Ep. 3: Teaching Positivity with Peggy Rakas
Today’s episode is all about breaking through the “I can’t” mindset that often holds young singers back.
You’ll hear from the inspiring Peggy Rakis, founder of Teaching Positivity, as she shares powerful tools from positive psychology to help both teachers and students overcome self-doubt and embrace a growth mindset. With Peggy's insights, you’ll learn how to shift your approach to teaching, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment that celebrates every small win and keeps the love for singing alive.
Peggy’s journey from a music educator to a positive psychology advocate is full of wisdom that can transform your teaching practice. She reminds us of the incredible impact of our expectations as teachers and how our thoughts can shape our students’ success. By embracing the power of "yet" and celebrating incremental progress, you can help your students unlock their full potential. Whether you’re facing challenges in the classroom or looking for ways to keep your students motivated, this episode is packed with practical tips and uplifting stories that will inspire you to keep exploring, nurturing, and discovering the joy of teaching.
About Peggy
In 2014, Peggy Rakas founded Teaching Positivity, in response to the stress that statewide testing was creating in her school district in North Merrick, NY.
Ms. Rakas created positivity workshops for teachers and staff based on nurturing techniques and happiness boosters from positive psychology and has taught workshops at the New York State Music Conference, the Balanced Mind Conference, and the Suffolk Symposium. She is a popular presenter for Nassau and Suffolk County professional development classes and school districts across Long Island.
In 2012, Ms. Rakas received the Nassau County Scope Teacher of the Year Award and is a two-time recipient of the Merrick Teacher of the Year Award. She was nominated for the prestigious Disney Teacher Award and the New York State Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Rakas is the founder and coordinator of the Harry Chapin Practice-a-thon, a non-profit that raises funds for food banks across New York State.
Ms. Rakas is currently an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, a certified Optimize Life Coach specializing in positive psychology, a clinician for SmartMusic, and an approved teacher for the Yale course for high school students called "Psychology and the Good Life." She is a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University and Queens College.
RESOURCES
Harry Chapin Practice-a-thon
The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
The Learner Lab Website (The Pygmalion Effect)
Connect with Peggy:
Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.
You’ll hear from the inspiring Peggy Rakis, founder of Teaching Positivity, as she shares powerful tools from positive psychology to help both teachers and students overcome self-doubt and embrace a growth mindset. With Peggy's insights, you’ll learn how to shift your approach to teaching, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment that celebrates every small win and keeps the love for singing alive.
Peggy’s journey from a music educator to a positive psychology advocate is full of wisdom that can transform your teaching practice. She reminds us of the incredible impact of our expectations as teachers and how our thoughts can shape our students’ success. By embracing the power of "yet" and celebrating incremental progress, you can help your students unlock their full potential. Whether you’re facing challenges in the classroom or looking for ways to keep your students motivated, this episode is packed with practical tips and uplifting stories that will inspire you to keep exploring, nurturing, and discovering the joy of teaching.
About Peggy
In 2014, Peggy Rakas founded Teaching Positivity, in response to the stress that statewide testing was creating in her school district in North Merrick, NY.
Ms. Rakas created positivity workshops for teachers and staff based on nurturing techniques and happiness boosters from positive psychology and has taught workshops at the New York State Music Conference, the Balanced Mind Conference, and the Suffolk Symposium. She is a popular presenter for Nassau and Suffolk County professional development classes and school districts across Long Island.
In 2012, Ms. Rakas received the Nassau County Scope Teacher of the Year Award and is a two-time recipient of the Merrick Teacher of the Year Award. She was nominated for the prestigious Disney Teacher Award and the New York State Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Rakas is the founder and coordinator of the Harry Chapin Practice-a-thon, a non-profit that raises funds for food banks across New York State.
Ms. Rakas is currently an adjunct professor at Hofstra University, a certified Optimize Life Coach specializing in positive psychology, a clinician for SmartMusic, and an approved teacher for the Yale course for high school students called "Psychology and the Good Life." She is a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University and Queens College.
RESOURCES
Harry Chapin Practice-a-thon
The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
The Learner Lab Website (The Pygmalion Effect)
Connect with Peggy:
Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.