Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers

(Confession: I originally titled this post: “Building A Better Teacher” Book Review. However, I feel its important to get this book in the hands of many, and I know my thoughts below might persuade a few people to do so if only I had an interesting title to catch their eye.) Recently, I stocked up…

I recently read a book called “Building a Better Teacher” by Elizabeth Green. She journaled about the journey of the U.S. educational system. It was extremely thought provoking but infuriated me at the same time. I am thankful for how far our educational system has come, the funding and support behind quality teaching, and all…

I’ve been reading a lot about how to mentor teachers and train them effectively, but what bothers me is that teachers deserve better. Why do they have to be trained after receiving a college degree in education? Why do they need to be coached in subjects in which they hold a master’s degree? How is it…

    Guess what?! I just published my very first book! In college, I had an interest in writing children’s books and even went through a few courses during my free time. I enjoyed it and knew I would write a book at some point. Although, I didn’t get around to publishing any of the…

My summer has been very busy with lots of reading! [See my previous post on “Real Talk for Real Teachers” by Rafe Esquith] Yesterday I finished this great book: “The Smartest Kids in the World” by Amanda Ripley. It caught my attention in the “education” section of a local bookstore because of my current work…

At the end of last school year, after testing had finished and the final projects had been turned in, I knew we had a few moments for some free writes. Nothing makes my students happier than having a chance to write their opinion on varying topics; after all, your opinion can’t be “wrong” and that…

Have you heard of a fabulous teacher named Rafe Esquith? He is not only a talented teacher, but a writer as well. You might have heard of his book “Teach like your Hair’s on Fire,” which is helpful, entertaining, accurate, and extremely successful. As if that was not enough of an accomplishment, Rafe has seemingly…

Third grade is my favorite grade to teach. Yes, I have taught it the longest so its bound to grow on me. However, in all honesty, its my sweet spot. The kids are at the perfect age where they still love school and want to impress the teacher but also are growing in maturity each…

I recently read an article entitled “Dare to Live Greatly,” written by Brene Brown. It resonated with me for numerous reasons and made me begin a journey of reflection. Below are quotes I pulled out of the article, followed by the thoughts it provoked inside me. “Vulnerability is about uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” Most…