Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Formative Assessments That Don’t Feel Like Extra Work
Formative assessments are an essential part of the learning process because it helps teachers understand what students know while learning is still happening. Unlike a summative assessment, which measures learning at the end of a lesson, unit, or course, formative assessment is designed to form or shape what happens next. It gives teachers ongoing information…
Read Full Post379: Leading From The Middle When You’re Not The Boss But Still Influence Change
What does leadership look like when you don’t have the title, the authority, or the final say? In this episode, we explore the power of leading from the middle—how educators can influence change, build trust, and make a meaningful impact even when they aren’t the person in charge. Leadership isn’t always about having a position.…
Listen to EpisodeScaffolding Learning: Breaking Down Learning for Student Success
Scaffolding learning is one of the most effective ways to help students access challenging content without lowering expectations. Think of scaffolding as the temporary support students need on the way to independence. Just like scaffolding around a building is removed once the structure can stand on its own, instructional scaffolds should help students understand, practice,…
Read Full Post378: From Teacher to Trailblazer – Building Everyday Leadership
What does it mean to be a leader in education? Leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it can happen in the classroom, in conversations with colleagues, and in the everyday choices teachers make to support their students and school communities. In this episode, we explore the journey from teacher to trailblazer and how educators can…
Listen to EpisodeHow to Differentiate Without Overcomplicating It
Differentiation is one of those words that can make teachers immediately feel behind. You may picture multiple lesson plans, different assignments for every student, complicated grouping systems, and hours of additional preparation. Before long, you are trying to create five versions of the same lesson while also managing behavior, grading papers, answering emails, and figuring…
Read Full Post377: Being in the Presence of Teaching with Doug Fisher
Teaching is about more than delivering content—it’s about being present with students, noticing their needs, and working alongside colleagues to create meaningful learning experiences. In this episode, Doug Fisher shares insights into what it means to be truly present in teaching and how educators can be more intentional about the way they connect, collaborate, and…
Listen to EpisodeThe 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…
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