Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
How to Ask Impactful Higher Order Thinking Questions
Asking higher order thinking questions in the classroom is a simple strategy that packs a big academic punch. It’s a free tool that educators all have access to as long as they are willing to plan and prepare prior to instructional delivery. The goal of every lesson is to drive students towards understanding. If we…
Read Full Post222: The Best and Worst of Times
In March of 2020 our lives were altered and changed. While we thought most of the changes were temporary, we are now living in a different time. Just because change has happened doesn’t mean all that comes with COVID-19 is bad. You can choose to see the golden moments that are sprinkled in our new…
Listen to EpisodeHow to Set Boundaries as a Teacher Leader
One of the hardest obstacles to overcome as a teacher leader is to set boundaries. It’s uncomfortable and often frowned upon. However, it is the most powerful leadership tool one can employ. It’s no secret that the role of teacher leadership is ever evolving, and sometimes not quite articulated or planned out. This leads to…
Read Full Post221: Adjusting to the New Normal
The 2020-2021 school year will be one of adjustments just as 2020 has been for the world. Teachers that have a can do attitude and adjust in the moment will be the most fulfilled. You have the power to choose what adjustments you make and influence those around you this year. Tune in to hear what actional steps you can take to make adjustments that will be pivotal to your career this year.
Listen to EpisodeThe Importance of Virtual Connections with Parents
Virtual connections are becoming more important by the day as schools are forced to move to distance learning models. Traditional in-person parent communication methods (conferences, open houses, school events etc.) are no longer at an educator’s disposal due to COVID-19 precautions. This doesn’t mean parent communication halts; rather, it’s time to reinvent the way parent…
Read Full Post220: Bonus Edition- Classroom Relationships with CJ Reynolds
CJ Reynolds teaches high school literature and the history of hip-hop in West Philadelphia. He is a graduate of Rowan University and has been a classroom teacher for 15 years. He is also the author of the upcoming book Teach Your Class Off and the creator of the Real Rap with Reynolds YouTube channel. CJ’s…
Listen to EpisodeBonus Episode- Here Comes Baby!
In this personal episode, Gretchen gives live updates on Baby Elijah’s birth story. Gretchen discusses thoughts on going into labor, having a baby during the Covid-19 era and what it is like transitioning into a family of five throughout the episode. Tune in to hear about the details of Gretchen’s third pregnancy and first baby boy!
Listen to EpisodeVirtual Classroom Management
Virtual classroom management is becoming the new teacher superpower as schools pivot to online learning environments. Luckily, the skills teachers use to manage a classroom in-person can easily translate to virtual instruction. However, there are a few additional skills to acquire that specifically will apply to successfully managing a virtual classroom. Both aspects will be…
Read Full Post219: Bonus Edition- Being Effective with Lindsey Howe
Lindsey Howe is currently a first year PreK- 5 Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach for 3 elementary schools in Massachusetts. She previously was a 3rd- 5th grade teacher. She is an avid believer that all students deserve the best and are capable of learning at high levels. She spends the majority of her time pushing the educational…
Listen to Episode218: Bonus Edition- Supporting Teachers with Nita Creekmore
Nita Creekmore is a wife and mother to four children. She has been in education for 16 years. She was in the classroom for 13 years as an elementary school teacher. She has taught four years in first grade, seven years in second grade, a little in third grade and two years in fifth grade.…
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