Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
359: New Year New Energy – Setting Yourself Up for a Fresh Start
In this energizing New Year episode, we dive into how teachers can hit reset, refocus their mindset, and walk into the classroom feeling refreshed and ready. Whether the first semester felt chaotic, inspiring, exhausting, or all of the above, this episode offers practical strategies for creating a smoother, more intentional second half of the school…
Listen to EpisodeManaging the Pre-Break Buzz: Practical Classroom Strategies for the Most Energetic Time of Year
There’s a certain energy in the air as the calendar flips to December…excitement, anticipation, and just a little bit of chaos. The days before a long break can bring out the best (and the most distracted) sides of our students. They’re buzzing with plans, sugar, and emotions and teachers are running on coffee and countdowns.…
Read Full PostKick the Holiday Countdown to the Curb and Do this Instead!
As teachers, we know how much our students look forward to holidays and breaks. The excitement is contagious — the crafts, the decorations, the festive lessons — and sometimes we join in by marking the days with a holiday countdown. But after years of teaching, I realized something: holiday countdowns can actually create more stress…
Read Full Post358: Mid Year Reflection – How to Finish the Year Strong
We’ve hit the midpoint of the school year—congratulations! In this episode, we’re taking a breath and reflecting on what’s working, what’s not, and how to finish the year strong without burning out. From classroom engagement hacks to managing mid-year chaos, we’ll unpack practical ways to keep your students motivated and protect your own energy. Quotables…
Listen to Episode5 Ways to Overcome Coverage Challenges During Learning Walks
Learning walks are a powerful tool for peer mentorship and coaching. It allows colleagues to observe each other in real time, taking note of the positive impact of instructional decisions. Watch live teaching with the same demographic of students under the same leadership style of an administrative team, teachers are able to easily envision what…
Read Full Post357: Classroom Conversations That Matter – The Secret to High Impact Discussions
In this episode, we dive into what makes classroom conversations truly meaningful and how to move beyond surface-level participation to create powerful, high-impact discussions. From establishing a safe classroom culture to teaching students how to listen actively and respond thoughtfully, we unpack practical ways to elevate dialogue and deepen learning. Quotables “Great questions don’t just…
Listen to EpisodeSummative Evaluations for Educators
Summative evaluations help educators grow. They happen at the end of the school year and measure two main areas: how effective the teacher is and how much students have learned. Administrators review many kinds of data, such as classroom tests, state assessments, learning goals, informal checks, and evidence of professional learning. The principal then gives…
Read Full Post356: Beyond the Lesson Plan & How to Get Students to Care
In this episode we dive into one of the biggest challenges teachers face—getting students to actually care about what they’re learning. Great lesson planning isn’t just about standards and objectives—it’s about connection, relevance, and engagement. Join us as we explore how intentional planning can transform your lessons from “just another class” into experiences that matter…
Listen to EpisodeLive Coaching: Tips, Strategies & Advice
Live coaching is the act of providing in-the-moment cues to a teacher while they teach a lesson to students. These cues are discussed prior to using them so the teacher knows what it means and is able to adjust instructional decisions on the fly when the cue is provided. The goal of live coaching is…
Read Full Post355: Open to Learning with Jennifer Burns
Listen in as Jennifer Burns tells about the importance of being open to learning, and reflecting on the craft of teaching for all students. Having experience in a variety of different avenues in the teaching profession, Jennifer brings a perspective and a tool in this episode that will help teachers in their upcoming lessons. Quotables…
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