Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
352: The September Slump
The school year starts off strong — students are excited, routines are fresh, and momentum is high. But as September rolls on, many classrooms experience what we call the September Slump. In this episode, we talk about why student engagement can dip during this time, why it’s important to address it early, and practical tips…
Listen to Episode5 Myths of Lesson Design
Lesson Design is a foundational process teachers engage in daily to meet the needs of the students they teach. Designing a lesson is not just filling in a lesson plan template. It is thinking through every inch of a lesson from start to finish- transitions, student pairings, higher order thinking questions and so forth. The…
Read Full Post351: Classroom Culture Reset
In this episode, we dive into how educators can intentionally reset their classroom culture at the start of the school year. Whether you’re teaching brand-new students or welcoming back familiar faces, the first weeks are the perfect time to establish the norms, routines, and relationships that will shape the months ahead. We’ll discuss practical strategies…
Listen to Episode5 ways to Become A Teacher Leader
The term “teacher leader” is used in education to describe any role that supports the growth of teachers. This may include role titles such as instructional coach, PD facilitator, subject area specialist, academic dean, administration, colleague mentor and even a cooperating teacher for student teachers. Regardless of the title, those who support the growth of…
Read Full Post350: Evolving Classrooms with Dr. LaKimbre Brown
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. LaKimbre Brown, an experienced educational leader and advocate for equity in schools, to explore the ever-changing landscape of education. Dr. Brown shares her insights on how schools are evolving to meet the diverse needs of today’s students, from shifting curriculums to addressing representation in both classrooms…
Listen to Episode5 Steps for Running Small Group Instruction
Small group instruction is a powerful way to provide intervention to struggling students. Intervention is a technique teachers use to interrupt the flow of instruction to lend aid to confused students. There are various reasons why a student could have a poor understanding. They could have gaps in their learning, instruction moved too quickly to…
Read Full Post349: Driving Change with Kay Kelly
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with school psychologist Kay Kelly to explore her unique journey within the educational system and how she’s thinking outside the box to create real-world opportunities for students. Kay shares stories from her experiences in various school settings and how those shaped her passion for integrating mental health support…
Listen to EpisodeWhat to Expect as a New Teacher
Becoming a new teacher is exciting, but also overwhelming. There is so much to learn in a short amount of time. Each school or district has its own nuances one must learn in order to be successful. However, there are commonalities a new teacher faces no matter where or what they teach. This post will…
Read Full Post348: Opening Worlds Through Words with Pam Allyn
In this inspiring episode, we dive into the heart of literacy and its life-changing impact with renowned literacy advocate, educator, and CEO Pam Allyn. Pam shares powerful insights into why reading is not just a fundamental skill, but a gateway to equity, empowerment, and lifelong success. Quotables ** All quotes are from the interviewee **…
Listen to EpisodeHow to Stand Out in an Interview as an Educator
You get hired when you stand out in an interview. Whether there is a teacher shortage or limited positions available, putting your best foot forward during an interview is expected. Help make the decision easy for the leadership team by being memorable- this is what we call a “stand out.” How do you do that?…
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