communities around the globe! Barbara Bray: Barbara is a coach, blogger, speaker, host of the Rethink Learning Podcast, and author of Define Your Why. She’s a brilliant advocate for student agency, voice, and choice through learner centered classroom! Rae Hughart: Rae is an award winning teacher, keynote speaker, blogger, creator of Teach Further Model, trainer, the Chief Marketing Officer for the Teach Better Team, Host of the Teach Better Talk Podcast, and the author of Teacher’s Deserve It and Teach Better. David Geurin: David is an award winning principal, keynote speaker, blogger, an author of Future Driven. He’s an advocate for reimagining our schools to reach the whole child and prepare our students for both their current realities and a future unknown! Amy Fast: Dr. Fast is a Principal, Education Commentator, speaker, and author of It’s the Mission Not the Mandates. She’s a boots on the ground educator who has masterfully crafted award winning school culture and climate in McMinnville Oregon by focusing on the real “sweet spot” in education! George Couros: George is a teacher, keynote speaker, blogger, podcast host, and author of The Innovator’s Mindset and co-author of Innovate Inside the Box. George is a generational thought leader who continues to raise education and learning culture to inexplicable heights! Brian Aspinall: Brian is the founder of CodeBreakerEdu, Keynote Speaker, University Instructor, and author of Risk Taker and Block Breaker. Brian’s ability to inspire educators to infuse coding, critical thinking, and problem solving into their school wide community is unmatched! Eric Sheninger: Eric is an award winning principal, ICLE Associate Partner, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of Digital Leadership, Learning Transformed, Uncommon Learning, and Brand ED. Eric is at the forefront of innovative leadership! Jimmy Casas: Jimmy is an award winning educator, the CEO & President of J Casas & Associates, leadership coach, Future Ready Faculty, and author of Culturize and Live Your Excellence. He’s a charismatic and gifted speaker and lead learner who believes: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever it Takes. Elisabeth Bostwick: Elisabeth is an award winning educator, speaker, coach, blogger and the author of Take the Leap. Elisabeth is a passionate whole learner advocate who believes in igniting innovation to better serve each student! Dave Burgess & Shelly Burgess: Dave and Shelly are award winning educators, keynote speakers, publishers, and authors of Teach Like a Pirate and Lead Like a Pirate. Dave Burgess Consulting continues to push the envelope in high impact literature focused on all areas of school culture! Marlena Gross-Taylor: Marlena is a district administrator, publisher, speaker, founder of Edu-Gladiators, and author. Her passion to create exceptional learning communities makes her a game-changer in all educational spaces! Brian Mendler: Brian is a former special education teacher, dynamic staff developer, host of the Brian Mendler Show Podcast, and author of That One Kid and Watch Your Mouth, Tips For Teachers, Power Struggles, and Turning Tough Parents into Strong Partners. Brian is kid behavior expert who’s driven to make school amazing for each and every learner! Pete Hall & Kristin Souers: Pete and Kristin are a dynamic duo of leadership and learning. They provide incredible professional development and are the authors of Fostering Resilient Learners and Relationship, Responsibility, and Regulation. By combining forces to create Fostering Resilient Learners, Pete and Kristin are widely recognized experts in trauma informed practices! Wendy Turner: Wendy is an award winning teacher, SEL Warrior, speaker, writer, and trainer. She’s an SEL expert who practices what she preaches in her own classroom. Tara Martin: Tara is an educator, coach, national speaker, PR & Communications Director of Dave Burgess Consulting, Host of the Real Journey Podcast, creator of BookSnaps, and author of Be Real and Cannonball In. Jeff Kubiak: Jeff is an educator, speaker, advocate for ALL KIDS, and author of One Drop of Kindness and It’s Me. He’s a big hearted edu-star who’s kindness first focus is changing the narrative on equity, inclusion, and acceptance in school houses around the globe! Sara Johnson: Sarah is an educator, speaker, coach, host of the In Awe Podcast, and author of Lead with Faith and Balance Like a Pirate. She's a nationally recognized consultant supporting educators with her message of balance, building resiliency, and empowerment! Chuck Poole: Chuck is a classroom teacher, founder of Teachonomy & Teach Success Summit, podcaster, blogger, and author of Unforgettable. Chuck supports educators through virtual and asynchronous learning opportunities designed to lift learning everywhere! Chris Woods: Chris is a teacher, speaker, host of the STEM everyday podcast, and author of Daily Stem. He’s a forward thinking lead learner modeling how to infuse STEM into the daily fabric of the school! LaVonna Roth: LaVonna is an international keynote speaker, consultant, author, and Chief Illuminator of Ignite Your Shine. She’s a highly impacted presenter and coach of social emotional empowerment driven to help all learners discover their inner SHINE! Kris Felicello: Kris is a superintendent, blogger, speaker, Co-Founder of The Teacher and The Admin, and author of The Teacher and the Admin. Kris is a master teacher, leader, and culture building dynamo who believes in the limitless power of teacher and administration collaboration! Kristen Nan: Kristen is an award winning teacher, speaker, and BELIEVER in SEL, Risk Taking, and reaching the whole child. In addition to being a heartfelt blogger, she’s the co-author of All In: Taking a Gamble in Education. Kristen oozes authenticity in her actions, words, and life! Joe Sanfelippo: Joe is an award winning superintendent, next level keynote speaker, and author of Hacking Leadership, The Power of Branding, and Principal Professional Development. He’s an electric and energizing leader who brings out the best in educators around the world! Kevin Butler: Kevin is an off-the-charts engaging teacher, director of curriculum and instruction, keynote speaker, PD facilitator, blogger, and host of the LIghts, Camera, Action Podcast. Kevin’s classroom for both students and educators is the type of MUST SEE experience that you’d buy a ticket for! John Norlin: John is a former district level administrator of the whole child, master SEL and character education trainer, keynote speaker, curriculum developer, Co-Founder of CharacterStrong, the host of the CharacterStrong Podcast. As a recognized leader in reaching and teaching the whole child, John has taken his experiential leadership skills and married them with research based best practice science to offer the GOLD STANDARD in professional development and curriculum within social emotional learning! Evo Hannan: Evo is an international administrator and speaker specializing in design, innovation, and agency on a global level. He's also the host of the Ed Talks Live. His collaborative style in building people up has earned him a reputation for exceptional school culture and climate that knows no borders! Michael Earnshaw: Michael is a punk rock principal, speaker, and inspirer. He’s the co-host of the Punk Rock Classrooms, blogger and the upcoming author of Edu-Culture Cookbook. Michael’s authentic style leadership makes him an irresistible influencer capable of transforming the thermostat of any room! Sarah Thomas: Dr. Thomas is a 100% educator who balances between regional tech coordinator and founder and CEO of Edu-Match. Edu-match is a publishing company who specializes in working with educators who have diverse stories and messages to inspire the world! Dwayne Reed: Dwayne is a rapping teacher, keynote speaker, and author of Simon B Rhymin. He provides daily inspiration to his students, social media followers, and educators around the world! CJ Reynolds: CJ is a breathtakingly REAL teacher, speaker, and author of Teach Your Class Off. Additionally, he’s the star of Real Rap with Reynolds, a viral YouTube Channel devoted to his brand of comedy, engagement, and relationship building directly from his own classroom! About the AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. Written by: Hans Appel Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are. -Marianne Williamson I believe that education at its highest level is about inspiring others to discover and develop their joy. Is it just me or has COVID made this idealistic pursuit of joy--really challenging? For years, I scribbled a couple words down each morning, determined to start my day off with a little gratitude. However, in the peak of our global pandemic, I felt less inspired to reflect on my daily doses of joy. It’s hard to find joy when schools and businesses are closing, politics undermines health, and people are dying. Our health crisis coupled with recurring racism played out on the grand stage, made this spring and summer hard to swallow. A conversation with my friend, Rae, offered me a reality changing perspective I desperately needed. After whining to her about a couple things in my upcoming week, I turned my attention to inquiring about her. If I’m being honest, I think I initially was only partly focused on her response as I was stuck in my own head. Despite what I already knew would be a difficult week, Rae was singularly focused on the delivery of her new sofa. Don’t get me wrong, we all love getting things in the mail and an item as big as a sofa was certainly a highlight. However, her willingness to push all the what ifs, requirements, and upcoming tasks to the side to fully celebrate and en-JOY the arrival of her sofa...was...well...ILLUMINATING! Rae’s positivity and optimism was exactly the kick in the butt I needed to rekindle my passion for seeing joy. A few weeks later, I decided to hold myself publicly accountable to daily gratitude by posting a short joy journal video on instagram for 30 consecutive days. I believed that if I could stick with it, I’d be more likely to return to my regular positivity. It was hard at first. My friends at CharacterStrong refer to these soft skills as a muscle that can be strengthened from daily practice. But my well developed gratitude muscle had begun to atrophy in the wake of 2020. Initially, I sought out big items to celebrate as I’d frequently pester myself with non productive self talk: is this joy journal worthy? I felt like I had to make it interesting for people viewing my instagram story rather than looking for my own sofa moment. However, with a slow cognitive reframe, I began noticing the little things that brought me joy: a cool breeze on a warm dog walk, a smile from my wife after eating pizza, and a funny text from a friend. No longer was I in search of a joy moment that might seem cool to someone else; as I shifted from externally driven back to internally motivated. My joyful moments often center around relationships, connection, and experience. Pizza didn’t bring me joy. But my wife, putting in the effort to perfectly brown the top of a homemade pizza because she knows that’s how I love it--DID BRING ME JOY!  A generic silly text would have brought a laugh but when a friend knows you well enough to personalize it about your favorite sports team--THAT DELIVERS JOY! It wasn’t the breeze or even routine dog walk that brought me joy. It was watching Maya happily breathing in the gentle wind as she glided along on her desired path.  Pizza, exercise, and laughter might bring me temporary happiness; but, real joy is uncovered in the connective moments with others. Here’s a few tips to staying focused on uncovering gratitude:
Joy does not just happen to us. We have to keep choosing it every day. -Henri J.M Nouwen My video joy journal on the gram segued back into more traditionally scribbled notes. It’s helped me relocate calm, mindful, and hopeful thoughts. I’ve become open to daily creativity and production because gratitude reinforces a relaxed yet focused mindset. Why Gratitude?
Make no mistake, a heart full of gratitude is better prepared to inspire joy in those around us. Award Winning Culture places joy and learning on the same continuum of purpose. What’s one thing you're joyful for TODAY? ABOUT THE AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. Written By: Hans Appel “Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” -Mason Cooley With social distancing at an all time high; perhaps, the pathway to innovative human connection might be best discovered in the creative confines of a great book. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) feels like such an imminent goal in our current world. Don’t get me wrong...it’s always been critical to student success; but, in a world filled with trauma, inequity, and fear, social emotional learning might offer the armor of resilience for children to truly thrive in our eventual post-covid world. Dr. Michele Borba refers to these protective factors as “The Empathy Gap,” in her highly acclaimed book, Unselfie. But how do talented parents and teachers actually navigate these difficult conversations with children on topics like: emotional regulation, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making, and relationship skills? For nearly 362 years adults have relied on some version of the picture book as a powerful conversation starter to impart life’s wisdom through the lens of imaginary characters. This form of empathy has shaped the minds and hearts of generations of young readers.  "ORBIS SENSUALIUM PICTUS" THE WORLD'S FIRST PUBLISHED PICTURE BOOK, 1659, LONDON “No matter the social cause, when we immerse ourselves, walking in another’s shoes while living these many lives in the books we read, we can empathize with the plight of everyday life for others and think beyond ourselves to create change in our world, making life better for everyone.” -Michelle Lane Growing up with books like The Giving Tree, The Lorax, and The Patchwork Quilt provided me a much needed escape from the tornado of emotions that regularly blew through my home. In fact, my prized high school graduation present was a simple Suess book: Oh the Places You’ll Go. But benefiting from these literary treasures doesn’t require adverse childhood experiences. Indeed children of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances can invest and learn from character rich picture books designed to capture our imagination. The subtlety and art that lifts these wonderful graphic worlds into a safe space for kids to wrestle with complex issues is what truly sets them apart from their fellow literature. Picture books are a special gift for the world. We see the best and worst of ourselves in these inspiring stories. Here’s a few books released recently by my insanely creative wife, Jennifer that I absolutely LOVE!! To the outside world, Ginger is an award winning dog who seems to have the perfect life. Despite her show stopping beauty, she conquers daily internal thoughts of overwhelming stress and anxiety that challenge her emotional well-being. With the help of a wise old friend, vivid imagery, and calm surroundings, Ginger creates a powerful learning moment to take back control over her own JOY.  Little Maya is a sweet puppy born into an incredibly successful family. But after bouncing between several homes and multiple failed attempts to prove she belongs, Maya seeks the advice of three special friends to put her on a path to self discovery. Take a walk with Maya, as she finds the secrets to becoming award winning. Also available on Amazon or Etsy  Here’s a list of some recent MUST READ picture books: It’s Me by Jeff Kubiak Cozy by Jan Brett Finding Lost Smiles by Vickie & Don Epps Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen Play Yay: Baby Talk by BreAnn Fennell I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes Cannonball In by Tara Martin Natalie Portman’s Fables by Natalie Portman One Drop of Kindness by Jeff Kubiak Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson Ride with Emilio by: Richard Nares This holiday season, I challenge you to purchase a couple great picture books to give away to someone in your life. It could be an old classic or a brand new discovery. “The MORE that you read the MORE things you will know. The MORE that you LEARN the MORE places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss About The AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. Written By: Hans Appel November is a traditional time for sharing gratitude and thanks in our family. As we shift into the holiday season , Thanksgiving usually offers a time for reflection on the year with family and friends. But this year, I felt like an unwilling passenger heading down a construction zone detour with no onramp back to my preferred highway.  If I’m being real, I’ve battled back issues, moments of anxiety, and bouts of low grade depression. I’ve been emotionally impacted by George Floyd and countless other black and brown injustices and been angered by political indifference. I felt robbed of vacation plans, speaking engagements, and the opportunity to impact students’ lives on a daily basis. I was stripped away of my freedom, mobility, and what it means to be an educator. My year has managed to pass through each stage of the COVID grief cycle.  Yet, I’ve spent more time writing, thinking, and reflecting on this soul-searching year than probably any year of my life. Because of this unexpected effort toward mindfulness, I restructured 2020 in my own mind as the year of: GRATITUDE. Years from now, I’ll recall 2020 for the COVID global pandemic but I intentionally choose to REMEMBER the many opportunities to discover and develop my JOY.  After signing a 3 book deal, I managed to release, Award Winning Culture, last spring to inspire a school-wide framework to elevate educators' culture and climate. The feedback has been incredible as my idealistic vision seeps into communities around the globe. Jen recently submitted the sequel to this book; geared toward teachers in the classroom, and we’re thrilled to anticipate its release early spring.  Speaking of Jen, she created a picture book series about our dog, Maya + friends based on the big ideas from my book. I’m extremely proud of her effort to use her incredible talent, creativity, and passion to make the world better! By mixing heartfelt stories and partnering with award winning illustrator Herb Leonard, she’s infused social emotional and character education lessons for children of all ages to vicariously learn through a cast of fury friends. Award Winning Dog debuted in July; while, I’m Who was just released. Forced social distancing meant frequent family dog walks which gave way to a crazy idea for us to start our own podcast: The Award Winning Culture Podcast. Having spent several years behind the scenes supporting our students with their Wildcat Nation podcast, it’s been fun to pull back the curtain and cannonball in, to share our regular conversations on all things school culture. As Jen and I debate, riff, and reveal our thoughts on education, we’ve had a blast putting this project together.  The Teach Better Team has become a large part of our world in 2020. From being hand selected for the Speakers Network, to joining the Podcast Network we’ve been fortunate to surround ourselves with high energy game-changing people who challenge us to become our best selves. The Teach Better Team imagines a world where: “every educator is connected, supported, and inspired to be BETTER every day; so that all learners can discover and develop their passions to positively impact our communities.”  Isn’t this the world we all desire? The Teach Better family has been committed to providing dynamic professional development, educational content, and hope throughout the world. We’re grateful to be a part of something bigger than ourselves! Beyond all of the momentum that our award winning culture work has been experiencing, Jen and I find ourselves in awe of our students, staff, and parents who have transformed their own skills, thinking, and actions to thrive in our new normal. It might be easy to look back at 2020 with wistful regret for the missed opportunities but I choose to see our educational pivot with hopeful optimism. Thanks to our global circumstances big ideas like equity, inclusion, and supporting the whole child--are now front and center. This year has been a much needed reminder to s l o w d o w n and take stock of what’s truly important: -Am I living out my why on a daily basis? -How will I demonstrate love to friends and family? -Forget the To-Do list---What’s on my To-BE list? -Which people in my life truly bring out the best in me? -How do I hope to be remembered? -Do I really want to eat that or am I just bored, hurried, or lonely? -What’s my legacy? -Who’s opinion do I really care about? -Am I the person my dog thinks I am? -What lesson am I supposed to learn in 2020? I’m grateful for the opportunity to create, connect, and re-calibrate myself. My bio now says, author, speaker, podcaster but my heart says: BETTER HUMAN BEING. What is your heart grateful for, this THANKS--GIVING? About The AuthorHans Appel is an educator, speaker, and writer deeply committed to inspiring the whole child. He’s the author of, Award Winning Culture: Building School-Wide Intentionality and Action Through Character, Excellence, and Community. Additionally, he’s the Director of Culture for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. 
Written By: Jennifer Appel
I LOVE picture books. They highlight the best parts of humanity while underscoring the most engaging aspects of great literature. Readers are able to understand an imaginative story through graphic pictures and a few powerful words--is there anything better?
When I was young, I grew up in a family full of educators; naturally, reading was a large part of our life. My mom and dad read stories to my brother and I at bedtime. Falling asleep to silly, spectacular and touching characters was a lovely part of my evening routine.
We regularly scheduled family reading time, in which we would sit around enjoying a good book by the fire. It was like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. I’m grateful to my parents for modeling this intentional activity.
I always dreamed of one day writing a book; however, because I grew up having dyslexia, I never thought it would happen. In fact, it took me years before I even thought I was a capable reader---let alone a potential author. I put so much doubt in my head, it became my internal self talk.
A while back my husband (Hans) was determined to start writing a book which inadvertently began inspiring me to rekindle my desire to create something special. I observed how determined he was to pour his heart and passion into his book, Award Winning Culture.
While he was writing this school-wide framework to help educators foster exceptional culture and climate, I remember him saying to me:
“It’s weird I’m writing a book...I always thought you would be the one to write a book.”
His words slowly began to seep into my soul. I started reflecting on all of the literature I enjoyed over the years. Over time, I even brainstormed a few ideas. Nothing serious but the seeds of creativity were receiving plenty of water and oxygen. All I needed was a little sunlight to illuminate the possibility of bringing a picture book to life.
Award Winning Dog was the proud recipient of the 2020 Mom's Choice Awards
“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
-Anthony J DeAngelo
About a year later my internal narrative invited a ray of inspiration into my world. On a routine sunny dog walk, I finally had the courage to say out loud to myself and Hans:
“I want to write a book based on Maya’s life and I want to incorporate the themes: Character, Excellence, and Community, from your book.”
Saying the words out loud gave me permission to explore my dream in a tangible way. We brainstormed throughout the walk with a fully fleshed out premise of notes I spoke directly into my phone. Afterwards, we raced home and I frantically started typing it out. My dancing fingers on the keyboard could hardly keep up with my mind as I dove fully into this fantasy dog-based world of JOY. Approximately an hour later, I had my first rough draft and a beautifully sketched out web for 5 more picture books.
Why the Award Winning Dog series?
My mission is to share my love of reading with children all over the world. I want them to truly understand that they matter and how it feels to be recognized and celebrated for their unique gifts. The privilege of infusing character education and social emotional learnings into this canine universe is an awesome responsibility. Each colorful page offers a chance to touch the minds and hearts of our future young leaders.
"There are many ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all."
-Jacqueline Kennedy 
We are all better because of the literature we’re exposed to and these stories change our lives in very profound ways. If the Award Winning Dog series can be, even a small part of a child’s life, I will be eternally proud of my contribution to this rewarding space.
It’s a full circle life moment to recognize that my own dog Maya, named after my favorite author, Dr. Maya Angelou, is now the featured furry thread through this heartfelt series. My Maya reminds children of all ages that they alone have the power of making others feel special.
Through the years I learned that I have the gift to support, connect, and inspire young children to discover and develop their JOY.
...and you too can bring JOY to others TODAY!
About the AuthorJennifer Appel is an educator, coach, speaker, and writer. She’s the Chief Heart Officer for the Teach Better Team, Co-host of the Award Winning Culture podcast, and the Co-Creator of Award Winning Culture. She’s the author of a line of picture books focusing on social emotional learning and character education which includes, “Award Winning Dog and I’m WHO.” Furthermore, Jennifer has been a contributor on two books: Teacher’s Deserve It and an upcoming project yet to be titled. 
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About AWCAward Winning Culture was created by Hans and Jennifer Appel with the sole purpose of creating an educational mindset of Positive INTENTIONALITY and ACTION; with a daily mantra to make our sphere of influence stronger through Character, Excellence, and Community. Part of AWC's mission is to highlight outstanding educators, companies, and resources that support an Award Winning Culture. Both Jennifer and Hans work at Enterprise Middle School aka Wildcat Nation. Wildcat Nation received the 2018 ASCD Whole Child Award in Washington, for its award winning culture and the 2018 Global "Class Act Award" for Kindness. Archives
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