Helping Students Remain Gritty As they Meet Their Goals!

India White • April 18, 2024

Help Students Remain Gritty as they Meet Their Goals

🔥Wow! 🔥We had an amazing weekend discussing Grit in the Math classroom in Minnesota with fellow teachers at the MCTM Annual Conference 🤗! I was happy to listen as teachers shared effective strategies to help students remain “gritty” and close the achievement gap. 😁Listen to our conversation below and share it with a teacher or principal who is committed to building grit in their students. 🥰Thank you to everyone who is joining us on this mission🎊😎🎊! #Grit #MathClassroom #AchievementGap #Education #drindiawhite #students #teachers #minnesota #mctm_mn #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #principals
By India White August 14, 2025
By India White August 14, 2025
For Families Considering Life Insurance Why families consider coverage Life insurance replaces income, pays off debt, and covers major expenses if a breadwinner passes away. It’s not just for parents—anyone with people who rely on them (or with co-signed debts) should consider it. My Recommended Type Term Life: Coverage for a set period (10, 20, 30 years). Typically the most coverage for the lowest cost. Great for income replacement during child-raising and mortgage years. Many families start with term life for immediate income protection,. So, How much coverage do we need? Common starting points (not advice, just general guidelines): 10–12× annual income for primary earners Add major debts (mortgage, loans) Add future goals (college support, childcare) Subtract existing coverage/savings A licensed agent can run a needs analysis customized to your budget and priorities. What affects your price? Age and health (younger/healthier = lower cost) Coverage amount & term length Tobacco use, driving record, hobbies, medications Policy riders (see below) Popular riders (optional add-ons) Accelerated Death Benefit: Access part of the benefit in certain serious illnesses. Waiver of Premium: Premiums waived if you become disabled (qualifying definitions apply). Child Rider: Low-cost coverage for children, sometimes convertible later. What to prepare for a quote Birth dates, basic medical history, medications Income, debts, current policies Beneficiary names and relationships Budget range you’re comfortable with monthly The application & underwriting process (what to expect) Needs analysis "te options (10–30 minutes). Application (online or paper). Underwriting: May include health questions, records, and occasionally a quick exam. Decision & policy delivery: Review, sign, and store digitally + physically. Annual check-in: Update beneficiaries, coverage fit, and affordability. Common pitfalls to avoid Waiting too long: Prices generally rise as you age. Underinsuring: Choosing a number that won’t truly cover income and debts. Overinsuring: Stretching beyond your budget and risking a lapse. “Set and forget”: Revisit coverage after major life changes (marriage, home, baby, new job). Quick Q&A Do stay-at-home parents need coverage? Usually yes—consider the cost to replace childcare and household management. What if we have life insurance at work? Great start, but it’s often not portable and may be too small. Many families add their own policy. If you'd like to explore more information, click on the link here: More Info
By India White August 14, 2025
A Practical Path to Part-Time Income Through Financial Education—Plus a Guide to Getting Your Family Covered If you’re a teacher, school staff member, or busy parent looking for a values-aligned way to earn extra income, financial education can be a natural fit. One path is the role of a licensed life insurance agent—a part-time professional who helps families protect income, pay off debt, and build a basic financial safety net. This article has two parts: a clear look at the part-time agent opportunity (without naming any particular company), and a client guide to choosing life insurance for your family. Part 1: For Teachers & Families Exploring a Part-Time Agent Role What a life insurance agent actually does Educates families about risk protection, budgeting, debt payoff, and basic savings strategies. Assesses needs (income, dependents, debts, goals) and recommends suitable coverage, not one-size-fits-all. Guides applications and supports clients through underwriting and policy delivery. Provides service after the sale—beneficiary updates, coverage reviews, and life-event check-ins. Why this can fit educators and busy parents Flexible hours: Appointments can be evenings/weekends. Transferable skills: Listening, teaching, and explaining complex ideas simply. Mission-aligned: You’re already invested in families’ futures—this expands the support you can offer. What you’ll need to get started (U.S. overview) State license: Pre-licensing education, an exam, fingerprints/background check. Appointment with an insurer or agency: So you can offer approved products. Compliance training: Learn suitability rules, disclosures, and ethical standards. Mentorship & field training: Practice needs analyses and recommendation delivery. Tip: Avoid any platform that pressures you to “sell first, learn later” or makes income promises. Choose training that emphasizes education, compliance, and long-term client care. Time structure for a realistic part-time start (sample) 2–3 hrs/wk: Training (product, compliance, role-play). 2–4 hrs/wk: Client outreach and appointments (e.g., two 60–90 min sessions). 1 hr/wk: Follow-ups, paperwork, and service. Start small, then scale your calendar once your processes feel smooth. Ethics & guardrails (non-negotiables) Recommend coverage that fits the client’s budget and goals—never “sell to the max.” Disclose how you’re paid. Document needs, alternatives considered, and client decisions. Respect “not now” as an answer; offer a later review instead of pressure. Simple outreach language (use and adapt) Warm intro: “Hey [Name], I’m doing part-time financial education now—helping families set up affordable income protection and a plan for debt/savings. If it’s helpful, I can do a free 20-minute review and show options—no pressure at all.” Value close: “Whether you act now or later, you’ll walk away with a clear number for how much coverage your family would actually need.” Getting started checklist Identify your state’s licensing steps and fees. Choose an agency that offers mentorship, compliance support, and ongoing education. Create a simple “Financial Snapshot” form (income, debts, dependents, goals). Set office hours (even if it’s two evenings a week). Track all activity with a CRM or spreadsheet—consistency beats intensity. If this sounds like an opporutnity that interests you, click on the link below and let's scheudule a time to talk. Part Time Opportunity Link
By India White August 6, 2025
Let’s Get Gritty: 5 G.R.I.T.-Powered Tips for Starting Off the School Year Right The start of the school year is a powerful moment; a fresh opportunity to set the tone, establish relationships, and lay the foundation for student success. This year, I encourage you to launch your classroom with G.R.I.T.: focusing on Growth mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These four pillars don’t just help students succeed academically—they help you, the educator, lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Here are 5 actionable, GRIT-filled tips to kick off your school year strong: 1. Get to Know Your Students Every student comes with a unique story. Taking time to understand their learning styles, goals, and experiences shows them that they matter. This is where growth mindset comes alive—when we believe every student can improve and grow, no matter their starting point. GRIT Tip: Use icebreakers, interest surveys, or one-on-one chats to learn more about each student. Personal connections inspire engagement and persistence. 2. Speak to EVERY Parent or Guardian Strong home-school partnerships build trust and set the tone for collaboration. When parents feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to support and partner with you throughout the year. GRIT Tip: Make it a goal to connect with every family in the first two weeks with a positive phone call, email, or message. This builds your own self-efficacy and shows families that you’re invested in their child. 3. Connect with the Community Students are more resilient when they see how their learning connects to the real world. Whether it’s inviting local leaders to speak or organizing service projects, community connections bring relevance and depth to your teaching. GRIT Tip: Tap into the power of local culture and voices. When students see their community represented in learning, they build pride and purpose. 4. Know the Data Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a guide to help you make intentional decisions. Understanding your students’ strengths, gaps, and growth areas early on helps you manage time wisely and set personalized goals. GRIT Tip: Set aside weekly time to review data and make small, consistent adjustments. Empower students to track their own progress and celebrate wins, big or small. 5. Establish Norms for Success Your classroom culture will shape how students respond to challenges. Create norms that emphasize perseverance, responsibility, and mutual respect. Make these norms student-led and revisit them often. GRIT Tip: Let students help define what success looks like in your space. When expectations are clear and co-created, students feel ownership—and that builds resilience and self-efficacy. Final Thought: This school year, let’s lead with GRIT. Let’s build classrooms where students feel empowered to grow, bounce back, and believe in themselves. When we model G.R.I.T. as educators, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive in every area of life. Ready to bring G.R.I.T. to your school or district? I offer professional development, GRIT trainings for staff and students, keynote sessions, and engaging workshops to help you start strong and stay strong throughout the year. Let’s work together to build a G.R.I.T.-driven school culture! Contact Dr. India White 📧 Email: india.white.123@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.india-white.com 📱 Instagram/Twitter: @DrIndiaWhite 🎤 Available for: PD Sessions | Keynotes | GRIT Trainings | Student Workshops | Leadership Summits Let’s get gritty and make this year your best one yet!
By India White August 6, 2025
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
By India White August 6, 2025
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
By India White August 6, 2025
🌟 Part 1 of the Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles has been beyond my expectations! 🙌 I’ve learned so much about Black history and heard from the greatest Black experts! There is work to be done, but my hope has been rekindled! 💖 It’s time to get gritty about bridging the achievement gap! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm NCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsNCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationYolande Beckles #foryou #savvas #bwxme #naacp (I don’t own music copyright)
By India White August 6, 2025
🌟 Hey Los Angeles educators! 📚 Join us at the California Endowment Center as we dive into the power of grit and more at the Black Kids Love Math Annual Summit! Let’s inspire and empower our students together! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #lausd #grit
By India White August 3, 2025
🌟🎉 I can’t wait to see all you incredible Los Angeles educators at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit tomorrow morning ! 🚀✨ I’m super excited to talk about the power of grit and dive into some fun grit workbooks together! 💪📚 Stay gritty, everyone! Let’s do this! 🎊🙌 #drindiawhite #nctm #lausd #ncsm #nabse #bwxme #naacp #aasa (I don’t own music or background copyright)
By India White August 1, 2025
Let’s Get Gritty at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in LA! 🔥 🎉 I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles! This powerful event is all about equity, excellence, and empowering Black students in mathematics—and I’m honored to be part of it. My session will focus on a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: Cultivating G.R.I.T. in the Math Classroom. During this hands-on, engaging session, attendees will: * 📘 Flip through the G.R.I.T. Student Workbook—a powerful tool designed to build Growth mindset, Resilience, self-efficacy, and Time management in students. * 💡 Explore real strategies for integrating grit-building activities into your math instruction. * 💬 Discuss how to support students through productive struggle while helping them develop the confidence to succeed in rigorous academic environments. And then, later that evening... get ready for the IGNITE session! 🔥 We’ll dive deeper into the message that “GRIT is IT” when it comes to student achievement. We’ll talk about how grit transforms classroom culture, closes equity gaps, and turns math challenges into moments of triumph—for every student. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or advocate—this is your chance to get inspired, get equipped, and get gritty. 📍Los Angeles, here we come! Let’s empower our students, celebrate their brilliance, and make sure they know—Black Kids Love Math and they can excel in it too. #drindiawhite #grit #LetsGetGritty #BlackKidsLoveMath #lausd #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #aasa #math #studentachievement #equity #resilience #gritintheclassroom #california