It All Began By
Doing Less
In 2016 I met a teacher that was so intentional and efficient with his time that he was able to play darts during his prep. Slacker, you ask? Nope! Joel was one of the best teachers at our school.
I had never known another educator that worked the way he did, and I wanted to learn all his secrets. Every podcast and book recommendation I soaked up like a sponge. I couldn't get enough.
When I first met Joel, I was ready to close the door on teaching altogether. Even though I was in my 4th year of teaching, I was still working all weekend and tired of sacrificing my personal life for my job. As Joel and I became instant friends that year, he taught me tips, tricks, hacks (or whatever you want to call them) to completely transform how I worked.
I firmly believe that developing soft skills is the secret ingredient missing in teacher preparation programs and professional development. Don’t fret my friend, because we’ve got you! I’m incredibly grateful that all my struggles and lessons learned ultimately led to The Marigold Force, and I’m thrilled to run ahead of the pack a bit to make your journey that much easier.
My superpower is helping teachers systematize and streamline their work, so they can devote more time and energy to what lights them up the most.
Did I mention that I also like to spice things up a bit? Education hasn’t changed much over the years, but doing the same tired, old thing seems pretty boring to me. I’m all about ruffling a few feathers, shaking up the system, but ultimately bringing a fresh (and more impactful) approach to the table. I bet you’re the rebellious type too.
I BELIEVE IN:
Straight talk, short emails, fewer meetings, and cutting out the 'meh' to make room for the very best.
I'm NOT ABOUT:
Weekend lesson planning, doing something just because we’ve always done it, or negative energy killing my vibe.
YOU CAN FIND ME:
Snuggling with my cats, planning my next adventure, dancing in the kitchen, or drinking a margarita on a patio.
daily rituals
Cuddles with my fur babies + sexy husband, The Daily Podcast, oatmeal with berries, yoga, and power naps.
Jessie's Bio
When I first started teaching I was not good. Okay, I was bad. I was really bad. I am not shaming myself by saying that I was bad. I really was that bad. Being that bad teacher took its toll on my emotional wellbeing and waning resilience. My first three years of teaching were in Bogotá, Colombia. I felt scared that I wasn't going to make it through my first years of teaching. And, I was unable to tap into the gifts that I knew I had.
My superpower is showing up vibrantly and authentically and showing others how to do the same.
Thankfully, I had a Marigold teacher in my corner. She led me to become the teacher that I already had inside of me. After Colombia, I taught in Spain. And, guess what? More Marigolds. Then Wisconsin. Sure enough, more Marigolds. Then Minnesota. And, of course! More. Marigolds. Then Illinois. And, you're seeing the pattern. Marigolds all around me.
When my husband and I moved back to Minnesota and started teaching here, I immediately was drawn to my now Co-Rebel, Jessie Gebauer. I knew that she would need a Marigold in her life. I became a Marigold for her. The best part? Jessie also became a Marigold to me and so many teachers around her. Together, we became a Force at our school.
I know I have unique, special gifts. And every day, I want to share them and show others how to cultivate their unique, special gifts.
I BELIEVE IN:
Sparking bravery with everything I do and making everything better than I found it.
I'm NOT ABOUT:
Over-functioning, work without a strong WHY, or operating within the status quo.
YOU CAN FIND ME:
Walking, reading, running, gardening, listening to podcasts and audiobooks at 2x speed, laughing.
daily rituals:
My gratitude journal, loving kindness meditation, catnap, walks with my husband, getting my heart rate up in some way
Joel's Bio
watching:
DRINKING:
READING:
CRAVING:
New Girl... my 10th time?
boxed wine, of course
Rising Strong by Brené
oreo blizzard from DQ
Currently
listening:
Tyler Childers radio
watching:
DRINKING:
READING:
CRAVING:
Ted Lasso (Season 2)
Kombucha
Kinfolk
Brown Butter Popcorn
Currently
listening:
El Hilo podcast
Brown Butter Popcorn
Jessie's Favorite Things
Snow. Winter is brutal in Minnesota, but that first snowfall is magical.
my guilty pleasure
Ice cream. Any combo of decadence paired with light and fruity will do.
Adventures - I live my whole life by the motto, "Why not!" It's worked out pretty well so far.
view more >
Jessie's Favorite Things
Hiking. Any view that requires some leg work is a view I want to experience.
my happy place!
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The Beach! Being near water of any kind has always been so grounding for me.
Animals. I will be sitting cross-legged in the dirt with cute animals until I’m 100.
Joel's Favorite
Things
Riding bikes! I feel like a kid every time. (And yes, I sing to myself while I do it!)
my happy place!
The Beach! Really any body of water. (Fresh air and sun don't hurt either!)
Catching up on the day (and life!) with my husband while watering our garden and drinking something fun
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Colombia! Mi tierra querida.
my guilty pleasure
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Catnaps during the school day. (Shhhh! I don't feel guilty about them at all!)
Travel! Anytime I am in a new place, I come alive in a beautiful way.
Joel's Favorite
Things
This That
coffee
BEACH
EARLY BIRD
art festival
Salty
Rain
Book
or
TEA
mountains
night owl
music festival
sweet
snow
Kindle
Jessie
Where I stand on the super important stuff...
Agree / disagree?
coffee
BEACH
EARLY BIRD
art festival
salty
rain
book
TEA
mountains
night owl
music festival
sweet
snow
Kindle
Where I stand on the super important stuff... Agree / disagree?
This That
or
Joel
“They give you the tools to make those changes that you have always wanted, but never knew how.”
THE REVIEWS
so they say:
Is it really tough getting a weekly newsletter out to families? I totally get it. For years my weekly updates were all over the place (poor quality and/or infrequent) until I learned a few tricks. Spend less time creating weekly newsletters rich with helpful info. I'll send you the exact guide I use!
5 ways to streamline weekly newsletters!
Better than Free Ice Cream!