Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
361: Ignite the Room – Strategies that Make Students Lean In
In this energizing episode, we dive into what it really takes to ignite a classroom—where students are curious, teachers are confident, and learning feels alive. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your students lean in instead of zone out, this is the episode for you. Quotables “Kids love to talk. Why aren’t we doing…
Listen to EpisodeBecoming A Teacher Without Student Teaching Experience
Teaching…our country is an education crisis. There are several issues causing the crisis, such as learning gaps, staff and student mental health, declining achievement outcomes for students, as well as a teacher shortage. The shortage of highly qualified teachers leading classrooms is the most alarming issue. Due to poor wages and working conditions, less people…
Read Full PostBonus: Obsessed with High Quality Instruction
In this special role-reversal episode, the mic is flipped—and the interviewer becomes the interviewee. Known for asking powerful questions, today’s guest steps into the hot seat to share a deep-rooted passion for high-quality instruction and why it’s the foundation of meaningful learning. From lesson design to classroom culture, this conversation pulls back the curtain on…
Listen to Episode360: Behind the Teaching Scenes with Craig Randall
What really happens behind the scenes of great teaching? In this episode, we pull back the curtain with educator Craig Randall to talk about the realities of the classroom that don’t always make it into lesson plans or professional development sessions. From the behind-the-scenes decisions teachers make every day to the mindset shifts that help…
Listen to Episode359: 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…
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