Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
209: Reverse the Chain of Command
If you want to truly hone your leadership craft in a way that has a tremendous impact, ask the right people for feedback. You can read all the books, follow all the people, and take all the conferences, but if you do not hear from the ones you lead about how they need and want…
Listen to EpisodeMaking an Impact with Virtual Coaching Calls
Virtual coaching calls have become the norm during this period of remote learning and leading due to Covid-19. They are easy to implement and highly effective in improving teacher proficiency and student achievement in the classroom. A virtual coaching call is a 1:1 discussion a teacher leader has with a teacher that focuses on goals,…
Read Full Post208: Do the NEXT Right Thing
During uncertain times, the overwhelm can be debilitating. By focusing on doing the next right thing, you can strategically move forward, build momentum and gain sanity. Tune in to learn a 3 part system that will help you navigate any new situation you face so that you come out on the other side successful. Quotables…
Listen to EpisodeLife After Coaching: Finding Your Next Place of Influence
There is a life after coaching. At times, it can feel that everything has lead up to your role as an instructional coach. And whether YOU or LIFE has decided your run is over, this crossroads can be anxiety-provoking. Luckily, many instructional coaches have figured out how move on while still continuing to have an…
Read Full Post207: From Crisis to Calm
This podcast episode was previously recorded as a free webinar for teachers after they received the news that schools would be closing for multiple weeks due to the COVID-19 virus precaution. Teachers will be able to: Create a success plan for e-learning during the Covid-19 precaution period Achieve calm, efficient work-life balance Develop a workflow that maximizes time Reserve…
Listen to EpisodeHow to Become an Effective Instructional Coach
Becoming an effective instructional coach is not as daunting of a task as one might think. It is true that instructional coaching is one of the newer additions into the educational realm of teacher leadership. Luckily though, each year more supports are created to help nurture the growth of instructional coaches. What is an Instructional…
Read Full Post206: Are you Dying, Pruning or Growing?
We are all learners, honing our craft so we can better serve those we impact. Brian Mendler says, “Every plant has their own requirements in order to grow…and so do people.” We can get caught up in seasons that leave us dying instead of thriving, or pruning instead of moving forward, or growing to greater heights.…
Listen to EpisodePLC: Making A Professional Learning Community Productive & Effective
The acronym PLC refers to Professional Learning Communities, which are organized collaborative structures among educators. Many schools have PLC’s, but how they are set up and run vary greatly. A discussion recently came up in the Instructional Coaching Connection Facebook group where a coach was looking for advice from other coaches on how PLC’s are…
Read Full Post205: Teacher Empowerment with Barry White, Jr.
Popularized as the “Handshake Teacher,” Barry White Jr. is a top-tier educator in the North Carolina school system, teaching fifth graders of Ashley Park Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Mr. White earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Claflin University, and is a distinguished member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As…
Listen to EpisodeHow Great Teacher Leaders Listen
One of the most underused superpowers for leaders is the act of listening. Focusing on instruction and pedagogy are a great foundation for successfully leading teachers. However, the simple response of listening while leading can immensely impact student achievement and teacher proficiency in the classroom. Let’s dig into what it is (and isn’t), why it…
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