Posts by Gretchen Schultek Bridgers
Students Say the Darndest Things- Volume 2
[See original post here] One of the greatest things about being a teacher is that I get to witness students being hilarious on a daily basis. It usually comes at the most inopportune or unexpected time, which of course makes it all the more funny! They make each day worth it! Below is my latest…
Read Full PostTeaching Statement
I recently had to create a “teaching statement.” I was not quite sure what this was really and assumed it was the new lingo for “philosophy of education.” Although similar in part, there are some distinct differences (a philosophy is more big picture where a teaching statement is defined by specific examples). Thank goodness for…
Read Full PostStudent-Led Writing Conferences
I believe students should become as independent as possible. I would not be doing my job if I never encouraged them to take risks, step out of their comfort zone, or push them to problem solve before asking for help. During our Writing Workshop, I conference with students about their writing. This is heavily guided…
Read Full Post30 Years Go By…
October 8th was my birthday! It was not just an ordinary birthday… I jumped into a new decade of life! Hello *30*!!! When I arrived at school, a teammate surprised me with this “Happy Birthday” sign to hang from my classroom door: They then surprised me with lunch!! Yum, a delicious surprise! My teammate Brooke…
Read Full PostBook Buzz
Here in the Literacy Center, students are surrounded by ideas of great books to read before they even shop! I have realized that over the years, students are more influenced by their peers than by me. So, why not use that to my advantage?! Students can fill these out on any book that makes them…
Read Full Post2013-2014 Classroom Photos
WELCOME TO MY WORLD! 🙂 Meet My Team: BEFORE AFTER My Team Hard at Work Prepping the Bulletin Boards! Welcoming My New Class! Getting Ready to Show Off Their Hard Work! My Former Student Teacher (who now is on my team) Made Me This!! <3 Her (sorry so blurry) Our Motto We earn Paws for…
Read Full PostGetting on my Soapbox: Quality Teachers Needed
I have run out of patience with poor teaching. I can no longer sit back and allow it to happen. Over the years, I have turned my cheek and thought “those poor kids.” I’m ashamed I continue to pour love and quality instruction into my students while allowing the opposite to happen in classrooms around…
Read Full PostAfter an Ending Comes a New Beginning
Pre-Service Training @ TEACH Charlotte This summer has been a blast professionally. I had the privilege of being a Teacher Development Coach to 12 (which then later became 9) adults on their quest to become a teacher in our school district’s neediest schools. I learned so much about leadership and quality teaching. I am forever…
Read Full PostBack to School Goals Linky
Thanks to Jess over at I {Heart} Recess for helping us teachers stay accountable by setting various goals for ourselves through a fun linky party! Personal- I find myself the happiest when I have downtime for myself. I always enjoy coming home from a stressful day and having time to unwind in front of my favorite…
Read Full PostTop 10 Ways to Please a Teacher- Student Edition
10. Teach me how to “Dougy” … just kidding! 9. Bring a positive attitude and open mind to school each day 8. Ask for help when you need it 7. Take a risk! 6. Embrace the learning experience by trying your best even in the face of failure 5. Teach a peer to understand in…
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