Education Leadership and Beyond

ELB227 - New Book Announcement - Dad's Leaders and Father Figures,  Books I Am Reading Now

Sponsored by Particle - Use discount code amarotta20

We were supposed to have on teacher, author, & peace activist Dr. John Eggers but due to technical difficulties, we were not able to connect. These things happen and we kept the show going.

#92 Talking TED Talks & leadership with Goshen, NY AP & former Mayor Kyle Roddey

#ELB 91 w Inspiring Teachers Show Podcast host & teacher @DannyHauger

#ELB 88 Talking life & leadership w/one of the best @ToddWhitaker

#ELB 87 FOCUS: Helping with the distractions of cell phones w Cell Slip Founder & Creator Mitch Bain @CellSlip @andrewmarotta21

#ELB 86: A lineup of All-Star Educators: Live fm the Four O'Clock Faculty Conf in Asbury Pk, NJ w Beth Houf, Jay Billy, Rich Czyz, Nili Bartley, & Suzanne Carbonaro

#ELB 85: Talking Leadership & HS Sports w Exec Dir of NYS HS Sports Dr. Robert Zayas @RobertZayasNY @andrewmarotta21

#ELB 83 Talking Leadership w The Leadership Duo from @PNWBOCES (NY) Dr. Lynn Allen & Jackie Levine

#ELB 80 Leading in the Digital Age with Eric Sheninger: Educator, Author, Innovator, Speaker, & Senior Fellow ICL

#ELB 79 Pushing Boundaries with education authors and leaders Dr. Rick Jetter & Rebecca Coda

#ELB Live in #LeadLIU class with Jay Billy: Principal & author of Lead w Culture #LeadLAP

#ELB 78 The VOICE that we bring, w/ Psychologist, Actor, & Poet Dr. Mykee Fowlin

#ELB 77 Just getting started! with science teacher & Admin intern Taylor Hartey

#ELB 73 Meet the Admin Team from Beekmantown (NY) School District: Surviving & Thriving

#ELB 72 Meet Corey Taylor--my former student; we discuss his life & craniofacial journey

Holiday Edition #ELB: We are rich in blessings, & I'm not talking about $$...Christmas Eve with my sister Suzanne Carbonaro

#ELB 71 Stars in the City with Principal & Lead Like a Pirate Co-Author Beth Houf #LLAP

#ELM 69 Innovation & Entrepreneurship in schools with teacher, author, podcast host and StartEdUp Founder, Don Wettrick

#64 ELB Education Leadership & Beyond with #TLAP Author & Superstar Dave Burgess #DBC

Monday, October 22, 2018 #63 ELB Keep Rolling w Dan Spainhour: author of Leading narratives and owner of The Leadership Publishing Team. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Blog &Podcast #63 with guest Leadership Publishing Team creator & teacher Dan Spainhour. Keep rolling. That's what Dan tells me often. In episode #63, we meet Dan Spainhour. Dan is my college roommate @kevinspainhour 's brother--a teacher, author and owner of the Leadership Publishing Team. Dan is doing great things in leadership, teaching, and coaching circles with his journal and books. He offered ELB listeners a 20% on a yearly subscription to his Coaching & Leadership Journal use the code ELB20. It is worth a look. I love it as a resource for my podcast and my role as Principal. So keep rolling. What's this all about? We, as leaders, face many challenges....many ups and downs...just like in our lives. If you have a #keeprolling mentality, no matter what gets in our way, we will keep moving forward. Maybe you have a bad speech or a bad evaluation...keep rolling. Tomorrow will come and do it better. Each text or email Dan and I would send to one another, he would end with: Keep rolling. This motivated me and inspired me to keep writing, keep recording to keep with it. So add this to you tool box: keep rolling. Give it to others who may need encouragement put it in your mindset that you are going to keep with it. It is kind of like the 5SW's in sales: 1. Sometimes it will, 2. Sometimes it won't, 3. So what, 4. Stick with it, 5. Someone's waiting. Looking to become a better storyteller. Check out Dan's book below. It is filled with great stories and themes...excellent to start any speech or workshop! Quote: Even if you are on the right track you'll get run over if you just sit there. --Will Rogers Book Recommendation: Leading Narratives by Dan Spainhour. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT? **Contact me, Andrew Marotta, if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! andrewmarotta.com, andrewmarottallc@gmail.com, twitter: @andrewmarotta21, Go out and change the world for the better!

#ELB 62 Education Leadership & Beyond with Shohola Elem Principal Diana Bixby

#ELB 61 Education Leadership & Beyond with 1st yr Principal Nicole Ey

Saturday, September 22, 2018 #ELB 60 Connecting with your community with Milford, PA Mayor Sean Strub... Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Enjoy the Podcast: Facebook live & On Itunes. Today's sponsor: Catskill Marketing...Catskill Marketing offers a full range of sales and marketing services with a focus on website development including eCommerce, social media management and graphic design. Our other core strengths are overall marketing and sales strategy, CRM implementation, photography, video editing, email marketing, brand development, and search engine optimization. We partner with you to develop an affordable plan to effectively increase revenue. Reach out to owner Johnnie Illanovsky or Matt Gottlieb today for help with your business! Email: info@catskillmarketing.com Phone: 845.787.3927. In episode #60 of #ELB, we meet Milford, PA Mayor Sean Strub. In our conversation, Sean and I discuss the importance of building a relationship between the local community and the school district. Sean has this relationship with Milford’s schools: Delaware Valley SD (PA). As a school leader, this is very important for you to be a connector--a multiplier of people to be able to make connections that will help kids. Whether it is asking a local business that you frequent for a donation or getting tickets for your students for a local writers festival through the mayor's office, it very important for you to develop and cultivate these relationships. I am at Port Jervis HS in OC, NY and I have been blessed to be there for 14 yrs (7 as AP). In my book, The Principal: Surviving & Thriving, I describe this point in tip #38: Get to know key people in the community. In my phone I have the following phone numbers handy ready to contact in a moments notice: the police chief, the mayor, business leaders, the county legislator, the YMCA director, the library director, the district attorney, the probation officer, the funeral home director, etc, etc. You get the point. Be a connector in your school community….The school is the community and the community is the school. There are always situations where you will need these people to assist with students and issues happening within the school. Work on these relationships, even call them all together if need be. When the school leaders and the community leaders work together only good things can happen for kids. #Makeithappen. Book Recommendation: Sean's book: Body Counts A memoir of politics, sex, aids, and survival. Quote: If it is to be, it is up to me! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT? Are interested in sponsoring the show & blog? For more information...Contact me at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com Go out and change the world for the better!

Sunday, August 26, 2018 #ELB: What teachers want from their school leaders w/ guest NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni. Education Leadership and Beyond:Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Blog & Podcast #58 with guest Dennis Bellantoni, Enjoy the Podcast: Podcast # 58--What teachers want from their administrators with NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni Isn't it great to connect with old friends? So happy to have my old friend and NYC AP Dennis Bellantoni on the show. I was a teacher back in Staten Island, NY in the early 2000's when I did my admin internship with Dennis. He really taught me the ropes of handling all things that come you way in a rough MS in Staten Island. Pleased to hear that IS 27 is doing so well these days. I have fond memories of learning how to teach there. In the opening of the show, I discussed an article found in the Marshall Memo written by Jon Saphier entitled: "What teachers really want from their administrators." I loved reading this and it reminded me of the saying that the great Tony DiMarco used to tell me: 'The best teachers are the ones who never forget what it is like to be a student and the best Principals are the ones who never forget what it's like to be a teacher." Saphier writes things that teachers really want from their admins: Be competent * Notice that I am worthwhile * Safe, honest, & your motives are in the interest of children * Act courageously from initiative overload * Legitimate decisions * Results driven * Respect by listening * Caring and compassionate. These are great...We as school leaders need to do a good job in these areas. They are part of everyday work and sometimes they can get away from us. I believe the first and last ones are the most important: be good at your job and show people you care! Book Recommendation: Leading Narratives by Dan Spainhour Quote: "A lack of planning on your part does not necessarily constitute an emergency on my part" Dennis Bellantoni LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Go out and change the world for the better!

Monday, August 20, 2018 Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta #ELB 57 #Culture Matters with author & Principal Jay Billy @Jaybilly2 #LeadLAP This is the first podcast that I recorded in primetime beginning at 8:30pm EST & wow did Jay Billy bring the energy. I can see why they love him as their Principal in Lawrence Township schools. What a great opportunity for #ELB to interview Jay, the author of Lead with Culture: What Really Matters in our Schools. Talking to Jay got me thinking about culture and all the things that go into it. Jay's chapters are listed as the following: culture, expectations, learning, enthusiasm, joy, community, celebrations, intentionality, honesty, evolving, being connected, and relationships ALL MATTER! You add all these up & to me it means: care. How can you get teachers and students to care? To care more? To give more? DO THESE THINGS and do them often. There are no financial bonuses for educators that CARE and GIVE more of themselves...just the amazing relationships and experiences that they build with students, who are craving this from their school role models. Jay lives them in his role as Elem. Principal and it is contagious. I went to school the next day and was energized. It reinforced the concept I live by: It is the information, it is the inspiration! You can follow Jay on twitter @jaybilly2 and learn a heck of a lot by following him and the hashtags #culturematters, #leadlap. Go get 'em! Enjoy the Podcasts:#ELB podcast live on facebook. Subscribe to ELB on ITUNES. Book Recommendation: Lead with Culture What really matters in our schools by Jay Billy. **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT? Go out and change the world for the better! Andrew Marotta andrewmarotta.com andrewmarottallc@gmail.com twitter: @andrewmarotta21 Check out my book: The Principal: Surviving and Thriving 125 Points of Wisdom, Practical Tips, and Relatable Stories for All Leaders. Found on andrewmarotta.com, amazon, and all online retailers. Now available in kindle edition.

Friday, August 17, 2018 #ELB 56, Getting Ready 18-19 school yr with Dr. Christine Finn, Superintendent of Shelter Island Schools Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Enjoy the Podcast: Live on facebook What a great surprise! I reached out to Dr. Christine Finn, Superintendent of Shelter Island schools prior to coming on vacation and she comes on the show! Lost count of how many people I've reached out to about the podcast or the book and just don't hear back. Not only did Dr. Finn respond, she was fantastic and I really enjoyed meeting her. Open, honest, energetic. Shelter Island Schools are lucky to have her. To open the show, I talked about getting ready for the 18-19 school year. What are you going to add this year? What will be different? Have you set goals? Are you going to try something new? Whether you are a school leader, classroom teacher, or whatever your role, don't be afraid to try something new. One thing I write about in my book: The Principal: Surviving & Thriving is Tip #47 creating a yearly theme each year based around some of the things you are doing in and around your school. Put it on the staff picture, your emails, school signs etc. Make it something that people can rally around and get excited about. This year in my school it is: We are all in this together! If you are a classroom teacher, have you tried/looked into flexible seating? Give it a shot and see what happens. Certainly their is a cost there, but your can also be creative. Add an old couch or some older high top chairs you may have in that basement. Even just try allowing kids to stand in the back if they wanted to stand to see what it does for their learning and attention. Go for it! Have an awesome school year. #Createyourownweather! Book Recommendation: A tree grows in Brooklyn (classic!) by Betty Smith. Quote: The glass isn't half full, the glass is refillable. Dr. Christine Finn. **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: Email us for more information at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com Go out and change the world for the better! Andrew Marotta andrewmarotta.com andrewmarottallc@gmail.com twitter: @andrewmarotta21 Check out my book: The Principal: Surviving and Thriving 125 Points of Wisdom, Practical Tips, and Relatable Stories for All Leaders. Found on andrewmarotta.com, amazon, and all online retailers. Now available in kindle edition.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 #55 #ELB with Guest Chris Kreuter--8 Reasons Why Reading is so Important. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta This weeks sponsor: 1106 Design, Website for 1106 Design Thanks to Michele DeFilippo and her company 1106 Design. They did a great job helping me get my book off the ground and into print, online, and ready to go at all sellers. She provided awesome customer service to me, especially as someone who was brand new to all of this: book writing, websites, etc. They specialize in all things self-publishing: book formatting, editing, cover design, website creation, etc etc...& most important honesty, fairness, and integrity! Give her a shout out and let her know you found her by listening/reading on Education Leadership & Beyond and she'll take care of you! One of the most best things I enjoy doing as a father and educator is reading with my kids--ages 12, 10, & 7. They all have turned out to be strong readers and enjoy it. Having an author on the show is always fun for me because I can learn so much from them. Chris Kreuter wrote a great kids book that combines sci-fi & hockey...My boy Matthew loved it! Heading into this next school year, if your kid likes either sci-fi or hockey, they'll love The Intergalactic Adventures of the Rainy River Bees. Additionally, I spoke about the importance of reading for kids and adults. One of the biggest indicators of success in school and beyond is reading reading levels and how do you improve your or your kids reading level? READ! There is a ton of research and articles out there on the importance of reading--I liked this one found on inspiration boost: 8 Reasons by JJ Wong. JJ Wong lists these 8 reasons why reading is important: 1. Expose yourself to new things. 2. Self Improvement. 3. Improve understanding. 4. Preparation for action. 5. Gain experience from other people. 6. Tools for communicating. 7. Connecting your brain. 8. Boost your creativity. I thought these were awesome...and very relative for all readers. I am watching my kids experience them now at their young ages. I especially like #s 3, 4, & 5. While on this journey of writing my book and creating the podcast #ELB, I have learned so much by reading articles and books on the topics to help get me started. Prepare to action. If they did it, why can't you? If there is something out there for you that you are looking to tackle next, read about it first! It's only a google search or a library stop away! Enjoy the Podcasts: #55 #ELB with Chris Kreuter sponsored by 1106 Design Also found on Itunes Book Recommendation: The Intergalactic Adventures of the Rainy River Bees by Chris Kreuter LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT? Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog!: email us at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com. Andrew Marotta andrewmarotta.com andrewmarottallc@gmail.com twitter: @andrewmarotta21 Go out and change the world for the better! Check out my book: The Principal: Surviving and Thriving 125 Points of Wisdom, Practical Tips, and Relatable Stories for All Leaders. Found on andrewmarotta.com, amazon, and all online retailers. Now available in kindle edition.

#52 Education Leadership and Beyond_Director of PJ Recreation & Coach John Faggione

Happy Father's Day Show #51 with my Father-in-Law, Eugene "Gwa-Gwa" Grimes on Education Leadership & Beyond.

Monday, June 25, 2018; #50: Education Leadership & Beyond, Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta: 10,000 Success Hotline calls/Successful Business Writing with Jack Appleman: FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY..... This blog is like two for one--I am celebrating 10,000 calls on success hotline by Dr. Rob Gilbert of Montclair University and meeting Jack Appleman of successful business writing. While I always try to write an awesome blog, I am focused on this more than ever as I know my man Jack Appleman will be reading it! #1: 10,000 success hotline calls--an amazing feat by Dr. Rob. He's been leaving 3 minute motivational messages about success, confidence, grit, storytelling, etc since 1992. YES, 1992! Unbelievable! give the hotline a call today. 973-743-4690. Not a gimmick, not a sham. It is just pure, authentic self-improvement and motivation. Doc has become a friend of mine over the years and can't thank him enough for his great work. Give him a shout. 973-743-4690...You'll be happy you did. #2--Also, check out Jack Appleman at Successful Business Writing. I came across Jack's book and loved it! It has helped my writing immensely--wasted words, fluff, tone in emails, etc. One of his points: write like you speak hit home because that is some of the feedback I received from my book The Principal: Surviving & Thriving. Another point he makes is: WIIFM. What's In It For Me? Don't just write emails that say do this, or use this new product. Write it in a way that makes the reader feel they will benefit from whatever it is that you are asking them to do in the email. Jack's whole concept of keeping it simple really resonates with my style of writing. I hope it does for you also. Speaking of what's in it for me: BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME. What better way to kick off your summer than by reading a great book that will improve your writing. Jack has offered a free copy of his book, 10 Steps to Successful Business Writing, for the best response to this blog. I am also offering 5 free copies of my book to the top 5 meaningful responses written to this blog. Jack is also offering a discount to Education Leadership & Beyond followers for his writing coaching classes as well. Email him at jack@successfulbusinesswriting.com Lastly, Jack will take the first two calls regarding improving your writing for free--20 minutes each. Call Jack today at 845-782-2419 for your free writing consult. **I apologize for the loss of sound during the podcast. I have since upgraded the wifi and it should be good now!** Enjoy the Podcasts: on Facebook Live & Itunes. Book Recommendation: (Obviously!): 10 Steps to Successful Business Writing by Jack Appleman. **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: Contact us at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com for more information. Go out and change the world for the better!

Monday, June 18, 2018. #49 Blog & Podcast: 17 inches or Flexibility? Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta and guest Paul Rickard. This weeks sponsor: 1106 Design. Thanks to Michele DeFilippo and her company 1106 Design. They did a great job helping me get my book off the ground and into print, online, and ready to go at all sellers. She provided awesome customer service to me, especially as someone who was brand new to all of this: book writing, websites, etc. They specialize in all things self-publishing: book formatting, editing, cover design, website creation, etc etc...& most important honesty, fairness, and integrity! Give her a shout out and let her know you found her by listening/reading on Education Leadership & Beyond and she'll take care of you! I recently read an article entitled Stay at 17 Inches. The gist of the article is about holding people accountable--holding kids accountable to the letter of the law...That a strike is a strike in baseball and that we have to stop making accommodations for different situations. No deviations from rules or laws...It is what it is. The article generated a lot of conversation with educators about rules, accountability, and standards. I feel strongly about these aspects of my job as Principal as well as my job as a college basketball official. I am charged with enforcing the rules and the consequences that go along with those rules. While I agree with many aspects of the article, I feel strongly that life is not that simple...I feel people deserve a chance, and maybe even a second chance sometimes. I believe in progressive discipline where someone who does not get into a lot of trouble may not get the same punishment as someone who has a lot of discipline. This is similar to a copy who may NOT give someone a ticket who has a clean driving record and someone with many tickets and such may get that ticket. I believe in the concept of treating everyone fairly, not exactly the same. A student who has a family member with a severe illness deserves some compassion and understanding with a dose of flexibility, while maybe someone who does not have those life circumstances does not. I discuss this concept and more with Chief of Mt. Hope Police and College Sports Official Paul Rickard. He balances enforcing the rules as written vs. the life scenarios that come his way...in real life and on the courts and fields. He shares stories about his role as a leader, father, police officer, and a college basketball & lacrosse official. Enjoy the Podcasts: Facebook Link #49 with Paul Rickard. Book Recommendation: Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run. Quote: You can't misquote silence! **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog!

Sunday, June 10, 2018. #48 Education Leadership & Beyond: with OC Legend Tony DiMarco. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta This weeks sponsor: The Coaching & Leadership Journal edited by Dan Spainhour: order your 12 month subscription today with a 20% discount for Ed Leadership & Beyond listeners: use code ELB20. This is fantastic resource for all leaders with over 20 stories, articles, quotes,and reflections. Blog #48: Go with your gut! So Mr. DiMarco asks me, "If I called your supervisor, what would he or she say?" I was honest with Tony and said that she and I did not see eye to eye on things and probably would not speak too highly of me. It was a tough answer but the honest one. This was during my interview for Assistant Principal with Tony DiMarco, the Principal of Port Jervis HS at the time. I was hoping that my answer did not seal a negative fate for me. What happened next was astonishing. A few days later, Tony called me and offered me the position and off we went. He shared later, that my former supervisor did indeed give me a negative review. So negative in fact, that Mr. DiMarco finally said to her sternly, do you have anything positive to say about him because I'm going to hire him? She told him that I come to work on time!!!! The point of the story and of this blog is that sometimes you have to trust your gut...Most times I would say because it is usually correct. Tony trusted his instincts in that moment did not go with what the lady was saying about me. He believed in me, he believed in his judgement, and went with it. I am so grateful to Tony that he had the fortitude to trust his gut and make the decision that has shaped my life the past 14 years! As a leader we have to make decisions often, sometimes very quickly. Use your gut. Trust your instincts. Take input from others, ask around, listen, ask questions--but at the end of the day, when it is decision time, go with your gut! You will be right most times! Quote: The dog may bark but the caravan moves on. Hubie Brown. Book Recommendation: Throw the Ball High by Mickey Crowley. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: Click here for more information. Go out and change the world for the better!

Sunday, June 3, 2018, #47 Education Leadership & Beyond, "The Greatest Showman" with guests Tessa & Matthew Marotta. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Super excited to have on my too younger children on the show: Matthew 11 & Tessa Marotta 7. They watch Dad each week on the podcast and it was finally their turn! They are both fun loving, bright kids. My family is so blessed to have such great children along with their big sister Claire. Shout out to their teachers at Shohola Elementary in Milford, PA: Mr. Justin Bowman is Tessa's 1st grade teacher and Mrs. Ann Fagan is Matthew’s 3rd grade teacher. Both are fantastic educators for my children and the children of our community. They challenge them, engage them, and help them love to learn. #greatteachers! Happy birthday Tessa & Matthew! One of our family traditions is Friday night pizza and movie. We love to just chil-lax and watch a great movie together as a family. Now that the kids are getting older, there are more top movies we can watch together. A few weeks ago, we selected the Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman. It highlights the story of PT Barnum and his rise and fall and rise up again to fame and glory. He was a dreamer, and innovation, and someone who brought out the best in others. As soon as the movie was over, I jotted down some thoughts about the movie—life lessons from the movie that we could all use to make us better—make us believe more in ourselves, and reach for things and places we never dreamed possible: 1. Chase your dreams. 2. Don’t be embarrassed by where you came from: PT’s Dad was a poor seamstress who did not have much. When he passed PT was homeless for a while until he worked his way to stardom. 3. Be loyal: PT picked out his staff and they went on to do great things. When, PT strayed and chased a different dream, his friends remained loyal to him and gave him another chance. 4. Don’t lose sight of your family—Keep them #1. 5. Don’t be afraid to task risks, afraid of failure: PT failed over and over in the film—he reinvented, and did it again better than the first. 6. Believe in yourself—If you don’t, then who will? 7. See the good in others. 8. There is such a thing as true love. It is a fantastic movie so I recommend spending two hours to watch it. It is time well spent! Enjoy the Podcasts Facebook live link Book Recommendation: 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad by Jay Payleitner **Contact me if you are interested in sponsoring the show & blog! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! email andrewmarottallc@gmail.com LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: email andrewmarottallc@gmail.com Go out and change the world for the better! Andrew Marotta; andrewmarotta.com , andrewmarottallc@gmail.com , twitter: @andrewmarotta21 Check out my book: The Principal: Surviving and Thriving 125 Points of Wisdom, Practical Tips, and Relatable Stories for All Leaders. Found on andrewmarotta.com, amazon, and all online retailers. Now available in kindle edition.

Saturday, May 12, 2018; #46 Education Leadership & Beyond: A Culture of Love with Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent of Schools in Ithaca, NY. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. This weeks sponsor: !1106 Design https://1106design.com/ Thanks to Michele DeFilippo and her company 1106 Design. They did a great job helping me get my book off the ground and into print, online, and ready to go at all sellers. She provided awesome customer service to me, especially as someone who was brand new to all of this: book writing, websites, etc. They specialize in all things self-publishing: book formatting, editing, cover design, website creation, etc etc...& most important honesty, fairness, and integrity! Give her a shout out and let her know you found her by listening/reading on Education Leadership & Beyond and she'll take care of you! Podcast #46: A Culture of Love with guest NYS Superintendent of the Year 2017 Dr. Luvelle Brown. What a great experience to meet and interview Dr. Luvelle Brown for the podcast. He is doing great work in Ithaca, NY School District raising achievement levels, bringing awareness to minority inequalities, especially in leadership roles, and sharing his culture of love. His message comes through strong caring for all students while having his priorities in order: Dad, Community Leader, and Superintendent. While prepping for the show and researching the Culture of Love in Ithaca Schools, I was celebrating my 17th wedding anniversary with my wife, Jennifer Marotta. It made me think about the culture of love that we are building not only in our marriage, but also with our whole family. If you are married, you know it is not all rosey all the time. I reflected on the things that we do to make our marriage work: Here are a few of those reflections: 1. From my friend Dr. Bird (show #45), bring patience, love, and gratitude to one another--If your continue to focus on these three virtues, you will move past the things that upset you about one another. Be grateful for the good things in your life! Gratitude is the mother of all virtues! 2. Listen, don't fix! Hear your partner, take a breath, and don't try to fix every little thing. Leave it be. (this took me a long time, right Jenn?!) 3. Do what you say are you are going to do. When you do this, it creates consistent positive deposits in your relationship. 4. Keep him/her on a pedestal. My wife told me this after our first year of marriage that I stopped doing this. I think I became complacent, and that I did not have to "pursue" her anymore. I let the "special-ness" go and I thank her for telling me this so many years ago. 5. Build your partner up, don't break down. You support me too much SAID NO SPOUSE EVER! 6. Be committed: so many things in our society today are disposable and easily changed, exchanged, etc etc. Imagine if it was impossible for your marriage to fail? Well it should be, so make it that way! Show commitment! 7 & 8. Take adventures together and always make special time for just for the two of you! 9. Don't air your dirty laundry to others. 10. Live the life together that you want your children to have. Be the ideals that you stand for: love, kindness, compassion, passion, spirit, etc etc. Show these in your actions towards one another and those around you! Enjoy the Podcasts on Itunes; Facebook Live Link; https://www.facebook.com/groups/2033007243620646/?ref=bookmarks Quote: If not us, then who? If not now, then when? John E. Lewis, Civil rights leader, Congressman from Georgia. Book Recommendation: Love Works: 7 Timeless Principles for effective leaders by Joel Manby. Next week's guest is Matthew & Tessa Marotta: Birthday Show. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: Click(continued)

Blog #45: 5 Reflections of Really, Really Happy People with guest Dr. Stephen "Bird" Birchak Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta... Podcast #45: 5 Reflections of Really, Really Happy People with guest Dr. Stephen "Bird" Birchak... This weeks sponsor: The Coaching & Leadership Journal edited by Dan Spainhour: order your 12 month subscription today with a 20% discount for Ed Leadership & Beyond listeners: use code ELB20. This is fantastic resource for all leaders with over 20 stories, articles, quotes,and reflections. Leadership Publishing Team Website. Dr. Bird's website can be found here: DOCBIRD.COM. 5 Active Reflections of Really, Really Happy People. Every time I see a new speaker, I am very excited and hope that the speaker will be a good one...Kinda like when a movie starts, you are hoping it will be a great one. Well, I knew that Dr. Bird was going to be good as in the first few minutes he had people laughing by making some jokes and he had the whole auditorium move to the front, without having to raise his voice or do that awkward long pause waiting for people to stop talking. He just did it very simply and gracefully. Dr. Bird brought a moving message of love and compassion. I quickly started taking notes and was thrilled to learn about being happy. Here are his thoughts about creating happiness in your own life: #1: I am free to choose my own attitude. Free from could have, should have, judgements. “No one can take away your ability to choose your own attitude" Viktor Frankl. After each speaking point Dr. Bird offered a "small change" that you could easily implement in your life to adapt this reflection of happiness into your life. Small changes: TAB: take a breath, is it a crisis or inconvenience? & quarantine your poisons. #2: I like my best self: What is your aptitude for self compassion? Give yourself a break. It is ok to fail, it is ok to make mistakes. **Suicide rates have doubled in the past ten years! Small changes: give yourself permission to be fragile, human. #3: I see the good in others: Have a grateful perspective...invest in the beauty of life, in the good of others. “Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, it is the parent of all others. Marcus Tullius Cicero. Small changes: Start a gratitude journal. #4: I am a calming influence on others. Do you display escalating behaviors or de-escalating I Small changes: "ITS": It is true, is it kind, is it necessary? #5 I love and I am loved “Everything good that has happened to me in my life is because of love." Dr. Bird Small changes: Follow the golden rule: love others as you wish to be loved! Quote: "It's not a crisis, it's an inconvenience" Dr. Stephen Birchak. Book Recommendation: The Jerk Whisperer by Dr. Stephen Birchak. Next week's guest is NYS 2017 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Luvelle Brown of Ithaca Schools. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Click here LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT?: Click here for more information. Go out and change the world for the better! Andrew Marotta andrewmarotta.com andrewmarottallc@gmail.com twitter: @andrewmarotta21

Saturday, April 28, 2018 Blog #44 Education Leadership and Beyond with Guest Dan Rockwell Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta This weeks sponsor: The Coaching & Leadership Journal edited by Dan Spainhour: order your 12 month subscription today with a 20% discount for Ed Leadership & Beyond listeners: use code ELB20 . Podcast #44: Do your job with Guest Dan Rockwell. In this weeks episode, we meet Dan Rockwell. Dan is a star in the field of leadership and is doing great things with his blog, The Leadership Freak. Dan has been an inspiration to me personally because of the content of his blogs as well as the way he writes. His writings are straight-forward, pertinent topics, and just seem to hit home with me with where I am in my life. After I interviewed him, I felt more of a connection. Enjoy the show Podcast #44 with Dan Rockwell: Do Your Job This week’s content came from Dan’s March 3rd blog entitled Do your job. We wrote about the book by David Halberstam entitled The Education of a Coach. As leaders, Dan gives three tips that we can do not only to better do our jobs, yet support our colleagues and those who follow. I found these three tips simple yet practice and purposeful: #1: Do the work: Don’t just show the way, get your hands dirty and do the work too. In terms of being a Principal, I don’t just talk about teaching with engagement, I try to model it in my meetings and activities with my staff. I also try to get my hands dirty--help clean up a spill, pick up garbage while walking the building, or even cover a class. No job is too big or small--Do The Work! #2: Support others while they work: Challenge and cheer Dan writes. I've struggled at times trying to motivate other...trying to make them the best they can be and it has backfired. People have gotten angry at me stating that I made them feel that they were doing a poor job. I really like this concept: challenge and cheer! #3: Remove the obstacles: Lastly, as a leader, Dan shares about removing the obstacles for others. Think about how many people give you an excuse of why they did NOT do something. They gave you the reasons why not? Remove the obstacles, discuss the reasons why and get others to Do Their Jobs! Dan's work can be found here: The Leadership Freak Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Quote: Not all readers are leaders, yet all leaders are readers. Harry S. Truman Book Recommendation: The Education of a Coach by David Halberstam. Next week's guest is psychologist and author from the College of St. Rose Dr. Stephen "Bird" Birchak LOOKING TO BOOK ANDREW FOR YOUR NEXT ADMINISTRATIVE RETREAT? Contact us at andrewmarottallc@gmail.com. Go out and change the world for the better. Andrew Marotta andrewmarotta.com andrewmarottallc@gmail.com twitter: @andrewmarotta21 Check out my book: The Principal: Surviving and Thriving 125 Points of Wisdom, Practical Tips, and Relatable Stories for All Leaders. Found on andrewmarotta.com, amazon, and all online retailers. For bulk orders, email survivethriveorders@gmail.com Now available in kindle edition. Audible edition also available.

Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #41 with Pete Connors of Shabby Studios Cancer. Music. Chasing your passions. What a mix. This week we meet Pete Conners of Shabby Studios and the band Mr. LoveJoy. Pete is all three and more. In getting to know Pete and prep for the show, I reflected back to the famous, moving speech by Jimmy V in the spring of '93. This speech put Cancer on the map and really drew attention to the importance of fundraising for cancer research. The speech was raw & real. He was a NYer in NC and stood out in so many ways, including winning at the highest level in arguably the most competitive conference in the NCAA's. In his speech, Coach Valvano highlighted some very important things. Things we should do everyday in our life. I feel so blessed while writing this that my family and I are healthy and have made an effort to live life full with these passions. Coach V pleaded for everyone to do these actions each day: 1. Laugh 2. Think 3. Be moved to tears with your emotions 4. Enjoy your life, the precious moments 5. Be enthusiastic. Nothing great can ever be accomplished without enthusiasm. His ending message was probably his most important: Don’t give up...Don’t ever give up! This has become the line that represents the V Foundation and inspires so many. Enjoy the podcast with guest Pete Connors. If you are interested in learning more about Lynch Syndrome and/or making a donation to Pete's fundraiser, contact Pete at: petermconnors@gmail.com Pete also is a great musician and writer. Pete created the opening sound to the show. Contact him if you are interested! Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of the Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Quote: “Don’t wait until you have cancer to live the life you want to live. Live it now! P. Connors. Go out and change the world for the better.

Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Blog Post #43 How to be at your Best When it Matters Most Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #43 with PJHS Drama Director Ruth Gordon &students Shannon Klotz & Kennedy Sanok Podcast link: Podcast #43 How to be at your best when it matters most. Is it an interview, a first date, a big game, or the big performance of Grease opening up this weekend at our high school, Port Jervis HS in Port Jervis, NY? It would be so easy if we could be right? Be at our best when it matter most. Then life happens--we get nervous, we start over thinking it, we get fearful that something will go wrong, etc, etc, etc. It's like our brains get over- connected to our hormones and screws us up. How come some can do it?--Be their best in the biggest moments? How do they do it? How could you do it? Here are some tips that you could put into place TODAY. These are from listening to the man himself, Dr. Gilbert from success hotline 973-743-4690 and from own experiences. Give them a try. #1 Breathe--7 seconds in, hold for 7 seconds, then breath out for 7. Try this 2-3 times.... #2 There is no life and death, no do or die, no this is it. If it doesn't happen in that moment, life will move on. You may not have the same opportunity, but you will have different ones. #3 It is OK to feel this way: nervous, anxious, excited. That is normal. Tell yourself: Self, it s ok I feel this way. I am going to be fine. #4 Meditation--Have you tried it? Doesn't have to be all fancy in a yoga studio with relaxing music in the background. It can just be words, phrases, thoughts that mean something to you. Recite them gently, slowly in your head or out loud. Trust me--You are not crazy. #5 Rest and water. #understated If you feel good, you will do good. Do a little each day vs. trying to do a lot a little of the time. #6 Routine. Read the quote at the bottom of the blog. Ruth Gordon, our play director, gave me this quote from Aristotle. Do something over and over and you are bound to get better at it. #10000hours Excited for our students and music teachers at Port Jervis HS @pjhs_principals and this weekend's musical: Grease. If you are local, come out and see the show. The kids are great! In this week's podcast #43 I talk with musical director Ruthann Gordon & two stars of the show Shannon Klotz & Kennedy Sanok. Not only are they stars on the stages, they are outstanding students and young people. Thanks for listening. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of The Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Click here Quote: We are what we do repeatedly. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle Next week's guest is psychologist and author Dr. Stephen "Bird" Birchak. Go out and change the world for the better.

Live St. Patrick's Day episode of Education Leadership, & Beyond; with Andrew Marotta at Foundry 42+, on Front Street in downtown Port Jervis, NY... Special guests: George Rollman, Kelly Decker, Deb Cassara, Bud Williamson, Tom Faggione, Eric Hipsman, & Cooper Boone. Go out and change the world for the better.

Saturday, March 24, 2018 Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta... Podcast #40 with MS Principal Dr. Albert Sackey... Podcast link: Podcast #40: Live Like a Ghanaian Prince with Dr. Al Sackey... Do most people have a friend that everybody likes? The friend that seems to have the charm that everyone loves? Meet Al Sackey. Dr. Sackey is a 6’10” larger than life Principal at Nathan Hale MS in Norwalk, CT. Al is also a Ghanaian Prince, growing up in Ghana spending time both in Africa and the Bronx through his childhood. Al has an amazing personality that can warm a room and those in it. How does he do it? What’s his secret? Al Shares his story in this week’s podcast. While prepping for the show, I jotted down things about Al that I know about him. It is some of these traits that I think make up some of his magic. I have always been fond of Al, but it wasn’t until I started to practice some of his habits and put them into place in my life that I really saw his greatness. Here are a few: 1. Smile at people: this doesn’t take any talent or effort. It is free and unlimited. Al does this naturally to all that he meets. You instantly feel a connection to him because of his warm smile. Additionally, research shows that if you smile more, not only do you transmit that feeling to others like Al does, you feel better yourself. 2. “Tell them what they want to hear”: Al said this to me years ago. This is how he connects with others: talking about their interests, their passions. Al can relate to so many, not only because of his diverse background, but his ability to make connections with others by learning what makes them tick. He asks questions, relates to some experience, and listens intently. 3. Be authentic, genuine: It is in his blood, his heart. Al displays his authenticity in all as he does. In his role as Principal now, Al models these import traits to the most influential age group there is: pre-teens/middle schoolers. 4. Don’t look at color: Al has taught me so much and we talk about many of these things in the podcast. One of the most important is about race. Al is a great role model for all races by the way his character shines through all things. Take people for who they are, not by the color of their skin. 5. See the best in others: If this is what you are looking for, you will find it. Al looks for it and knows each and every person has good in them...and can do good for others. He makes others around him better by bringing out their best...especially those lucky MS students who get to see big Al each day. Enjoy the podcast. Order your copy of the Principal: Surviving and Thriving today! Click here Book recommendation: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F&^% by Mark Manson. Quote: "My one regret is that I have only one life to lose for my country" Nathan Hale, American Soldier, Revolutionary War. Go out and change the world for the better.

Friday, February 23, 2018. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Blog #36: Carolina on my Mind with Jason Brenner. Podcast #36- aired Saturday 2/17/18. 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, & Pocono 96.7. Carolina on my Mind... Proud to welcome my good friend college to the program on episode #36. Jason is an attorney, a father, an avid boater, and one of my college roommates. We are blessed to have a tight group of buddies from our time at Guilford College and Jason and I remain close with these guys today. In prepping for the show, I reflected about my time at Guilford and my friendship with Jason. I did not know much about life in NC prior to college and Jason was one of the guys who made me feel comfortable and welcomed me to a new, different environment. Here are some reflections from the podcast: Carolina on my Mind...I didn’t have any of these things on my mind or even close to it when I arrived at Guilford. It was through my friendship with Jason and our group that I learned about these and made them part of my life, then and today. Academic focus: Jason displayed a great focus on his schooling and responsibility to take of his studies. I learned from him and adapted some of his practices for myself...always finding a quiet place to study and making the time to do so. JAZZ: Growing up in Staten Island NY I was not exposed to jazz much. It was oldies with my folks and straight Z100 & WPLJ....pop music/top 20 stuff. Jason played the bass and started a cool band called trio con carne. Cool, cool, and cool. He was a cool cat. I enjoyed the chill atmosphere at the shows and the smooth sounds. It taught me to relax more and just enjoy the music. It didn’t have loud boisterous lyrics yet soothing music that I enjoyed...who knew? I’d never seen TEVAS before arriving to Guilford....If you happen to not know what they are—they are an active sport sandal. Jason pretty much wore them everyday and why am I am writing about my college roommates footwear? Him wearing those sandal taught me to chill-lax a little. I was always in my basketball sneaks or some sort of athletic footwear. Wearing those sandals kinda showed me it was OK to relax every once and a while and enjoy life, enjoy the Monet. Jason is real good at that and I believe those sandals represented that feeling. Boating: not much experience here. The only boat I’d ever been on was the SI Ferry....and my thought was if you were asked on a boat by an Italian that you were going to be put in cement shoes and dumped!!!!! Well Jason along with our friend Fernando introduced me to the world of boating—fresh and saltwater. Some of our best memories are sailing with our group off Oriental NC and Newport RI. Like the jazz and sandals, I found the sea to be quite soothing and peaceful vs. the hectic hustle and bustle of NYC. Jason and Fern are excellent sailors and boats men and I am blessed to have friends with these skills and desire to be on the water. Europe—Jason studied in London in the fall of our junior year along with our friend Jon. Two years later, Jason led us on a trip for the ages to Italy and France post graduation. He was experienced and knowledgeable of his surroundings. That experience gave me the itch to travel internationally with my wife and we’ve been fortunate to travel to places like South America, Italy, Ireland, England, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Jason opened my eyes to this world of travel with has had a profound impact on my life. Can’t wait to go back! Tobacco Road: If you’ve ever traveled to the Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem regions, you quickly learned about tobacco Road—Growing up in Chapel Hill, NC Jason was/is a huge Carolina fan. I got to experience the famous Halloween parade on Franklin Street and saw up close the national championship run in 1993. This was all foreig(continued)

Sunday, February 18, 2018 Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. To Do What I Do with my Guest Dr. Marc Frankel. Podcast #35- aired Saturday 2/3/18. 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, & Pocono 96.7. I love country music for several reasons...one is I can understand the words and hear the stories being told. Well, one of the best storytellers and country music singers is Alan Jackson. Here are the lyrics to his song “To Do What I Do”: I've been a waiter, a roofer, a clerk I've shoveled manure till my pride hurt. When you're starting out, it's all part of the work To do what I do. I've been evicted for not making rent Made my Daddy wonder where my good sense went. For the price of a dream, my years have been spent To do what I do. So I stand here tonight with this six string guitar To be something I've always been in my heart. Just for the chance to play you my song The thrill when I hear you singing along. It's been worth everything I've been through To do what I do. I've played for empty tables and chairs The drunks that don't listen, the crowds that don't care. Been told countless times Boy you ain't goin' nowhere To do what I do. So I hope the critics and skeptics alike All bought a ticket to this show tonight. And they'll see firsthand that I have survived And what doesn't kill you makes you more alive. And I'm one of the fortunate few To do what I do. There's so much joy this music can bring So I count my blessings when I step up to sing. Cause they're so many people who would give anything To do what I do. And I thank you. I can do what I do! So what is the story that Alan is telling? What is he trying to say? It's hard!!!!! He busted his a*& to get where he is. Whatever it is you are doing, you have to work at it. The big shots were not always a big shot: they started somewhere. I can relate to the song very much. I've done a lot: newspaper carrier, handyman, pumped gas, painted houses, worked in my Dad's pharmacy, worked at basketball camps, waited tables, bused tables. etc etc etc. All of these jobs have been part of the process to get me to where I am today--a HS Principal, an author, a college basketball official. Add in the guidance from my parents, I learned. Waking at 5:30am on a Sunday morning after having a basketball game the night before on a cold, rainy morning to deliver the Sunday papers when I'm 13 years old--that's a life lesson. Who was right along side of me driving me in the mini-van most Sundays?--my Dad...guiding me along the way. #enjoy the journey. All of these steps have been part of the process....#to do what I do! This week we meet Dr. Marc Frankel, podiatrist, from Milford, PA. Doc has an amazing bedside manner and connect wonderfully with his patients. He is authentic, kind, and compassionate with his patients. He also has put in a lot of time "to do what he does!" We discuss life, leadership, & FEET! Book recommendation: The Jerk Whisperer by Dr. Stephen Birchak Quote: Be nice to people on your way, because you might meet them again on your way down. Wilson Mizner, american playwright. Next week's guest is: Jason Brenner, attorney for RiverBank Conservation and my college roommate! Go out and change the world for the better.

Friday, December 29, 2017 Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Blog #30: Lessons from my best friend: Dr. Francis Celis. Podcast #30 - aired Saturday 12/30/17 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, & Pocono 96.7. They say if you can count your true friends on one hand, you are a lucky man...well then I must be very lucky. I was very proud to have on the show my best friend from my childhood, Dr. Francis Celis, as a New Year's Eve special. I have known Francis for almost forty years....through our kid soccer games, the '86 METS world series, college visits, and now as parents of our own children. I am blessed to be Godfather to his son Baker, while Francis is my son Matthew's Godfather...Life is good! So, exploring and writing a concept for this blog & podcast was easy: what are some things that I have learned over the years from my friend Francis? It was hard to narrow them down to five... 1. Be a loyal friend: Francis has shown me loyalty through it all....Ups and downs, medical school, his marriage, his children. He always has made time for me and my family, even now as he lives in Oregon. He is committed to our friendship through and through. He forgives me when I fail and encourages me through the hard times. I remember being in a hotel in Dayton, OH for one of my first ever playoff games officiating college basketball. I get a call from the front desk with a fax? Whaaaat? Was there a problem? It was a short note from my friend wishing me good luck and telling me he was proud of me. How did he even know where I was staying, yet alone think of me to do such a nice gesture? Be a loyal friend. 2. Invest in your family: Fran is a busy cardiologist in Corvallis, OR. He spent a large part of his post-college life in medical school and working through the ranks of a young doctor. Through it all, he invested in his family and made good decisions with his wife, Maileen, for the betterment of the family. He loves his children, Ingrid & Baker, and makes time to be with them...hiking, biking, traveling....I admire his commitment to his family. Check out the pic below. Here is Francis & I with his family and friends in their annual family indoor soccer gathering: 3. Take risks: Early on, Francis made a decision to travel from Staten Island to the Bronx HS of Science. He and his parents thought this was the best school for him and he wanted to make the best of his education. If you are from the NYC area, you understand what a commute this is...If not, imagine a bus, a ferry, and two subways adding up to about and 1.5 hr-2 hr commute each way. He made the best of it and this hard work paid off for him. Moving his family to Oregon was not really a risk, yet an adventure that they love. They are really happy out there and this decision is also paying off for them. 4. If you want something in life, you have to work at it: We've all heard this before, yet Francis is living proof. He has worked his butt off with his studies, always putting in the time and commitment. Look at him now: A cardiologist! Awesome. This is my guy who I used to play stickball with in the school yard and sneak around Shea Stadium eating everything in site! I am so proud of him and his journey to become a doctor. 5. Be nostalgic: I am NOT a fan of living in the past. We have all met the guy or gal who lives for their HS days when they were king/queen. I am not talking about that yet, expressing how Francis enjoys telling stories about where he grew up, experiences he had, and the memories. He takes his family on "pizza tours" of Staten Island and on the podcast, he shares the story of going to the Mets World Series with his brother in 2015, just as he did with his Dad in '86. It had a different outcome this time, but Francis did it because he felt a deep calling of family history and nostalgia. He wa(continued)

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#18 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with Mr. Matthew Polanis_100717

#19 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with Police Chief William Worden_101417

#21 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with Ms. Jean Fazzino-Lain_102917

#22 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with Mr. John Cloughtery_1117

#23 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with US Army PFC Tim Shearer_111117

#24 Education Leadership, & Beyond; Surviving & Thriving with Mr. Brian Rollman_111817

Saturday, November 25, 2017. Blog #25 Thanksgiving at Aunt Maryann's & Uncle Jeff's. Podcast #25 - aired Saturday 11/25 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, and Pocono 96.7. 48 years. 37 guests. 42 years. _____ bottles of wine & 1 big turkey! Unbelievable that Thanksgiving is here, 2018. My Aunt Maryann & Uncle Jeff have been hosting Thanksgiving for 48 years, and there will be 37 guests, and this will be my 42 year...yes my whole life....minus a few years in college. The amount of wine consumed is still yet to be determined...Aunt Maryann was this week's guest on education leadership and beyond and we talked about family. She provided great insight on being a successful teacher, caring food pantry director, and a loving Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and of course Aunt!The opening concept I shared is about family: what we can do for our families--regardless of your role. You can pick your friends but you can't pick you family. I talked about the following:Help your family, protect your family, and most of all, love your family.Helping--I shared the story of how we lived with Aunt Maryan & Uncle Jeff for about about a year before our home was completed in NE PA. We lived in my Grandmother's old apartment upstairs from my Aunt's place. We shared many a meal together, with love, laughs, comfort and warmth from my Aunt & Uncle and cousins while we were there. We were in need, and they helped!Protecting: I told the story of how my Dad helped my sister out at Cortland U many years ago. My sister Maureen was a freshmen and she attended a dance. The next morning there was another male freshmen telling tall tales about my sister about activities he only wished had happened with her. This was very upsetting to my sister as her reputation and dignity were on the line. My parents listened to her and they took action. The following morning my Dad knocked on my sister's dorm room door at around 7:30 (Do the math: Staten Island, NY to Cortland, NY is about a 3.5 hrs drive) He famously said to her "Show me that boy! which prompted Maureen to bring my Dad (the famous Mr. Joe!) to the cafe...Maur pointed him out and off MR. Joe went to speak to the young man. The boy retracted his stories and apologized to Maureen and was never to be heard from again. What a sign of support and protection from a father to his daughter!!!

Saturday, December 2, 2017. Blog #26: Hand, Fight, Life with my guest Principal Jared Kahmar. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #26 - aired Saturday 12/2. 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, and Pocono 96.7. So normally, for each and every podcast that I record I start out with a 10-12 minute opening concept about leadership, education, or a tie in, when possible, with my guest. Well, this show was different. Jared Kahmar, flipped it around on me and asked me the questions. He was extremely passionate about the Hand, Fight, Life concept he's been working on....related to wrestling but when applied to life, it can be a plan for success! He asked me about my perfect day, my am & pm routines, my PLN (professional learning network) content (podcasts, readings, and things you partake in each day),and my core values. He commented on how my routines and perfect day should reflect in my core values and how doing those things should be in tune with my values..and the content that I surround myself with should be adding to my core values....helping me only improve. I was able to share about my beautiful family, eating healthy, having goals and a vision for the future. Ask yourself those four questions: What is your perfect day? Your am & pm routines? The content you surround yourself with: TV, texting, podcast, reading, etc? Your core values? Do they connect? Do they represent one another? Do they represent you? Jared walked me through the concept of hand, fight, life explaining how all of these should be connected and represent you and what your about--how you spend you time, your actions, and your investments. Jared brought the energy on the show & flipped it around on me. Hope you enjoy the concept of hand, fight, life and our talk! Tune in live this Saturday 9am on the app Country 107.7 WDLC on demand on the app, Sunday 7am on Pocono 96.7 or my website andrewmarotta.com to listen this week's show or past shows. Go out and change the world for the better.

Sunday, December 10, 2017... Blog #27: Education Leadership & Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Guest Dan Spainhour. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #27 - aired Saturday 12/9/17... 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, and Pocono 96.7. Presence! What do you think of when you hear this word? This leadership quality? What is your presence? At your job, when you speak in public, or even in your own family? I learned a lot about presence when reading the Coaching & Leadership Journal organized by Dan Spainhour of the Leadership Publishing Team. Dan, who is this week's guest on Ed Leadership & Beyond, writes about the book Presence: Bringing your boldest self to your biggest challenges written by Harvard Business Professor Amy Cuddy. Dan highlights four major points about having presence from the book: #1: Believability: being authentic & genuine. Having clarity in your communication. #2: Being confident: not defensive, cocky or arrogant--Being able to let your guard down, accept criticism, & you don’t have to act as you know all the answers. #3: Your verbal and non-verbal behaviors should synchronize with one another--when you are telling a happy story, these feelings should reflect in your body language. #4: Stories--believe in your own stories. Become a great story teller. Tell them with passion and from the heart. A friend recently interviewed for a position and there was a question about time management. She told the panel the story of Roger Bannister and how she can best manage her time also: Roger Bannister was the first person to break the 4 minute mile. He trained and did this while studying in medical school. He trained only for a short time each day: How? He skipped a different class each day--It's not the time you put in, it's what you put into the time! Become a great storyteller, whether they are yours or someone else's. Practice them and tell them over and over. Need help? Need content? Call my friend Dr. Rob Gilbert's success hotline each day 973-743-4690. Think it is a gimmick? a scam? think not and give it a shot. You'll be happy you did. Check out Amy Cuddy's TED talk on Presence: Amy Cuddy: Presence Thank you for reading & tuning in. Be bolder and show your presence! Go out and change the world for the better.

Saturday, December 16, 2017. Blog #28: Why not you? You've been training... Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #28 - aired Saturday 12/16/17 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, and Pocono 96.7 Why not you? You've been training... Classes, papers, working out, certification exams, training, exercises, reading, studying, preparing, interning, etc etc, etc...You've been doing it all...whether it was last week or 20 years ago, you have put the time for your moment...Your moment where all that training, effort, and work you put in will come (or did come) in handy....All that work was small deposits over the years that you cashed in and took one big withdrawal....to make the call, hit that home run, kill it in that interview, slay them in that presentation, or hit your PR in that race, etc. In this podcast, we meet Matt Williamson, a construction management major at Cal Poly U out in California. He is an enthusiastic young man who is going to do great things out West. I also touch on the successful stories of Sean McVay and Lincoln Riley. Sean is the 1st year head coach of the LA Rams and Lincoln Riley is the 1st year head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners. Both of these young men are examples of making the best of the opportunity when it comes. They put the time in training and preparing (deposits) and have clearly been successful in their first go around (huge withdrawal). So if you are awaiting that opportunity, are in that time, or missed the mark on your chance, keep prepping. Keep making those deposits of training, focus, #hardwork, and you will be successful. It is not the number of times you fail that people will judge you on. It is the number of times that you are successful is what counts. Sean McVay & Lincoln Riley certainly have made an impressive start to their head coaching careers. Quote: Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you...Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you. Unknown. Thank you for reading & tuning in. Be bolder and show your presence! Go out and change the world for the better.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Blog #29--Lollipop Leadership--You can do it too...everyday! Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta Podcast #29 - aired Saturday 12/23/17. 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, and Pocono 96.7. Lollipop Leadership Dew Dudley, the Founder of Day One Leadership tells a great story about Lollipop Leadership in his Tedtalk called Lollipop Leadership. He shares about the time when as the director of leadership at a small university in Canada he gave a lollipop to the young man standing next to a beautiful young lady on line at registration. The embarrassed young man then handed the lollipop to the girl which then prompted Drew to boisterously said to the girl's parents and surrounding new students: "Already...One day at college and she's taking candy from strangers!!!!" What Drew did not know at the time that this young lady was petrified being at the college...she did not want to be there and was ready to pack it in right then and there...This small act of kindness...this lil' joke...this minor outreach from Drew Dudley changed the whole experience for this girl...It broke her fear and she released a tension that she thought might never go away. She wound up dating this young man throughout college, and a year and a half later, they invited Drew Dudley to their wedding. What a great story! Thanks Drew for sharing....So, on the eve of Christmas where people are rushing to get those last minute gifts, how about giving the gift of lollipop leadership to others--A small outreach of kindness...An act of graciousness towards others. A gesture to make another feel more comfortable of confident. We all have it in us, we just have to make it a priority to do it. My guest this week on the podcast, Ed Leadership & Beyond, is Ron Bentley. Ron is a husband, father, a Police Officer in New Canaan, CT, and my brother in law!!!! Ron, in his role as an officer and baseball coach, takes advantage of the many opportunities he has to demonstrate his leadership to others, especially the lollipop moments. He shares several stories during the show about these actions as well as the amazing story of how he saved an unconscious baby boy. Happy Holidays everyone! Quote: Evil is powerless...if the good are unafraid. Ronald Reagan Thank you to all of our first responders...You are heroes everyday! Thank you for reading & tuning in. Be bolder and show your presence! Go out and change the world for the better.

Monday, January 29, 2018. Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. 10 Ways Not to Suck with my guest: entrepreneur, author, adhd/add expert: Peter Shankman. Podcast #34 - aired Saturday 1/27/18. 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, & Pocono 96.7. I had the privilege of talking with Peter Shankman this week on Ed Leadership & Beyond. Peter is an awesome guy who is doing great things in NYC and beyond. Here is a short bio from his website: Peter Shankman is a spectacular example of what happens when you merge the power of pure creativity with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a dose of adventure, and make it work to your advantage. An author, entrepreneur and corporate keynote speaker, this “worldwide connector” is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about customer service, social media, PR, marketing, advertising, and ADHD. Show #34's concept was built around a speech Peter gave in 2017 called 10 Ways Not to Suck. He was frustrated about his flight experience on the way to the conference and changed his whole speech that morning. Want to NOT suck at what you do? Here's Peter's advice: 1. Do your HW...whatever you are involved in--guests, work, projects...do you hw and learn something about the person. I share the story of when I lost my Dad. It was my first game back officiating since his funeral services. I was shaking the hands of the coaches as I do each and every game. I got to the last assistant coach who pulled me in close and said " I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Father." Wow: that caught me off guard. It was like a punch to the face. I remember that moment with such clarity. It was such a small gesture, but an important one for me. I was impressed that "coach did his HW!" 2. Listen to your audience: hear them, listen to them, and give them what they ask for. This is not just a business concept, and can be used by all leaders. 3. Brand everything you do: In the technological world we live in, attach your name to everything you do. Peter shares the story of a cool video he made that has almost 2 million views on youtube, yet he failed to put his name to it. A golden opportunity missed yet an important lesson learned. 4. Be transparent--be honest: so simple, yet in our complex world, this virtue seems to be disappearing. With all that we see in gov't and the celebrity world, we don't see much of this. Peter is a real example of this. He says reach out to me--I can help you, and that is exactly what he did here. We connected about my book, his book, and bam: he was on the podcast. Transparent and up front. Great work Peter! 5. Relevant: make your work matter. There is so much garbage out there. Make your work, your life relevant. 6. Brevity: The great Hall of Fame Port Jervis HS teacher Kevin Birmingham told me when speaking in public: be like a comet: beautiful, memorable, and brief! 7. Top of mind: how can I help you? When you have this question in the forefront of your brain, you truly will be looking to help others in a meaningful way. I share the story of trying to help my wife in the kitchen. She's cooking, cleaning, and handling all that comes her way, and I USED to just barge in there, get in her way, and think I was helping her. Ahhh, no! She trained me in the ways of the force and now I ask her (and many others) those magic words: How Can I Help You? 8. Differentiate yourself: How do you stand out among the rest? 9. Understand yourself--what works for you: again a simple concept, yet very, very important. I guess we learn this more with age. As I write this blog at (9:14pm on a school night), I know I have to get to bed. 4:45am comes early and if I am going to have any chance at a good workout in the am, I need my rest. 10. Have a support team, a mastermind group: (continued)

Sunday, January 21, 2018... Education Leadership and Beyond: Surviving & Thriving with Andrew Marotta. Podcast #33 - aired Saturday 1/20/18... 9am live or on the app anytime country 107.7 WDLC, 106.9 WYNC, Wall Radio, & Pocono 96.7. O+A= R Opportunity + Action= Results....Think about all the opportunities that come to us each and every day. Not all are good, but there are many things that come at us daily that we can jump on that will help us get better. Do you want to get better? Are there areas in your life that you want to improve upon? Then, you have to start to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way each day. I learned this formula from my friend & mentor Dr. Rob Gilbert. Here’s your first “O”—Call his hotline daily! # 973-743-4690. It is free and it is awesome. This concept reminds me of the story of the man caught in a flood. He prayed and prayed for God to save him. There was a knock at the door—It was EMS workers offering to assist him with evacuating. He said to them—"God will save me." Two hours later... The water then flooded up to the second floor of his home. Boats were in the streets rescuing people. They called out for the man, but he yelled back: “God will save me!” The water continued to rise...He now was on his roof. Finally, a helicopter with a basket offered a pickup to safety. The man yelled back: "I have faith—God will save me!!!!" Sadly, the man drowned. As he was entering the gates of heaven, God was there greeting people. The man looked at God angrily and said, “I trusted you and put my belief in you to save me!” God replied: “Yes Son. I tried three times to save you and you declined my help!!!!!” Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way ...Opportunity + Action= Results...O+A=R Today on the program we meet Padraic McCarthy, science teacher at Port Jervis HS. I selected this concept because Paddy alway provides me and those around him opportunities to learn everyday. Paddy introduced me to podcasts some years ago sharing concepts and ideas that he learned on his way to work each day. Specifically, he shared with me about the Dad’s Edge podcast with Larry Hagner @gooddadproject. I took the “O” & put it into “A”—downloaded the podcast and made time to listen...This produced “R” in my life as a father and husband. Larry offers great advice, guests, and perspective on being a father, man, and good person in 2018! If it weren’t for Paddy and his daily “opportunities”, I may never have found this great resource. Paddy shares his experiences as a teacher, father, and adventurist—Teaching in the Dakotas, raising pigs and bees, and being an overall super guy: tune in here: Show #33 with Paddy Mccarthy Book recommendation: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson Quote: “I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything, so if I am going to learn, I must do it by listening. Larry King Next week's guest is author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, specialist on ADD/ADHD & “worldwide connector” Peter Shankman Go out and change the world for the better.