Greener Shepherd

How do you get movement in during the cold, winter months? (Note: We didn't say 'exercise' - we said 'movement.') Often people think about the time they need to spend at the gym, or watch a workout video, or follow a prescribed exercise regimen in order to get healthy. In reality, we support and advocate for individuals to add regular movement into their day and THROUGHOUT their day. Why? Because we want to see individuals make lifestyle shifts and habit formation that can continue long into the future, even on busy/hectic days. Rather than focusing all your efforts on the 30-45 minute workout, or hour class you take - how can you incorporate movement across your ENTIRE day? The goal is to make movement a habit and not something we need to "check off the list" in order to feel better about ourselves. As we enter into the cold, winter months - we invite you to find fun, creative, and (most importantly) enjoyable ways for you to incorporate more movement into your day and make it a part of your lifestyle. If you need suggestions, message us here or email us at GreenerShepherd@gmail.com - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

Two weeks ago, we attended the Iowa Association of School Boards annual conference. In conversations with administrators, school board members, and other educational supporters and champions, the following two points stood out: 1. Most educators could benefit from the same support they give their students, staff, and colleagues. Educators are often considerate helpers who will bear heavy loads to benefit others and, at the same time, neglect their own needs. How often do you see this with the teachers, administrators, and support staff in your buildings? Often this sacrifice is celebrated when a better approach would be to support them in building and maintaining a healthy life, so their cup stays full. 2. Education continues to be a world of promise, of hope, of aspiration, and of change. The current reality is no exception, even if it looks otherwise to outside eyes. In order to inspire and support that mission, we need healthy, vibrant, and energetic administrators, teachers, and support staff who can teach and support our students. As we celebrate #GivingTuesday today, we challenge you to continue giving to yourself and your own well-being. If you are looking for ways to Give Back to your teachers and support staff, providing training and support for them to live a healthier life is an invaluable gift. Greener Shepherd can assist you and your staff in improving their health, communication, and mindset. Connect with us to learn more by emailing GreenerShepherd@gmail.com -Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

Come visit us at Booth 424 today at the Iowa Association of School Boards annual conference from 9am - 2pm! We're handing out samples for you to elevate your wellness in simple, practical ways. Why? Because we know many educators and leaders put their own health and wellness last as they serve their students, athletes, teams, and staff. Our goal is to help you prioritize your wellness, so you can be an even better version of yourself for your students, staff, and entire school community. See you at Booth 424! Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

We're looking forward to attending our first Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) conference next week and hosting a booth at the event. While there, we'll be sharing how a focus on mindset, communication, and health can improve leadership and culture within the school system, and consequently positively impact our school staff, students, and greater community daily. Our request is this -- >> If you will be attending, >> If you know leadership from your district who will be, or >> If you know a school board member who will be present -- We'd appreciate you encouraging them to visit our booth. We’d love to share more about what we do and the impact it makes beyond the individuals who participate. Our work really does show the domino effect in action — and how an improvement in one person or a small group of people can change the entire school system for the better. - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

How do you provide feedback? And - potentially even more important - how do you receive feedback? ... Are you open to receiving feedback? Or are you closed off to the insights of others? When we were at Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa last month, we talked extensively about communication and feedback with students. All too often, when we know feedback is coming we start to tense up -- And our mind starts to race thinking of all the worst-case scenarios (which immediately makes us defensive before the conversation even starts), Or our stomach drops and we get into a negative space before anything is even said. Sound familiar? Take a second and think about this for yourself - What are your initial reactions and feelings when you know you will be giving feedback to someone else, or receiving feedback? Do you feel cool, calm, and collected? Or do you feel anxious, on-edge, and jittery? Giving and receiving feedback is a part of life and many times we can struggle to communicate effectively, Especially in situations where it matters most, Because of our own perception and perspective. As a result, feedback becomes something that “stresses us out” So we avoid it. However, it doesn't have to be this way if you know some simple and effective tools to: >> become aware of your perception, >> reframe your perspective, >> and then make some minor adjustments to your breathing to change your physical state. When we can do these things more effectively, We increase the likelihood that we will become better communicators and better leaders as a result. If you are looking to improve your effectiveness as a leader - Communication is a key element and starting point that Greener Shepherd assists leaders with - both those who are well-established in their careers and those who are just starting out. It's an honor to do this work and help others be an even better version of themselves. - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

Last week, we had the honor and privilege to present to 12 sections of Business 1000 in the Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa. We shared about the power of perception and how our perception can impact our communication with others. We also discussed the importance of giving and receiving feedback and shared with students our "secret tool" to improve their ability to communicate effectively in challenging and difficult circumstances. The students were engaged, motivated, and very receptive to sharing and improving on this topic. As we all know - all great leaders continue to hone their ability to communicate effectively and receive (and give) feedback with grace. These students are no exception. We are excited for the many great leaders who will be entering the workforce from UNI in the next 3 years. Get ready to see them shine in your places of work! - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

What do you get when you improve teachers' and school leaders health and well-being? An improved culture. Cary Wieland at Expo Alternative Learning Center in Waterloo said, "Before training with Nick and Kayla from Greener Shepherd, our culture and climate survey indicated a score of approximately 77%. After their intervention, our staff satisfaction increased by over 15%." That is a statistically significant improvement over one school year. If you are looking to improve the culture of your school or organization, we can support you in this initiative. - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

October is National Principals Month 🤝 Help us celebrate the principals and administrators of your schools, or those of your children/grandchildren 👩🏫 👏 >> Principals can bring transformation and change to every student, teacher, and staff member We celebrate the work that principals do on a daily basis and are especially grateful for all those principals who see the transformative power of their teachers/staff improving their health and well-being, so they can be their best selves for the students in their classrooms and schools At SAI (School Administrators of Iowa event) this past August, Nick saw one of his former student teachers who is now a principal with the Van Buren County CSD; it's so rewarding to see these leaders take root in supporting our students Join us in thanking your principals, and please continue to encourage them to pursue health and wellness coaching for their staff, so everyone can be their best selves for our students who deserve the best - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle

On Monday, we spoke to teachers, administrators, and school leaders at the 2nd annual CVNE conference. Our breakout sessions focused on improving one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, so educators can be their best selves in and out of the classroom. Denver Community School District hosted, and the following districts attended a day of leadership, learning, and personal/professional development: Clarksville, Denver, Dunkerton, Jesup, Nashua-Plainfield, Tripoli Community School District, and Wapsie Valley. The instructional coaches at these 7 districts did an astounding job, once again, curating an impactful and motivating day for educators. We tip our hats off to the 410 educators who attended for all they do to support our students in and outside the classroom! And we applaud all those who are invested in improving their own well-being, so they can lead their students and staffs even better -- And finally, remember: It's always a great day to thank a teacher 👨🏫 - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle 

Food has a profound impact on our health - And does more than just "fill our bellies." It nourishes us, sustains us, and helps us rebuild our bodies As we experience our day-to-day life. Here's a bill that is advocating for better school lunches for students. Why? 43 public school lunches from 15 states were tested in 2022 and results found: 95% of items had detectable levels of glyphosate (carcinogenic pesticide that has been linked to gut disruption, kidney, liver, and hormonal challenges), 74% contained at least one other pesticide, and 100% tested positive for the presence of heavy metals 😲 NOT the food that we should be feeding to anyone, including our children in schools. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/gCU8AMiW - Kayla Becker and Nick Kuhle