Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
24: Grades Don’t Show the Details
Our educational system is focused on achievement in terms of numbers instead of behavioral patterns and choices. Grades do not tell the whole story though and rarely help a student grow and develop strong academic habits. We need to see below the surface and look for patterns in students’ learning to guide them in gaining…
Listen to Episode5 Ways to Overcome Distracting Cell Phone Use During Class Time
Cell phones are a wonderful invention. They allow everyone to stay in contact with each other while on the go- no need to remain at home to receive a phone call or even be attached to a cord when doing it! However, cell phone use in schools has become quite a problem to overcome for…
Read Full Post23: What’s on the Menu and Why Do I Care?
Professional Development (PD) is needed in a school system to increase teacher effectiveness by providing relevant, timely knowledge, strategies and techniques to improve classroom practice. However, PD is not created and delivered in an engaging, efficient way. Nor is it having the impact on student achievement as intended. Develop an avenue to provide professional development…
Listen to EpisodeYou Can’t Get Better Looking Down
I tend to have secret mentors. Why? Well, I am a learner. I find someone that can pour into me and I don’t stop tapping into that supply system. Luckily, I escaped any creeper status because I am a virtual suction cup- they don’t even know I hang on to their every word! I always…
Read Full Post22: Sum of the Parts
Education is a community effort- we aren’t islands on our mission to educate our future. Our effectiveness is a collective sum of our each individual parts. When someone is not measuring up, its our job to help them get there with clear, actionable steps in a non-threatening environment of feedback. Take a listen to hear…
Listen to EpisodeAre you down with a Webby?
Webinars, informally known as webbies, are the new way to share information virtually. Simply place content on a PowerPoint slide and use a recording software to present your content to listeners around the globe! We no longer have to be inhibited geographically- information can now be at your fingertips. I have jumped on the bandwagon…
Read Full PostA Classroom A Buzz with Partner Talk!
I recently shared a video on my fan Facebook page from The New Teacher Project about a new teacher rolling out a Turn-and-Talk; a procedure used in class to encourage student engagement and collaboration as outlined by Doug Lemov in his Teach Like a Champion book of teaching techniques. A Turn-and-Talk is a simple process…
Read Full PostLeaders Learn to Love Public Speaking
It is no secret that most people are petrified of public speaking. At first, for me, I didn’t mind getting up in front of people but I feared not knowing what to talk about. Luckily, as the years progressed, I found a deep LOVE for education. I realized that as long as I stick to…
Read Full Post21: Stepping Back to Step Forward
Sometimes to get ahead in life and your career you have to step back to step forward. That special decision to pause allows knowledge and rejuvenation to prosper and spill over into your next step. Listen up as I speak directly to new teachers, teachers in distress or transition and teacher leaders! Quotables Long hours…
Listen to Episode20: Hug and Reach with Melissa Emler
Melissa Emler, best known as Missy, is an elite educator. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education and a master’s in Educational Leadership. She has shared her vision and wisdom of 21st century learning at conferences such as SLATE and ISTE. Missy is currently the director of innovation at CESA 3, serving 31…
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