How Educators Make a Lasting Difference: Creating Opportunities That Inspire Students to Succeed

Inspiring Stories of Teachers, Coaches, and Students Who Change Lives

We all want to make a difference for our community and our children. That’s why we teach, lead, and coach—be that in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field.

As educators, we create opportunities for our kids to explore their creativity, challenge themselves, and discover new passions. 

We encourage them with “Yes, you can!” and “Keep going, you’re doing great!” as they learn to self-regulate, break through their glass ceilings, and gain confidence.

And it is in those moments- you make a difference. Let's emphasize that point:  

You DO make a difference!

Creating Opportunities is Making a Difference

When you open new doors for students, you help them find confidence, curiosity, and courage.

“The average child in our nation spends about 6.64 hours at school, every day for 180 days a year.” 

That means children spend nearly half of each calendar year with educators. This time gives teachers and coaches countless opportunities to create meaningful moments - ones that help kids discover their strengths, interests, and goals.

For this reason, you are one of the people who have the opportunity to open new doors for our kids. 

To create new environments, help them experience new territories, and encourage growth, where they are, they can succeed and overcome challenges.

🏃‍♂️ A Real-Life Story: How Opportunity Changed Nathan Martin’s Life

Meet Nathan Martin, a local hero from Jackson, Michigan. You may not know that Nathan has some remarkable achievements.

In 2020, Nathan finished the Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona, with a time of 2:11:05. Not only did he improve on his 2:14:34 personal best at the COVID-adjusted race, but he was also named the fastest U.S.-born African American marathoner in history. 

He later placed eighth in the New York City Marathon, proving his dedication and perseverance. But Nathan's story isn't just about records. It's about opportunity.

"The outreach of people congratulating me or saying how awesome they thought it was that I broke the record, I'm like, WOW, maybe I'm not thinking about things correctly. Maybe I need to really figure out what this record means to me," Martin told Runner's World. 

"Being able to use the record to impact kids or give somebody someone to look at and say, 'Hey, he's achieved that. I can too, was really awesome. Hopefully, I can continue to be someone who can inspire people.' Martin told Runner's World."

🏫 How a Coach’s Encouragement Changed Everything

Nathan's journey started in middle school when a teacher noticed his potential. After a required timed mile run, a coach suggested that Nathan join the cross-country team - and that single moment changed the trajectory of Nathan's life. 

Every teacher and coach has this same power. A small encouragement, a simple "You'd be great at this!" can open a lifelong passion. 

This is the kind of thing coaches do every day at school. Teachers of all stripes encourage children to pursue or try something they show some interest and aptitude for. That simple comment made a difference in the trajectory of Nathan’s life.

Blessed by the opportunities running has provided for him. Nathan now uses that same influence as a coach and substitute teacher in Jackson District Schools.  You might think that winning the Olympics would be his biggest goal, but his greatest desire is to help the kids he coaches at the local high school become better runners and better people. 

His compassion, leadership, and humility inspire his students to not only run faster but also believe in themselves. 

💡 The Ripple Effect: How One Educator Inspires Many

Nathan's story is a reminder of the ripple effect educators have. His influence as a teacher and mentor is shaping future leaders, runners, and dreamers in his community. 

His students - and the parents and administrators watching - see his impact daily. Even if we can't measure the full extent of his influence, we can feel it.

His knowledge and skills make him an inspiration to his team and a great resource.  His attitude, compassion, and empathy make him a leader that kids want to follow.  

Each time you encourage a child to take a chance or try something new, you can change their world - sometimes in ways you'll never fully see.

You Make a Difference Every Day

Nathan’s story reminds us of the power of connection, care, and opportunity. As an educator or coach, you give kids more than lessons - you give them belief, belonging, and confidence. 

Each time you create a new opportunity, whether it's through a reading program, a running club like Mileage Club, or a classroom goal, you're empowering kids to grow stronger and dream bigger.

So keep inspiring. Keep encouraging. Keep opening those doors. Because you are making a difference.

Who can measure the value of creating a new friend, finding a special interest, or overcoming fear by trying something that seems difficult?  The opportunity to grow is presented daily.

Stop Doing Things the Hard Way: How Educators Can Simplify and Focus on What Matters Most

 

Discover how teachers can simplify routines, save time, and focus on what matters most with smart classroom tools like EZ Scan® and Mileage Club®.

Teaching Doesn't Have to Be Hard: How to Work Smarter, Not Harder 

“When we’re accustomed to doing things the hard way, it’s like being blinded by the glare coming off the water.” 

--Greg McKeown in “Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most”

Have you ever felt blinded by the "glare" of routine tasks - doing the same things every day, even when they take too long or no longer work effectively?

As educators, we're committed to doing things the right way. However, as Greg McKeown points out, we sometimes confuse "the right way" with "the hard way." 

Let's explore why we fall into that trap - and how to break free so we can focus on what matters most: helping our students thrive.

These three misconceptions, or illusions our brains like to believe, give us a glimpse at the underlying causes.

🚧 Myth #1: Doing It Right Means Doing It the Hard Way

We've been conditioned to believe that working harder automatically means working better. But that's not always true.

You can get the same (or even better) results by working smarter. Whether it's lesson planning, grading, or managing student programs, efficiency tools can make a huge difference.

Example:

Teachers using EZ Scan to track Mileage Club progress save hours each week by automating laps and data collection - no more clipboards or manual tallies.

Efficiency doesn't mean cutting corners. It means using your time and tools wisely.

💰 Myth #2: “We Can’t Afford to Make Things Easier”

We often think that simplifying our work - using new tools or changing our system - costs too much.

But the truth is, your time is valuable. Every extra hour spent on repetitive work has a cost, too.

Could you: 

• Reallocate part of your classroom budget for a time-saving tool?
• Partner with local businesses for sponsorship or donations?
• Trade one small expense (like that daily latte) for something that gives you hours back each week?

You don't have to choose between saving money and saving time - there's often a middle ground.

🧠 Myth #3: Learning New Technology Is Too Hard

Let's be honest - trying new tech can feel intimidating at first. But once you take the first step, most tools are far easier to learn than they seem.

Start small: explore the help articles, watch a short demo, or reach out to customer support.

If you're using Fitness Finders programs like EZ Scan, you already have access to step-by-step guides and friendly support to help you get started. Many schools find that within one week, their entire process runs smoothly, and students are more engaged.

Good technology doesn't add work - it removes it. 

The Takeaway: Make Teaching Effortless

If you don't pause and reassess, your brain will keep telling you to do things "the hard way."

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• What daily tasks take up the most time?
• Is there a tool, process, or partnership that could simplify it?
• Could your students take more ownership with self-tracking or digital rewards?

Remember: simplifying your workload isn't laziness - it's leadership. The easier your systems are, the more energy you can invest where it matters most - your students.

Try This Today

Pick one task that drains your time this week. Ask:

"What if this could be effortless?"

You might be surprised how much easier - and more enjoyable - your day becomes

How a Special Education Teacher Uses Fitness Finders® Tokens to Motivate Students to Read More

See how reward tokens help students develop reading confidence and pride in this inspiring classroom success story from Onsted Elementary.

An Interview with Tina Slater, a Special Education Teacher

Name: Tina Slater

Position Title: Special Education Teacher

Grades: Fourth and Fifth Grades

School Name: Onsted Elementary School

Years Teaching: 27 years

Current Subjects: Reading, Math and Writing

How do you use tokens from Fitness Finders in your reading classroom?

In my reading resource classroom, students are awarded tokens after reading a leveled chapter book. Students are reading their chapter book for 10-15 minutes each day so it can take 8-12 days to complete a book. During reading, the student and I talk about the text and I listen to them read. When the book is complete, we meet to talk about the book and their reading success. During this time I present a token to commemorate their accomplishment. 

 

How do you choose which tokens to use?

When selecting the token to award, I try to match the token with the book the student has just completed. I have a variety of animals and objects to choose from. 

When students completed a book about Knights, I awarded them a key and a compass — which were two important objects from the Knights' Quest. They were thrilled! Sometimes it can be more difficult to make a match - in those cases, I may use the question mark token and make a connection with the predictions students made during reading or their use of expression when reading aloud. 

 

How do you distribute tokens?

Tokens are presented by me to students in a private ceremony. I actually make a big deal when presenting the token and make a mini-speech calling out the achievements the students made while reading the book and making connections between their reading success and the token. 

I am conferencing (video) with the student, but I am aware that others (family members) are listening. I try to call out as many positive reading behaviors as possible.

 

How do students display their tokens?

Students wear their tokens on lanyards during reading class (the laces from Fitness Finders). Each student selected their lanyard and the links (Lacelink) from the variety of colors and patterns Fitness Finders offers. 

When students aren’t wearing their necklaces they are displayed on hooks near our bookshelves. 

 

 

 Do you have a favorite token? 

I love all of the Animals! Our school mascot is the wildcat — so all of the cats and paws are a hit with my students. 

 

 How has this changed your classroom environment or impacted student motivation? 

Rewarding tokens has brought a bit more fun and provided a visual that represents student success.  I love it when I hear a student say, 

“I can’t believe I have read this much,” as they are putting on their necklace before class.

 

Can you share any stories or quotes from students while using tokens in your class?   

5th grader Emma said, 

“When we get rewarded with tokens, it just makes us want to read more and work harder. It makes everything more fun!”

 

Do you have any plans specifically for reading month?

During Reading Month, students will be earning double tokens and we will be celebrating Wildcats Read with drawings for extra tokens. I’ll also be taking pictures of students reading while wearing their token necklaces to send home with their progress reports in mid-March.

 

❄️Treat Your Students To Their Own Run Through the Snow! ❄️

In honor of our  "Race With The Sled Dogs Program", we asked Coach White from Orion Elementary in Anchorage, what it’s like to operate a run club for students in Alaska. Here is what she said...

Do students run outside in the snow or inside the school?

We run outside in the snow. Getting fresh air is important, especially during the long, cold, dark winter months. On Dec 21st, Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, we typically only have 6 hours of daylight here in Anchorage. The sun doesn't rise until about 10am and sets by 4pm. Further north in the Arctic Circle, they have several weeks where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon at all!

How cold does it get? 

I've seen it as cold as -20 here in Anchorage. Further north in Fairbanks it is common for it to reach -40 in the winter. Our typical winter temp is about 20 degrees for a high and in the teens or single digits overnight.

Do you use EZ Scan to scan laps? Does the tablet work when it is really cold outside? 

Yes, we use EZ Scan to keep track of our mileage during the running season. We keep our iPads inside the entryway in the window sill facing out so that kids can scan through the window after each lap and the iPads stay nice and warm!"

Interview Date: 2019

 

2020 Mileage Club hits 250,000 miles!

Listen to Amy Nieuwenhuis (Teacher and Mileage Club Leader) tell us about her Mileage Club reaching a huge Milestone.

Developing a Reward System for Her Dyslexia Treatment Plan - Fitness Finders Charms

An Interview with a Dyslexia Therapist

How a Visual Reminder of Their Accomplishments Keeps Her Students Motivated

An Interview with a Second Grade Teacher and Run Club Leader