Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
The Instructional Coach’s Guide to Planning PD Without Losing Your Weekend
The truth is you didn’t become an instructional coach to spend your Saturdays making PowerPoint slides. Yet somehow…that’s exactly what happens. It usually starts innocently enough. “Can you lead PD next Thursday?” asks your Principal. You reply: “Absolutely!” Then reality sets in. You open a blank PowerPoint. You start searching Pinterest. You dig through old…
Read Full PostBonus: What Makes Professional Learning Actually Work?
Professional learning is a common part of education, but not all professional development leads to meaningful change in the classroom. In this episode, we take a closer look at what makes professional learning effective, relevant, and worth teachers’ time. We explore the difference between simply attending a training and engaging in learning that actually changes…
Listen to EpisodeEngagement Hacks: Keeping Students Invested in Learning
A few simple structures can help more students think, talk, move, and contribute, without adding more to your workload.
Read Full Post376: Craft of Teaching with Dr. Anthony Richiez
Teaching is more than delivering content—it is a craft that requires intention, reflection, relationships, and a commitment to continually growing as an educator. In this episode, Dr. Anthony Richiez joins us for a conversation about the Craft of Teaching and what it truly means to develop the skills, mindset, and practices that make a lasting…
Listen to EpisodeWhy a PowerPoint Is Not a Complete Professional Learning Session
Imagine this scenario… You have been asked to lead professional learning next week. So, naturally, you open PowerPoint. You choose a template, create a title slide, add your key ideas, find a few visuals, and organize everything into a logical sequence. By the time you finish, the presentation looks polished. But there is still an…
Read Full PostHow to Stop Creating Professional Learning From Scratch
Imagine this scenario: Your principal stops by your office and asks a seemingly simple question: “Can you lead professional learning next week?” You smile, say yes, and immediately begin calculating how many evenings it will take to pull everything together. You need a topic, slides, activities, participant handouts, discussion questions, facilitator notes, an action plan…
Read Full PostSurviving the First 100 Days of School: 3 Strategies for a Strong Start
The first 100 days of school lay the foundation for the entire year. During this critical time, teachers establish expectations, build relationships, and create learning environments that support student success. While the beginning of the year can feel overwhelming, approaching it with intention can make all the difference. Here are three strategies to help you…
Read Full Post375: The Power of Presence with Julianna Burmesch
What happens when a child grows up feeling unseen? In this heartfelt episode, our guest shares her personal story of navigating childhood without feeling noticed and how those experiences shaped her confidence, relationships, and perspective on education. Through vulnerability and reflection, she explains why being truly present for children can change the trajectory of their…
Listen to EpisodeFirst 30 Days, Strong All Year: 3 Ways to Build a Positive Classroom Culture
A strong classroom culture does not happen by chance. Teachers build it through strong relationships, clear routines, and shared expectations. The tone set at the start of the year can shape how students learn, work together, and grow for months to come. This post shares three simple ways teachers can build strong relationships with students…
Read Full Post374: Different Leadership with Shanimarie Ogilvie
What does effective leadership in education really look like? In this episode, we sit down with Shanimarie Ogilvie, an experienced educator whose career journey has taken her from the classroom to instructional coaching and back to teaching. Through each role, she has gained a unique perspective on what leadership means and how it directly influences…
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