Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
96: Lead from the Side
Effective leaders balance being in control and being a friend to those they lead. Teachers can struggle with managing their classrooms and helping students reach academic success. Tune in to learn how effective teachers lead from the side so that they can build relationships that last with their kids but also maintain order in the…
Listen to Episode95: Structure and Support with Joann Brewer
Joann is an educator of over 20 years. She began her career as a TA at an elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee. She was drawn to special education and worked with boys in the juvenile system as well as medically fragile students. Joann has experience at the middle school level in a self-contained life skills…
Listen to Episode“Great Teaching Happens on Purpose”
I am currently reading “Never Underestimate your Teachers” by Robyn Jackson. I was hooked on her approach to education after reading her book “Never Work Harder than your Students.” Her perspective reminds us all just how brilliant students and teachers are if we adjust our approach in relating to them so that their strengths are…
Read Full Post94: Shepherd to Sheep
It’s important to know how you as an individual need to be motivated in order to do your best so that you can a) locate the leader for you b) advocate for yourself. Tune in to hear how educators can succeed in the classroom by knowing their number 1 motivator and finding a leader, the…
Listen to EpisodeLearning Walks: The Secret to The Most Effective PD
Professional development [PD] is often an experience where novices learn from experts. In education, this generally means bringing in a consultant of some kind to lead a very dry, boring information session. There is little practical application and no time to practice. During my career, I have endured many ineffective PD sessions. However, a principal…
Read Full Post93: What’s Your Truth?
Teachers come in all shapes and sizes in terms of their style and personality. Some are loud and circulate the classroom constantly. Others are quiet and remain at the board to share their knowledge. The most important factor in a classroom is student learning and that is tied to teacher effectiveness. The truth is that…
Listen to EpisodeI am an educator because…
It’s no secret that I absolutely love being an educator. I have shared my story numerous times and I realize it is rare for someone to know in early childhood what they wanted to be when they grew up and then never divert from that plan until it came to fruition. It was a dream…
Read Full Post92: Unlock the Paper Trap
The paper trap is a real thing in the world of education. Teachers often struggle with their mental health and the paper trap is one of the most popular reasons why. Tune in to hear strategies for how to unlock 5 typical paper traps all in a teacher’s day! Connect with Gretchen Email: [email protected] Blog:…
Listen to EpisodeBooks Don’t Make Literate Citizens
It’s no secret that I love books. As a teacher, whenever someone offered to donate items to my classroom I almost always said books. As a mother, the first items I purchased for my baby girl were cute clothes and of course books. She was going to be stylish and smart, even though she didn’t…
Read Full Post91: Follow Your Lead
Effective leaders are reflective in how the way they lead affects others. If you wouldn’t follow you, what makes you think others will? Tune in to hear how to self evaluate your leadership and make changes today that will have a positive impact tomorrow! Quotables I love leaders who have high expectations but sympathize I…
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