Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
3 Ways to Understand Teacher Evaluations (and How to Thrive in Them)
Teacher evaluations exist to ensure that high-quality teaching happens in every classroom. Districts and states typically provide evaluation rubrics so that teachers are assessed consistently and fairly across schools. While these rubrics often produce a score, the true purpose of an evaluation goes far beyond a number. Effective evaluations provide meaningful feedback, highlighting strengths teachers…
Read Full Post366: Stop Doing What Students Can Do
What happens when students take the lead in the classroom? In this episode, we explore the concept of a student-run classroom and how shifting ownership of learning to students can transform engagement, responsibility, and classroom culture. Instead of the teacher doing all the directing, students help manage routines, lead discussions, take on leadership roles, and…
Listen to EpisodeFrom New Teacher to Trusted Mentor: Growing into a Leadership Role
Every teacher deserves a mentor teacher, whether you are brand new or have been teaching for years. Teacher leadership doesn’t have to be an official title. Teachers can begin leading at any time. Since teachers are natural leaders of children every day in their classroom, honing their leadership skills comes easy. This post will share…
Read Full Post365: Whole-Body Learning with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift
Dr. Swift brings decades of experience across public education, higher education, and educational organizations to a conversation centered on one powerful idea: learning isn’t meant to be still. Dr. Swift shares why engaging the whole body in the learning process can transform literacy development, increase student engagement, and support deeper understanding—especially for young learners. From…
Listen to Episode3 Things Coaches Need to Know About Supporting Alternative Pathway Teachers
There are a variety of ways for teachers to enter the classroom and the support they receive from an instructional coach should be personalized to meet those unique needs. For example, the majority of teachers graduate from college with a teaching degree and enter the workforce. They need typical support for a brand new teacher.…
Read Full Post364: Teacher Retention – Strategies for Staying & Thriving
Teaching is more than a profession — it’s a calling. But in today’s educational climate, staying in the classroom requires intention, boundaries, and support. In this episode, we’re talking honestly about teacher retention: why educators leave, why some stay, and how we can create conditions where teachers don’t just survive — they thrive. Quotables “Know…
Listen to EpisodeBonus: ChatGPT & Me
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest tools transforming education right now: ChatGPT. We’re switching it up where Gretchen asks ChatGPT questions about herself and the future of education. Quotables “Focus on growth without shame.” “Change happens when people feel empowered, not managed.” “You’re not behind, you just need the right lense.”…
Listen to EpisodeBuilding Classroom Confidence as a Late-Career Educator
All teachers work to strengthen their classroom confidence, but this can feel especially challenging for later-career educators who are new to the profession. Stepping into a classroom after time spent in another career can bring excitement, purpose, and—at times—self-doubt. Imposter syndrome can creep in, causing even the most capable individuals to question whether they truly…
Read Full Post363: Culturally Responsive Teaching – Meeting Diverse Student Needs
In this episode, we dive into the heart of culturally responsive teaching and what it really means to meet the diverse needs of today’s students. From honoring students’ backgrounds and lived experiences to creating inclusive, engaging classroom environments, this conversation is all about teaching with intention, empathy, and impact. Whether you’re new to culturally responsive…
Listen to EpisodeBridging the Instructional Gap: Must-Know Pedagogy for Non Traditional Teachers
The education field contains more non traditional teachers now more than ever. This has occurred for a variety of reasons like low pay, unreasonable workload, lack of support etc. These issues have then lead to nationwide teacher shortages causing schools to hire individuals without a college degree in education as well as a lack of…
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