Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
51: Demote Yourself to Co-Captain
Students aren’t as successful as they could be because we don’t give them the opportunity to take ahold of the reigns and be the driving force in their own education. Don’t keep a lesson a secret, share the format, and all the nitty gritty details to keep kiddos on the right track and focused on…
Listen to Episode50: Art of Teaching with Jennifer Gonzalez
Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified teacher. Her twelve years of classroom experience include teaching English language arts in middle school and preparing pre-service teachers at the college level. In 2013 she started her blog, Cult of Pedagogy, where she shares effective teaching practices, curates top-notch educational resources, explores how race and culture intersect…
Listen to EpisodeDon’t Take Classroom Photos Without this App!
When I was in the classroom, I was constantly taking pictures of students learning. I was so proud of their progress and their mature interactions with each other during learning experiences. One thing that was tricky was which students I could photograph and which ones I couldn’t- and what I mean by that is which…
Read Full PostEnd of the Year Activity Ideas
Congratulations! You are ALMOST at the finish line for another successful year in the classroom!!! HIP HIP HOORAY! I always loved the end of the year when I could really enjoy my time with the kiddos, from doing unique projects to having authentic conversations not tied to evaluations. I thought you might find it helpful…
Read Full Post49: What Are You Doing?
Too often we ask kids “what are you doing?” instead of “what are you learning?” Because of that we as educators focus on designing lessons around tasks and compliance instead of learning content through impactful ways. We are doing a disservice by our current state of mind. Tune in to hear how we can change…
Listen to Episode48: Get Better by Doing Different
The summer is a great time to unwind and rejuvenate! But, beware of the summer trap of regression- yes, it happens to teachers too! If you don’t take time to learn new skills and try new things you too will lose your spark as a teacher. You must reach your own potential to help your…
Listen to Episode47: Nuts and Bolts of Effective Classroom Management
To be a great teacher requires a multi-tasking ability unlike any other. Each student has their own learning needs and with the heavy demands on districts today, a teacher can easily feel like they are herding cats or putting on a three ring circus. However, there’s a simple secret to survival- its called classroom management.…
Listen to Episode“Please, DO NOT Do That” Interview Advice
As an educational consultant, I often get asked to help with hiring and training of personnel. With over 1,000 interviews under my belt this year alone, there are a few patterns that I wanted to call out in hopes it helps those of you on your own interview adventures nail not just a job, but…
Read Full Post46: Conversation, it’s More than Just Talking
I didn’t know the difference between group work and collaboration, but not knowing was having a detrimental effect on my students. Educators, we have got to create opportunities for rich discussion and collaboration by replacing standard group work tendencies. This podcast episode shares some of my personal journey as a teacher but was inspired by…
Listen to Episode45: No Chalk Talk with Katie Helms
Katie is a second year elementary ESL [English as a Second Language] teacher. She currently works in Charlotte, NC but is originally from Illinois. Due to student allotment numbers tied to funding and student need, Katie has moved schools each year she has taught and has already been told she will be relocated in the…
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